Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves removing extra skin, muscle, and fat from the upper as well as lower eyelids. With age your eyelids become loose and the muscles that hold them weaken. As a result, excess fat may accumulate above and below your eyelids, resulting in sagging brows, droopy upper lids, and bags beneath your eyes.
Sagging skin around your eyes can diminish side vision (peripheral vision), particularly in the upper and outer areas of your field of vision, in addition to making you look older. These vision issues can be reduced or eliminated by blepharoplasty, and your eyes will appear younger and more alert.
Why is it done?
If droopy or sagging eyelids prevent your eyes from fully opening or dragging down your lower eyelids, you may want to consider blepharoplasty. It is possible to improve your vision by removing extra tissue from your upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty on the upper and lower lids can make your eyes appear younger and more attentive.
If you have the following conditions, blepharoplasty may be an option for you:
- Upper eyelids that are baggy or droopy
- Excess upper eyelid skin that is obstructing your peripheral vision
- The skin on the lower eyelids that is excessive
Blepharoplasty can be done in conjunction with other procedures such as a brow lift, facelift, or skin resurfacing.
Insurance coverage may be contingent on whether the operation corrects a vision problem. If you have surgery just to improve your appearance, your insurance company is unlikely to reimburse the expense. Blepharoplasty of the lower lids is generally always performed solely for cosmetic reasons.
How do you get ready?
Meet an expert plastic surgeon who specializes in eye procedures (cosmetic surgeon) before scheduling blepharoplasty to discuss:
Medical background
Your surgeon will inquire about previous surgeries as well as past or current conditions such as dry eyes, glaucoma, allergies, circulatory issues, thyroid issues, and diabetes. Your doctor will also inquire about the prescriptions, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics you use.
Goals
An open and honest discussion about your surgical goals and motivations can assist in setting the tone for a successful outcome. If the surgery is likely to work for you, your surgeon will discuss it with you.
Dr Siddharth Prakash, is a renowned Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon. He is an alumnus of KEM Hospital, Mumbai and Harvard Medical School, Boston. He being the best plastic surgeon in Mumbai, will be more than happy to answer all your queries regarding blepharoplasty.
You’ll have to go through the following procedures before your eyelid surgery:
- A physical examination is required. Your surgeon will perform a physical examination, which may include measuring sections of your eyelids and checking your tear production.
- A vision test is performed. Your eyes will be examined, and your vision will be tested, including your peripheral vision. This is required in order to submit an insurance claim.
- Photographing the insides of the eyes. Your eyes will be photographed from a variety of perspectives. These photographs aid in the planning of the surgery, the assessment of its immediate and long-term consequences, and the submission of an insurance claim.
You’ll also be prompted to:
Stop using aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve, others), naproxen (Naprosyn), and any other drug or herbal supplement that has been linked to increased bleeding. Ask your doctor how long you need to cease taking these medications before surgery. Only take drugs that your surgeon has prescribed.
Several weeks before your surgery, quit smoking. Smoking can make it more difficult to recover from surgery.
If you’re having outpatient surgery, make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the procedure. Make arrangements for someone to remain with you for the first night after surgery. For a consultation, visit the best plastic surgeon in Mumbai at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.
