Bethesda, Maryland - Blepharoplasty - Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute in Bethesda, Maryland offers upper and lower blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery to patients who seek to alleviate drooping eyelids. Blepharoplasty is often done when the brow is in an acceptable position, but there is excess skin above the eyes. In these circumstances, an incision is often performed using a laser to remove the redundant skin. This technique for blepharoplasty allows the area to heal quickly with minimal bruising and discomfort.
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For some people, the forehead and brow may retain their position with age, while the tissue of the upper eyelids does not. Excess skin in particular can fold and droop over the eyes, blocking vision and giving a tired or worn look to the face. In these cases, upper blepharoplasty can be used to simply remove the excess tissue. Incisions can be made using a laser at our Maryland facility, making the eyelid surgery procedure and the recovery all the more easy.
One of the biggest advances in eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) has been the incorporation of the laser into the procedure. A skin resurfacing laser, called the Ultra Pulse Co2, can be used both for upper and lower blepharoplasty, and to improve the skin around the eyes. The laser is often used in a focused beam on the outside of the upper eyelids to make incisions to remove skin. It allows Maryland blepharoplasty surgeon, Dr. Mark Richards, to work with precision and cleanliness, because the laser seals blood vessels as it cuts. There is little bleeding or scarring. The laser can also be used to remove any fat that may be causing puffiness. Then, by adjusting the beam, the same machine can be used to tighten the skin around the eyes through skin resurfacing. By using the laser, eyelid surgery operation time and residual bruising are reduced.
The Bethesda, Maryland eyelid surgery experts at Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute are more than happy to answer any further questions you have regarding blepharoplasty. Our Maryland staff can also help you set up an appointment for an eyelid surgery consultation today.
Being a Candidate for Upper Eyelid Surgery
Common problems that are likely to be corrected by upper blepharoplasty include:
- Extra skin in the upper eyelids that causes them to feel heavy
- Disappearance of the upper eyelid crease
- Tired or sad appearance
- Obstructed vision from eyelid skin
- Wrinkles around the eyes
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed at an outpatient surgical facility or a hospital. Usually it is performed outpatient. It usually requires only a local anesthetic in the area around the eyes, but the patient may opt for a sedative or general anesthesia. Eyelid surgery takes one to two hours to complete.
The aim of cosmetic eyelid surgery is to remove extra skin and fat, restore the natural contour of the eyelids, and refresh the patient’s appearance. The blepharoplasty surgeon starts by making incisions in the crease of the upper eyelid. This crease may extend all the way out into the laugh lines at the corners of the eyes. The skin is then lifted from the underlying muscle and fat. Fat is removed, and excess skin or muscle trimmed. The incision is then closed.
If fine lines at the corners of the eyes will be more appropriately treated using resurfacing, and option may be laser skin resurfacing. This technique removes damaged skin, then tightens and smoothes the underlying healthy skin.
Being a Candidate for Lower Eyelid Surgery - Incisional and/or Laser Resurfacing
Common problems that are likely to be addressed by lower blepharoplasty include:
- Puffy bags in the lower lids
- Looseness of lower lids
- Wrinkled skin of the lower lids
- Hollows under the lower eyelids
Not all persons with these features may be suitable for blepharoplasty. Patients should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. In addition, certain skin characteristics - texture, coloration, thickness, exposure to sun, potential for scarring, and others - should be evaluated before laser eyelid surgery is recommended. A qualified blepharoplasty specialist can advise patients further. By contacting Mark E. Richards, M.D. at the Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, you can see if eyelid surgery is right for you.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery can be performed at an outpatient facility and is usually in the form of one of three approaches:
- Laser resurfacing of the lower eyelid skin to tighten and shrink the outside of the lower eyelid.
- A laser incision inside the lower eyelid to expose the fat pads and trim them. This can be combined with laser resurfacing of the outer eyelid skin as well.
- An external incision just below the eyelashes that extends out into the smile lines. This is done for more extensive problems that require several things fixed in the lower eyelid. This approach can be used to transfer bulging fat of the lower lids into the hollows of the upper cheek, benefitting both areas!
Risks Particular to Blepharoplasty
Certain conditions may be problematic to blepharoplasty. These include insufficient tear production, a detached retina, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Allergies, some supplements, and smoking may also affect the procedure, so it is important to discuss these with Maryland blepharoplasty surgeon, Dr. Richards.
Preparing for Blepharoplasty
A blepharoplasty surgeon typically issues instructions on how to prepare for eyelid surgery. These will include habits in eating, drinking, smoking, and taking vitamins or medications. Of particular concern are aspirin, ibuprofen and Vitamin E, which should be avoided for two weeks prior to eyelid surgery. They make recovery more difficult because they exacerbate bleeding and bruising.
It is usually best to purchase products like cold compresses and eye drops that may help in recovering from blepharoplasty surgery. If the patient takes prescription medications, it is usually best to purchase them ahead of time so that he or she can continue them with minimal interruption. If the patient is having laser skin resurfacing performed in conjunction with blepharoplasty, the eyelid surgeon may recommend certain topical skin products to prepare the skin.
Post Eyelid Surgery
Immediately following eyelid surgery, Maryland eyelid surgery expert, Dr. Richards, usually applies lubricating and antibiotic ointments to the eyelids. As the anesthesia begins to wear off, the eyelids may begin to feel slightly sore. Mild pain medication is usually prescribed.
Elevating the head for a few days, in combination with the use of cold compresses, reduces swelling and bruising, though some of each is normal. The sutures are usually removed within three to five days of eyelid surgery, after which swelling and discoloration will dramatically subside.
The patient is instructed on cleaning the eyes. Eye drops are usually recommended to overcome the itching and dryness that may accompany blepharoplasty. Other temporary effects may include proliferative tearing, sensitivity to light, or blurry vision.
Returning to Normal After Blepharoplasty
Two or three days after eyelid surgery, the patient should be able to read or watch television. Most people feel perfectly comfortable going out in public within five to seven days. However, the eyes may still feel sensitive to light and may be easily irritated. The eyelids may also be particularly vulnerable to the effects of the sun for a while. It usually takes two weeks before patients are allowed to wear contacts or makeup. Most blepharoplasty surgeons recommend avoiding strenuous activities and salty foods for a few weeks, to prevent fluid buildup around the eyes.
Within a few months, the scars have usually faded almost completely and the full effects of the eyelid surgery are realized.
If you live in or near Maryland, and are interested in eyelid surgery, contact Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute today to find out more about your eyelid surgery options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
Q: How much will blepharoplasty change the shape of my eyes?
A: Blepharoplasty is only designed to restore the shape of the eyelids to their natural state. There are other procedures that are designed to alter the shape of the eyes. Initial change in eye shape may occur due to swelling, but will resolve over time.
Q: Can my vision be harmed by eyelid surgery?
A: When blepharoplasty is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, the risk of damage to the patient's vision is very minimal. A protective shield is placed over the eyes while the laser is being used. Careful attention to the eyelid surgeon's instructions can minimize the risk even further. Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery in Bethesda, Maryland strives for eyelid surgery perfection and a full recovery of each of our blepharoplasty patients.
Q: How noticeable are the incisions from eyelid surgery?
A: After healing is complete, the scars are usually unnoticeable. The skin of the eyelids heal particularly well.
**If there is a procedure not listed that you may be interested in, please contact our office for more information.
For immediate assistance, or to schedule a facelift surgery consultation, please call our office at (301) 468-3458.
Mark E. Richards, M.D.
11300 Rockville Pike Suite 912
N. Bethesda, Maryland 20852
