|
|
COSMETIC EYELID SURGERY/BLEPHAROPLASTY
Our eyes are our most intriguing and revealing
feature-they draw attention and convey expression.
Through them we not only see others but others see us as
well. Our interest or how we feel emotionally and
physically is reflected in our eyes. Unfortunately
hereditary factors and the signs of ageing can greatly
impact the appearance of our eyes, so that what they
reflect is not really how we feel.
If you are bothered by upper eyelids with excess,
drooping skin that makes you appear sad or angry, or by
eyes that loom tired due to puffiness or bags, cosmetic
eyelid surgery may be right for you. In general eyelid
surgery corrects the excess skin, tissue and fat that
contribute to puffiness and bags in both the upper and
lower eyelids, revealing a more youthful and energetic
appearance.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
It is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of
the upper or lower eyelids or both. Specifically eyelid
surgery can treat:
• Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or hides the
natural contour of the upper eyelids
• Excess skin that hangs down from the upper eyelid,
sometimes impairing vision
• Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the
upper eyelids
• Bags under the eyes
• Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below
the iris
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
These conditions typically appear as part of the natural
aging process, or due to hereditary. Where they are the
result of hereditary, individuals as young as their 20’s
and 30’s may achieve a marked improvement in the
appearance of their eyes through eyelid surgery. Eyelid
surgery removes excess skin, eliminates bags and
restores firmness to the area surrounding the eye,
making you look more rested and alert.
In general, eyelid surgery is performed on adult men and
women who have healthy facial tissues and muscles and
have realistic goals for improvement.
Am I a good candidate for Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?
• A healthy individual, who does not have a
life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can
impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook, who has realistic
goals for improvement in mind
In addition, the following medical conditions are
essential to disclose if you are considering eyelid
surgery:
• Eye disease such as glaucoma, dry eye, or a detached
retina
• Thyroid disorders such as Graves’ disease and under or
active thyroid
• Cardio-vascular disease, high blood pressure or other
circulatory disorders or diabetes
My Eyelid Surgery
Like any cosmetic procedure, eyelid surgery requires an
individualized approach
The technical side of it
• Eyelid surgery corrects conditions of the upper
eyelid where the hooding is not associated with low
placing of the eyebrows. An incision within the natural
crease of the upper eyelid allows repositioning of fat
deposits, tightening of muscles and tissues, and/or
removal of excess skin to create a firmer upper eyelid
contour
• Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected using
a transconjunctival incision, one hidden inside the
lower eyelid. Through this incision, fat is
redistributed or some fat may be removed, and sagging
muscles are tightened. An incision just below the lower
lash line is an alternate technique allowing excess skin
in the lower lid to be removed with improvement of lower
eyelid
• The incision lines from eyelid surgery are well
concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid
region. Results appear gradually as swelling and
bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined
eyelid and surrounding region, and an alert and
rejuvenated appearance.
What are the risks?
Risks associated with eyelid surgery, include:
• Poor healing or infection at the incision site
• Temporarily blurred or impaired vision and dry eye
• Difficulty closing your eyes is also possible, and
usually only temporary
• Ectropion, a pulling down of the lower eyelid may
occur in a small number of cases and is often temporary
What to expect
Eyelid surgery can be performed as an outpatient basis
or in a hospital setting, under local anesthesia. The
decision for anesthesia will be based on the
requirements of your specific procedure and
consideration of you and Dr. Lovric’s preference.
Progress and healing?
Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising,
irritation or dry eye and discomfort that can be
controlled with medication, cold compressors and
ointment. It’s recommended that you keep your head
elevated at all times until initial swelling has
subsided and to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
from bright light, sun and wind.
Healing of incisions may take 5-10 days at which times
any sutures will be removed if necessary. You will be
ready to return to work and normal activity at this
time, and to resume wearing contact lenses. Diligent use
of sunscreen and consistent use of sunglasses is
essential.
Final results
Your final results will appear over time, generally
within several weeks. It may take up to a year for
incision lines to fully refine. While eyelid surgery can
be expected to correct certain conditions permanently,
you will continue to age naturally. Lifelong sun
protection including the use of sunscreen and sunglasses
will help maintain your results.
The benefits of your surgery should reveal a smooth,
firm contour of the upper and or lower eyelids. What
matters more is the appearance of your eyes matches the
way you feel inside-youthful, vital and alert.
Cost
The cost for eyelid surgery is about R14, 000.00.
This cost includes the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist
and clinic fee.
|
|