Cosmetic eye surgery
Eyes contribute greatly to facial expression; they transmit a variety of emotions, including joy, sadness and fear. However, the eyes themselves are in effect elements with no expression at all. The skin contour, muscles, fat, eyebrows and eyelashes surrounding the eye are the ones that wear expression.
Wrinkles and deep lines, as well as the swollen aspect of the eyelids (tired or swollen eye) begin to develop with the time. Sun exposure and genetic factors may also act as contributing factors resulting in visible changes in expression that give a senile or tiring appearance. These physical changes may cause anxiety and cosmetic impairment. Nowadays, a number of surgical procedures, including blepharoplasty and eyebrow and forehead lift, have been developed in order to overcome most of these problems.
The blepharoplasty (eyelids operation) may correct sunken eyelids, bags under the eyes and the deep lines around them. This surgical procedure implies the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper and lower lids, and is commonly performed along with other procedures such as facelift (aging face surgery).
The brow lift is performed to raise the eyebrows and reduce the lines and furrows on the forehead, thus creating a smoother and youthful appearance. Just like in a blepharoplasty, this surgical procedure may be performed in conjunction with other surgeries.
Before the surgery
Before the surgery, a complete medical record is required to evaluate the patient’s overall health condition. Furthermore, an in depth analysis of the eyes and the face is conducted in order to determine the procedure that most suitably meets the patient’s needs. The quantity of skin and fat bags to be removed is properly determined. The patient must know the type of surgical process that will be performed and the type of anesthesia that will be used. Certain drugs, such as the aspirin, must be avoided at least a week before the surgery in order to diminish the possibility of post-surgery bleeding.
Blepharoplasty
For this surgical procedure, there is no need to use general anesthesia, but local anesthesia is used (for the patient not to feel pain), along with sedation (neurolepto-anesthesia) for the patient to feel comfortable during the operation.
The surgeon performs some thin incisions following the natural patterns of the skin at the upper palpelebral region (for the upper eyelid), just below the eyelashes or inside the eyelid (for the lower eyelid). The procedure may take from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the different elements to be corrected.
Brow lift
This surgical procedure may also be performed under local anesthesia, along with neurolepto-anesthesia.
As well as correcting sagging eyebrows, the muscles between the eyebrows which show unpleasant creases and lines are corrected. The incision is hidden just behind the hairline, so that the scar won’t be visible.
Postoperative recovery
Following the surgery, some antibiotics are prescribed. Stitches are removed on the third day (in the case of a bephlaroplasty) or on the seventh day (in the case of an eyebrows and forehead lift).
An edema (swelling) may appear on both eyelids during the days following the surgery. Taking the appropriate medicine and applying ice packs will help alleviate the swelling.
The physician must determine which activities the patient can perform the week following the surgery. Patients must avoid excessive physical efforts during the first weeks. |
