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Is Eyelid Surgery for you?
Eyelid surgery, Blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that can help to reduce or eliminate the problems of droopy eyelids and puffy bags under the eyes. Sagging skin is tightened by use of barely noticeable incisions. Working through them, your surgeon can remove excess fat and trim sagging skin and muscle.
Blepharoplasty can be an alternative to other cosmetic surgery such as a facelift. Many patients are over forty but the operation can be performed at almost any age. Sagging eyelids may also affect a person’s eyesight and should be corrected; in cases where it is medically necessary, insurance will usually cover the operation.
The operation will not be performed until after a thorough eye examination and the patient’s complete medical history is taken into consideration. Some medical conditions such as dry eye, thyroid problems, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes may make this surgery more risky.
The operation itself takes about an hour with recovery usually complete within two weeks though patients often return to their normal work before that. Stitches usually come out after a few days and you also may be given ointments and eyedrops to help with your healing.
The American Society of Plastic Surgery notes that: “Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. However, it won't remove crow's feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.”*
At UT Medical Group, Inc., James C. Fleming, M.D., FACS, Ophthlalmologist, a specialist in Ocular Oncology, Orbital Disease, and Oculoplastic Surgery routinely performs this operation at our Germantown Multispeciality Clinic, 7945 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 240. Please call (901) 347-8240 for further information.
*http://www.plasticsurgery.org/public_education/procedures/Blepharoplasty.cfm
