Eyelid surgery, clinically known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reduce the signs of aging around the eyelids and restore a youthful looking upper face. Several steps are involved in the procedure, which can vary according to the extent of correction needed in lower, upper, or both eyelids.
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss various aspects of blepharoplasty, including the steps involved in the procedure.
This will help reassure the patient about what the procedure entails and allow them to make better decisions. The hardworking and sagacious Dr. Jacob Bloom is a board certified plastic surgeon providing eyelid surgery to patients in Chicago, IL and surrounding communities in this area of the Midwest.
Pre-op Preparation
Once the patient’s candidate for eyelid lift is determined, they will have to follow a few pre-operative instructions. If the patient is a smoker, the surgeon will require them to stop smoking for at least a specified time period. The surgeon may also adjust the schedule of any prescription or non-prescription medications that the patient may be currently taking. Some patients may have to go through an eye medical test prior to the surgery.
Anesthesia
Once the patient is ready for surgery and brought into the operating room, the first step will be to place them under anesthesia. Local anesthesia and mild sedation may be applied in case of eyelid plastic surgery. However, depending on the specific circumstances of the case, the surgeon may recommend general anesthesia. This decision will be made during the pre-op consultation with the patient.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
As a first step in lower blepharoplasty, the surgeon will place small incisions in discreet locations. The incisions are usually placed in the natural skin creases beneath the lower eyelashes to hide any scarring.
Excess fat and skin will be removed through the incisions and underlying muscles may be tightened. If the surgeon finds hollows below the lower eyelids, they may use facial fat transfer or dermal filler injections to fill these depressions.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Following anesthesia, the surgeon will create incisions in the natural creases of the upper lids. Through the incisions, they will remove excess skin to improve the saggy appearance of the eyelids and correct any vision obstruction issues. Weak or loose underlying muscles may also be tightened using the same incisions.
When the loose skin has been trimmed away, the surgeon will lift and reattach the remaining skin to create a smooth, youthful upper lid appearance. The incisions will then be closed with fine sutures.
Transconjunctival Eyelid Surgery
If the patient does not have loose skin, but has pockets of excess fat in the eyelid area, a transconjunctival eyelid surgery may be performed. Following local anesthesia, the surgeon will place multiple tiny incisions inside the lower eyelid.
Excess fat deposits will be removed through the incisions. Muscle tightening and skin removal are not required in this case. The procedure will leave no visible scars because the incisions are placed inside the lower lids. Outstanding and astute cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.