Friday, September 01, 2006

cosmetic plastic surgery : How the Eyelid Surgery Is Performed

Blepharoplasty is an out-patient surgery, typically performed in a certified surgery center, under general anesthesia, or if preferred, local anesthesia combined with sedation. Two incisions are made: one along the eyelid crease and a second slightly above the crease. Excess skin, fat or tissue is removed as needed. The incisions are then sewn together, creating one discreet area to suture for each eye. This incision will become a light scar as you heal, but will be camouflaged in the new crease of your eyelid. Most Eyelid Surgeries take less than two hours to complete, after which you will recuperate in a recovery room, just until you recover from the sedation and anesthesia. You will need a person to drive you home and to stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery.

Risks and Complications
All surgeries, elective or not, come with some type of risk or possible complications. It is important for you to be well informed about these. California law states that all surgeons must discuss risks and possible complications with their patients and you will get a chance to do this during your consultation. Any surgery runs the risk of infection, hematoma (excessive post-surgery bleeding), and wound separation. Good hygiene and closely following your physician’s post-surgery recovery instructions will help to minimize these risks. Complications do not happen frequently, but they can happen and it’s important that each patient goes into surgery informed and educated.

The Road to Recovery
Since Eyelid Surgery is typically performed on an out-patient basis, you should have a friend or family member stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. This can be comforting and you may need some help getting around or taking care of yourself. Be prepared to rest, rest and rest some more! -- for the first three days. Ideally, you will keep your head elevated – some people even choose to sleep in a recliner for the first few days. Your eye area will be red, swollen and bruised for several days. Swelling typically peaks on the second day and then begins to slowly recede. Bruising tends to peak on the third day and then slowly recede. Most people experience some visual blurriness for a few days. Expect to be off from work for approximately a week, depending upon your job and its special requirements.

You will see marked improvements in a few weeks, and in some cases, you won’t see the final result for several months. This is because the body is simply slow to fully heal. Scars can take up to two years to fully mature, so be patient.

It is important to go into surgery with realistic expectations about what upper eyelid surgery can do for you, as well as how long it will take to fully see your results. Patients with realistic expectations tend to have an easier time during recovery and less anxiety and more satisfaction with the results. The best way to get realistic expectations is by educating yourself. Ask your doctor and the staff questions. Read the materials you have been given. Closely follow pre-surgery and post-surgery instructions. By doing so, you may find that you are more at peace during and after your surgery.

Drooping eyelids do not need to weigh down your face or your outlook on life. Learn about Eyelid Surgery and how it could benefit you.

Copyright 2005.

1 Comments:

Blogger Neil Crespi said...

I also came across another blog entry about eyelid surgery.

6:26 PM  

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