Blepharoplasty

A blepharoplasty (better known as upper eyelid surgery) is a popular form of cosmetic plastic surgery, where fat deposits are removed from the upper eyelid area to take away drooping and loose skin. This procedure is normally done simultaneously with other facial surgeries like face lifts. At the conclusion of the surgery, patients are typically left looking younger and fresher.

Typically the people who have this procedure done are older adults who wish to firm up the wrinkles that have developed over time. Some younger people have it done to simply decrease puffiness around the eyes due to fat deposits.

Deciding to get cosmetic plastic surgery is not a decision that should be rushed into. Patients should consider the benefits and risks carefully before booking the procedure. Almost all procedures will go according to plan; however, patients must also realize that not all surgeries will go perfectly. Some patients have ended up dissatisfied with the final result, wishing that they had not had the procedure at all.

To find a plastic surgeon close to home, start by going to the internet. Online searches allow you to search by practice and location, so you are likely to find a good list of surgeons in your area. Some other search methods include personal references (of patients, friends and family who have had the procedure in the past), surgeon consultants, and phonebooks.

Once you have narrowed your list of surgeons to a few choices, schedule a consultation with each of them. An initial consultation is a good way to determine if you feel comfortable with the surgeon, which is the most important factor when making your selection. At the consultation you will want to ask any questions you may have about the procedure, discuss the changes you intend to see, discuss your various options, and discuss the potential risks. The surgeon will also require you to give your medical history as well as an indication of any past trauma to the area being operated on. The surgeon will also do an examination of the area which might include a sight examination.

The blepharoplasty will take 1-3 hours and you will likely be permitted to leave after only a few hours. You will only have the procedure done, and have to stay in a hospital if your surgeon requires you to, or if you would prefer to.

Pain after the procedure will be minimal. You may feel some tightness around the eyes for the first couple of days, but this feeling will slowly diminish. Vision may be slightly blurry for a few days, and you will see a few bruises and scars; however, these will also begin to disappear after about a week or two. The recovery period for blepharoplasties is much shorter than other surgeries. You should be able to resume regular activity and return to work after a week or two.

For more information on blepharoplasties, contact a cosmetic plastic surgeon in your area.