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The most common eyelid problems referred to Hawthorne Clinic Oculofacial Plastic surgery group are eyelid malpositions such as ptosis, dermatochalasis (excess eyelid skin),

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How Does An Eyelid Become A Problem?

The eyelid serves two primary functions, protection, and maintenance. The eyelashes catch foreign particles, and even liquids like sweat, while the eyelid itself protects the eye from direct contact, and even acts as a “shield” to prevent ocular damage when exposed to bright lights. The eyelids also keep eyes healthy by moisturizing the eyes evenly with every blink. When we aren’t crying, tears are an essential form of lubrication, spread across the eyes to keep the eyeballs themselves from drying out and taking damage.

However, as with everything else about our bodies, eyelids don’t necessarily remain perfect—or even start that way—in every single instance. The aging process, though natural, can cause eyelids to droop. In some cases, people are born with excess skin around the eyelids that causes a natural drooping or sagging regardless of age.

Who Should Get An Eyelid Correction?

Blepharoplasty is a good technique for people looking at either aesthetic or vision considerations. For some, drooping eyelids, or sagging lids under the eyes can take a formerly energetic and youthful appearance, and make a person appear older and even drowsier or inattentive.

For others, however, an excess of skin on the eyelids, or drooping upper eyelids can interfere with peripheral vision, reducing its effectiveness. For some people, and specific activities or lines of work, such as driving, or sports, reduced peripheral vision hurts performance.

Anyone looking for a more youthful, refreshed, and energetic appearance, or would like to enjoy increased peripheral vision should consider getting an eyelid correction procedure from a qualified, experienced specialist.

The Surgery

Careful evaluation and discussion of patient needs should take place to decide whether there will be surgery on the upper eyelids, the lower, or both. This is one of the less extensive forms of plastic surgery, but it still requires administering general anesthesia, so patients should observe the usual protocol of not eating or drinking after midnight the night before the procedure.

The procedure itself takes only 1-2 hours, and involves making incisions around the eyelids, then removing loose skin, or relocating fatty deposits. Fatty tissue may be removed and bulges smoothed out during this process. Because the incisions are usually made around the natural contours of the eyelid, scarring is generally not visible without an extensive examination and knowing where to look.

Recovering

Unlike other procedures, once the surgery is complete, hospitalization for recovery usually isn’t required, and the patient can return home. However, because the work here is done around the eyes, there is a special emphasis on preventing eye infection. The days after the surgery will show bruising and discoloration around the eyes. It’s also advised to keep the head elevated.

Medication for pain management and antibiotics to prevent infection are provided for patients to take during the recovery phase. It’s also very important to restrict strenuous activities, especially exercise. Sweat getting into the eyes and eyelids at this point could be very harmful. Avoiding prolonged eye exposure to sun and wind is also strongly advised for the first few weeks.

Sometimes blepharoplasty is a procedure that is undertaken on its own. Other times, it is combined with other techniques, such as a mid-face lift for the cheeks as well. To find out what’s the best approach for you, talk to an experienced medical professional and get an evaluation.

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