BLEPHAROPLASTY
(eyelids surgery)

INTRODUCTION

Blepharoplasty is not a medical decision, but a personal one. The way you see yourself defines you and integrates you in the society.

Some men and women do not think of their eyelids as something in their disadvantage; for a lot of women or men who have swollen and loosen eyelids this kind of surgery offers a lot of advantages, and personal satisfaction.

These aging aspects and tiredness appear while we grow older. Some factors, heredity and sunlight accelerate these changes.

Friends and family members can tell you their opinion about this action , the plastic surgeon can give you medical advice, but the only one who can decide what's in your best interest it's you.

This type of operation has been practiced ever since 1970; up to now a large number men and women have taken benefit from this intervention.

This kind of operation is addressed to men and women who are not pleased with their lids; a non esthetical aspect of the lids can be the lower lid swollen, loosen, and the upper lid with skin fold. The lids can be slightly visible because of the fact that the eyes are the part of the body which is regarded. An important role in the realization of this pleasant esthetical aspect is played, besides eyelids, facial skin and forehead, by wrinkle removal, changing the aspect . The plastician doctor will present you with the necessary changes.
Blepharoplasty can be realized at the upper and lower lids, separately, or together at the same time.
If you are unpleased with your eyelids and wrinkles, this operation can offer you a lot of opportunities, in order to have a new look.

SURGICAL INTERVENTION

The operation is realized by doing a small incision of the skin in a socket, at the upper lid; for the lower lid the incision is made under the eyelash. Skin and fat excess is eliminated and the edges with incisions, will be sewed very carefully, because this operation takes a lot of delicacy and dexterity. The resulting scars are less visible and do not affect the esthetical aspect of the face.

Blepharoplasty is usually combined with facial lifting or forehead lifting, as part of the skin rejuvenating process. At the same time it can be combined with a chemical peeling, in order to maintain post surgical results.

The operation is done under general anesthesia, because it is safer and ensures a greater comfort to the operating team. The risks of the anesthesia are diminished. Relate to your plastic surgeon your medical surgery, in order to establish the surgical procedure. In certain situations operation can be done under local anesthesia.

The necessary time for this operation depends on a lot of factors: the complexity of the operation, the patient's anatomy, type of the anesthesia.

Normally the operation lasts about 1 to 2 hours.

Most of the blepharoplasty operations require a night of hospitalization, after the operation; this is made in order to keep the patient under special medical surveillance. The patients that have been operated under local anesthesia will be able to leave a few hours after the operation.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

A few possible complications that may occur are: bleeding, haematoma, infection, and allergy to anaesthetic. Follow you doctor's instructions in order to avoid such complications.

POST SURGICAL EFFECTS

Immediately after the operation you will be required to put a cold compress to cover your eyes with. The eyelids will be swollen, and in time some echymosis might appear, which will eventually fade off in a few weeks time.

The post surgical pain is bearable.

The initial discomfort can be diminished with antialgic medication. The threads will be removed in 5 -7 days.

The resulting scars are small and do not represent an unaesthetic aspect. In case of predisposition to hypertrophic and keloids scars, discuss this problem with your plastic surgeon.

You can came back to your normal activity in 2 or 3 days. The pains can be persistent, for which reason analgesics are recommended.

The patient can usually go back to her normal and daily activity in one or two weeks, depending on the operation evolution and the kind of work the patient undertakes. The plastic surgeon will recommend the best time to start working again.

The complete eyelids healing occurs in a few weeks time.

Blepharoplasty creates eyelids beautification; it emphasizes the eyes and restores the natural balance of your face. This will make you more confident in yourself, because your new look is lovely to the eye.

The emotional and psychological benefits of the operation are a greater confidence in yourself , a better image of your body and a greater personal satisfaction.

SPECIAL NOTES

-Wash yourself well before the operation;
-Eliminate from your treatment aspirin and medicines containing aspirin 2 weeks before operation.
-Give up smoking 1 week before operation;
-Try and schedule the operation when not having your period;
-Do not suffer from cold during the operation;
-Avoid to eat or drink anything, even water, after midnight before the operation;
-Avoid sun exposure 2 weeks before the operation .
-Wear your glasses, instead of your lenses.
-Do not wear your make up, do not polish your nails; if you have polished your nails, wipe them off.
-If you have a prosthesis let your anesthetist know about it;
-Avoid to sit in the cold after the operation; try not to force your eyelid after the operation;

This introduction has been made only for an informative purpose.
For personalized data on request to your home, and for further information, please contact us at:

Radu VOICU M.D.
Specialist in plastic and reconstructive Surgery

PLASTIC SURGERY DEPARTMENT
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CF 2 - BUCHAREST

Phone: 021-224.50.02; 0722.684.735
E-mail: office@drvoicu.ro
Internet: www.drvoicu.ro

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