Eye Lift Surgery

Eye lift surgery, which is also referred as eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty is a cosmetic plastic surgery, employed for removing the excess skin and fat from the eyelids, in order to give a fresh and younger look to the face. This procedure can help people with droopy or sinking upper eyelid, which can sometimes block vision. It can prove effective for puffy eyes as well, which is mainly the result of aging. Aging causes the skin to lose its former elasticity, due to which it becomes loose, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Eye Lift Surgery Procedure

The entire procedure is carried under local anesthesia, with which the area to be treated is numbed. Sometimes, general anesthesia is also used. The procedure usually takes about one to three hours. The surgeon typically makes incisions along the natural line in the crease for the upper eyelid. For the lower eyelid, incisions are made just below the eyelashes. These incisions can sometimes reach the outer corner of the eyes.

After making the incisions, the excess fatty tissues, as well as muscles are removed surgically from the eyelid. Excess skin is also removed, but only when it is necessary. Instead of this conventional procedure, one can also opt for laser eyelid surgery. Laser eyelid surgery generally involves less bleeding and swelling, as compared to the conventional eye lift surgery. Many times, eye lift is carried out in combination with facelift surgery, in order to give the whole face a younger and refreshed look.

Aftercare
After the surgery, one needs to follow certain precautions to ensure fast healing and avoid complications. Generally, the patients will get some redness and swelling around the stitches and excessive tearing after the surgery. But, once the stitches are removed, such swelling and bruising would decrease gradually. In the meantime, one should strictly adhere to the instruction given by their physician. The eyes should be cleaned in the way suggested by the surgeon and use of contact lenses, as well as eye make-up need to be avoided during the recovery period.

To alleviate the irritation and swelling, cold compress can be used, if the surgeon permits. Lubricating eye drops can be used to prevent the eyes from drying out. Also apply the prescribed ointments on the stitches, to ensure quick healing. Avoid the activities like, watching television or using the computer, especially during the first week following the surgery, and try to keep the head at an elevated position during this period.

Recovery Time
Though the stitches are removed within a week, complete recovery can take several weeks. The bruising and redness usually persist for 10 days and then, subsides gradually over time. During this period, one should avoid the activities that can strain the eyes. If the instructions given by the physician regarding the post operative eye care are followed, then one can expect faster recovery. At the same time, it is also important to give enough rest to the eyes. With proper eye care and adequate rest, it may become possible to resume the normal activities after 10 days, following the surgery.

Complications
The most common complications are redness, swelling, bruising, excessive tearing and burning and itching of the eyes. Some people can get dry eyes, double or blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light as well. These discomforts are likely to persist for several days. In addition to these, difficulty in closing the eyes while sleeping, and ectropion, a condition where the lower eyelid turns outward, can rarely follow this type of surgery. Infection and scarring are some other complications, which can occur after this surgical procedure.

Most of these complications can be avoided by following the instructions given by the surgeon. Its cost typically includes, fees of the surgeon, anesthesiologist's fee, as well as fee for the operating room and the products. The cost of the surgery can vary considerably depending on the locality, as well as extent or complexity of the surgery. So, it is better to have a talk with an experienced plastic surgeon, regarding the cost and complications of the procedure. This would help you to compare and evaluate the cost, benefits and the risks associated with this cosmetic surgery, and make your decision accordingly.