Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Tuck) Surgery. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you. Call us at 732-641-3350 today to schedule your appointment or send us a request via contact button above.
Click on a question below to see the answer.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is designed to remove the excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It is a very popular procedure as hooded and baggy eyes seem to lack luster and seem old or tired by many patients. Many individuals who choose this procedure are very aware that their upper eyelids have seemed to disappear within the herniated fat of the upper eye area. Fat herniation is quite normal and will happen to most people once they age.
By removing the excess fat and skin that block peripheral field of vision, a blepharoplasty can even improve an individual's vision. .
How is the procedure performed?
Blepharoplasty is usually performed using local anesthesia and light sedation or General Anesthesia. The incisions are made within the natural creases of the eyelids. Your surgeon removes the herniated fat, excess skin and sometimes muscle and sutures the incision with very fine hair-like sutures. The fat cannot be removed completely.
Removing too much may result in hollowness or a dark, sunken appearance. In those who do not need it, only the excess skin can be removed.
Is there much scarring with a Blepharoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure some scarring is expected. The scarring associated with blepharoplasty is usually minimal and practically non-existent after several months. The scars are placed within the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids so that when the eyes are open the scars are invisible.
With lower blepharoplasty, where the fat is to be removed, the incisions are made right under the lash line. When only fat is removed, many surgeons prefer the transconjuctival incision on the inside of the eyelid, so no scars are visible on the uotside.
At what age is Blepharoplasty performed?
Although there is no set age when blepharoplasty is performed. Hoever most patients are 30 years of age and up. However, excess skin and fat around the eye area may be removed earlier if desired.
Will a Blepharoplasty remove wrinkles on the sides of my eyes (Crow feet)?
A blepharoplasty (eyelid tuck) is not designed to remove those wrinkles . It is designed to remove the excess skin and herniated fat from the lids only. Other procedures, like Chemical Peels, Laser Treatments, Botox, Mini Brow Lift can help sthose wrinkles significantly.
What should I expect after my surgery?
Swelling will be noticable at first and there also may be some bruising. Some people are prone to more bruising than others. We suggest Arnica montana sublingual capsules, topical ointment and Bromelain. These two products are thought to decrease both bruising and swelling.
Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but with ice and pain medication you should be able to control mild discomfort. Your vision may be a bit blurry for the first few days due to the swelling and your eyes may be watery or dry. Most patients describe post-operative pain as mild discomfort, or if the skin was sunburned, or the eyeballs having been irritated or scratched.
When will my stitches be removed?
If only fat tissue was removed through the inside of the eyelid, there are no sutures to be taken out. Your stitches are usually removed within 3 to 5 days of the operation. They may sting a little bit at first and there may be a stinging sensation form tugging on the sutures while removing them.
When will I see the results?
After the swelling goes down you will be able to see a definite difference in amount of the skin and its tightness. As you know, when you wake up there is some swelling of the eyelids. This is due to fluids pooling, if your head is not elevated enough. It happens even in individuals who have not had blepharoplasty. If you sleep with your head well elevated (with two pillows) this will be less noticable.
What are the risks and complications of Blepharoplasty?
The minor complications that are associated with blepharoplasty may include double or blurry vision, temporary swelling at the corners of the eyelids, and milia (or tiny whiteheads). It is also possible to develop asymmetry during healing or excessive scarring if you are prone to such a thing.
It is also possible that you may notice difficulty in closing your eyes. In most cases it goes away on its own within a week or two.. In some individuals it may take longer. In rare instances this condition may be permanent.
There is a rare possibility of ectropion. Ectropion is a condition where your lower lid is pulled down. If you should develop ectropion, more surgery may be needed to correct it. This could lead to additional risks and costs.
Other medical problems may increase your risks,like myasthenia gravis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, smoking, a detached retina or glaucoma (and other high pressures of the eye), poor circulation and poor elasticity. It is very important to be open and discass all medical concerns with your plastic surgeon because your health and well-being might depend on it.
Sometimes the eye skin will not heal correctly and you just may have to have an additional surgery to correct it.
There is also the risk of a doctor cutting and removing too much of skin for your eye size, resulting in inability to close your eyes.
There is also the risk that your doctor may remove too much of your fat pads under your eyes.
For full list of complications you may see our consent page.
What is Arnica montana, Does it reduces swelling and bruising?
Arnica montana a mountain plant used for relief of bruises, stiffness, and muscle soreness in herbal medicine. Arnica is widely used as a salve for bruises and sprains, and sometimes as a tincture, for the same anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving purposes. It is available in natural/health food stores, most commonly in gel form, to be applied to the affected area approximately three times daily.
When prepared properly, and taken in the prescribed manner, Arnica montana, can be taken internally to reduce swelling and bruising associated with plastic surgery. We strongly suggest buying a ready product from the store and not collecting it yourself. Be aware that it must be prepared properly because the plant in its pure form contains compounds that, if ingested, inhibit liver function in the human body which, in turn, causes death in most cases. Because of these internal effects, Arnica was once used as a means of assassination. Professionally prepared creams and tablets are very safe.
What about Bromelain? Does this help with swelling and bruising after blepharoplasty?
Bromelain is not a single substance, but rather a collection of enzymes and other compounds. It is a mixture of sulfur-containing protein-digesting enzymes—called proteolytic enzymes or proteases—and several other substances in smaller quantities including: peroxidase, acid phosphatase, protease inhibitors, and calcium. It is primarily produced in Japan and Taiwan.
Bromelain is present in all parts of the pineapple plant but the stem is the most common commercial source, presumably because it is readily available after the fruit has been harvested. Pineapples have had a long tradition as a medicinal plant among the natives of South and Central America. However, just eating pineapple will not give you a great deal of extra bromelain, because it is mostly concentrated in the stem, which is not nearly as tasty.
It was first introduced in this area in 1957, and works by blocking some proinflammatory substances that accelerate and worsen the inflammatory process. It is an anti-inflammatory agent, and so can be used for sports injury, trauma, arthritis, and other kinds of swelling.
We recommend 1 glass of pinapple juice a day prior to surgery. Also you may get an extract of Papain from your local health store. Other products or supplements that you may be recommended are Arnica montana, Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Vitamin C.