Blepharoplasty | Princeton Junction & Mercerville NJ
What are the benefits of Blepharoplasty?
As we all know, the eyes are a prominent facial feature. The surrounding skin conveys emotion. The tissue, muscle, fat, hair and lashes all contribute to the wide array of expressions. Unfortunately, wrinkles and deep lines as well as puffiness under the lids develop as you age. In addition, exposure to the sun and tobacco as well as hereditary factors contribute to the aging process, all resulting in changes of expression. In many cases, people look tired or unhealthy. They may look older than their true age. This may contribute to your feelings of anxiety in terms of your well being or youthfulness.
The Doctors can perform blepharoplasty to correct sagging eyelid skin, bags or pouches beneath the eyes as well as excess folds around the eyes.
The doctors will trace the natural lines and creases of your face and make very fine incisions from the inner to the outer edge of the eyelids. The surgical procedure usually involves the removal of excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids as well as sculpting or excising herniated fat beneath the eyelids. The laser is often utilized to assist in the surgery and decrease any bleeding.
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What preparation is needed before surgery?
Pre-operative evaluation will include a thorough history and examination. Special attention is made to the eyelid skin and supporting structures. Patients with allergic conditions, tear duct problems, and dry eyes, for example, may not be suitable candidates for surgery. In many cases, patients may be encouraged to have their ophthamologist complete a detailed examination. This ensures that patients don’t have any significant conditions such as increased pressure (glaucoma), retinal, or corneal problems.
Thorough pre-operative instructions will be given. Aspirin containing products, for example, will need to be discontinued 7 to 10 days before the surgery. Patients that wear contacts may have to wear regular glasses for a couple of weeks after their procedures.
Where is the procedure performed?
The procedure is most often performed in our office under IV conscious sedation or general anesthesia in conjunction with local anesthesia. Both are very comfortable options. Pre-medication is utilized before surgery including an anti-swelling agent and an antibiotic. If laser skin resurfacing or tightening is part of the procedure, than an anti-viral agent will be prescribed as well.
How is the procedure performed?
Once the patient is brought into our surgical suite, pre-operative digital photos are taken and the proposed incision lines and areas of herniated fat are outlined. Anesthesia is begun and the patient’s face is cleansed, prepped, and draped for the surgical procedure. Local anesthesia is then infiltrated in the eyelids before the procedure begins. Protective titanium shields and ointment are placed over the corneas to protect the eyes during the procedure.
The traditional surgical approach to the upper and lower eyelids involve very fine incisions. In the upper eyelid, the incisions are made in the upper fold from the inner to outer edge of the lids. In the lower eyelid, the incision is actually placed in a fine crease just beneath the edge of the eyelid itself. Once a prescribed portion of redundant skin is excised, then eyelid fat is sculpted, lifted, or removed if necessary. Very fine sutures are then utilized to close the edges of the skin. The sutures are similar in diameter to a human hair, and in most instances leave only, soft lines when fully healed. For the most part when the eyes are open, the lines are not noticeable. Laser resurfacing or even dermabrasion can address any residual areas that are not as smooth or flat as desired.
A transconjunctival approach may be utilized for the lower lid surgery if indicated. This involves making only a fine incision in the inner part of the lower lid. There is no visible line on the skin with this technique. Often, this approach is combined with a skin tightening or resurfacing technique with a laser on the outer eyelid skin.
Since the surgery is performed on an outpatient basis at our surgical center, arrangements should be made for aftercare. This includes having someone available to drive you home and to care for you for the first 24 hours.
Initially after surgery there will be a lot of tearing and wetness. Occasionally, dryness will occur that may require eyedrops. In addition, you may be sensitive to bright light and wind for a period of time. Some temporary blurring of vision is normal. Numbness and itching may also occur during the healing process.
What can I expect after surgery?
The surgical wounds will need to be cared for. Steri-strips usually are placed over the incisions. A topical antibiotic will need to be applied 2 to 3 times a day for the first 4-5 days.
Mild swelling will occur within the first several hours and continue through the second to third day. Since the eyelid structures are very thin, the swelling may limit your vision. Driving may be difficult for a couple of days. Some bruising may occur as well. This is generally improved by the end of the first week.
Within 3 to 4 months, the healing process is usually complete. An evaluation will be made at that time as to the surgical outcome. Special attention will be directed to the fine surgical lines. If a small revision or resurfacing would be beneficial, it may be performed at this time.
Complications are unlikely with a blepharoplasty. They may include bleeding, infection, dry eyes, double vision, asymmetry or looseness of a lid which may require further surgery.
Call our Princeton Junction office at 
Princeton Junction Office Phone Number 609-716-4600 or our Mercerville office at Mercerville Office Phone Number 609-587-2900 if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bradley or Dr. Sasportas today!
