One of the most commonly performed facial aging procedures
is that of the blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery. While it
could be most common because there are four eyelids (and
only one nose for example), it is frequently performed for
other reasons. It is the earliest sign of facial
aging...and it often bothers patients the most because
aging eyes are seen by all and make an impression (usually
wrong) of being tired or worn out. Every conversation that
you have ever had, you spend most of your time (or you
should) looking into the other person's eyes. Tired eyes
are seen by all!
Of all the facial aging procedures, blepharoplasty (eyelid
surgery or eyelid tucks) often makes the greatest
difference in your appearance because of their social
visibility. Removing a little excess skin and fat can
really clean up your eyes and make you look less tired and
more vibrant. This is why I always call blepharoplasty the
best value of all the facial aging procedures. It causes
the greatest positive change in your appearance.
One of the more interesting things about blepharoplasty is
that it is painless to go through for most patients. Yes,
there is some noticeable swelling and bruising around the
eyes but remarkably, there is usually no pain. You look bad
but you don't feel bad. Recovery from blepharoplasty is
what I call social recovery. It is about when you will feel
comfortable going back into public. Some patients don't
care what others think and they are back in circulation
within 3 to 5 days. Most patients do care, however, so
their full return to the public eye may be closer to 7 to
10 days.
Blepharoplasty is one plastic surgery where what you do
before and after the procedure can make a big difference in
the amount of bruising and swelling that occurs. Stopping
any aspirin and non-steroidal medications 3 weeks before
surgery is the first step. Taking arnica tablets beginning
one week before and after surgery is the next step. For the
first 24 hours after surgery, keeping your head up and ice
on the eyes is tremendously beneficial. I also place an
Actipatch Eye Recovery mask immediately after surgery and
onto this is where you place the ice. ActiPatch emits
pulsed electromagnetic waves which help reduce swelling on
the traumatized eyelids. After the first 24 hours, keep
your head elevated and only use a very light amount of eye
antibiotic ointment on your eyelid incisions. (this keeps
the sutures soft so that they are easier to remove)
In 10 - 14 days, you will look 'non-operated', even though
there is still some small amount of swelling and perhaps
some line of bruising along the lower eyelid. By 3 weeks
after surgery, you will be able to enjoy the full benefits
of your blepharoplasty surgery! Everyone will notice how
much more refreshed you look...even though most will never
figure that it was due to eyelid surgery. (unless you told
them!)
----------------------------------------------------
Dr Barry Eppley, board-certified plastic surgeon of
Indianapolis, operates his private practice at Clarian
North and West Medical cenetrs in suburban Indianapolis. He
writes a daily blogs on topics and trends in plastic
surgery at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com
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