Each year the number of individuals who undergo cosmetic surgery increases at an incredible rate. Eyelid surgery is gaining popularity since it gives the face a more youthful look by improving the wrinkling and sagging of the eyelid skin. The social and economic influences that place emphasis on "appearances"
are quite evident at both ends of the age spectrum. Younger people seek peer acceptance; older
people face their own challenge in maintaining positive attitudes for an extended period of time.
 

Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty Pre-Op	Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty Post-Op
Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty Pre-Op	Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty Post-Op
Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty Pre-Op	Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty Post-Op
Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty Pre-Op	Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty Post-Op
Upper Blepharoplasty Pre-Op	Upper Blepharoplasty Post-Op

Cosmetic surgery can truly satisfy many needs, and often will provide that extra measure of inner confidence that might otherwise be difficult to achieve. It requires no apologies, and is understandably well accepted in all circles. It is, however, not the answer to all of life’s problems. The purpose is to improve one’s appearance as much as may be possible. It can do no more, and if one expects a transforming miracle, they will undoubtedly be disappointed.
  
Most patients understand these limitations, and view the potential benefit realistically, and if generally healthy, emotionally stable, and properly motivated, are good candidates for cosmetic surgery. Under these circumstances, the true objective can be accomplished and yield final results that are predictably accurate.
  
The decision to undergo any surgical procedure is one that must be made by the patient alone, and should not be undertaken solely at the suggestion or at the encouragement of others. On the other hand, well meaning friends or relatives sometimes misinterpret the patient’s desire for assistance, and express negative attitudes without basis. However, if those persons under- stand that improved self-confidence is the essential need, and if their interest is truly in the patient’s behalf, they will usually be supportive.

Before	After
Before	After

  
The purpose of this website is to inform you of the fundamental concepts, and bring to mind questions that I will be happy to answer. Also, it will permit careful review of this information at home, apart from the office atmosphere, where anxiety or embarrassment may be overriding, and perhaps distracting. It may also be useful as a reference in discussion with family members who cannot be present at the time of consultation. It should be understood that its sole purpose is information.
  
In contemplating any corrective surgery, you need not be apprehensive or approach any procedure with fear. With present methods of anesthesia, there will be essentially no pain or discomfort during the operation, and usually only minor discomfort, which can be easily controlled with pain tablets for a short period afterward.

Before

After

Before

After

  
 It should be understood that during the examination and preparation for surgery, the surgical procedure itself, and during the follow-up care, competent nurses will play an active role in assisting me. My personal attention will be directed to all of the important details, and every effort will be made to obtain the best possible result. Also, every patient must play a part in his or her own treatment by adhering strictly to postoperative instructions. This is as important for achievement of the best results as is excellent performance on the surgeon’s part.  

   GENERAL INFORMATION

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is designed to improve the appearance by reducing the amount of wrinkles and visible bags of the eyelids. The patient must be thoroughly aware that each and every wrinkle and fold of the skin around the eyes cannot be removed. Additionally, what may be interpreted by the patient as a problem with the eyelids may be due to a downward shifting of the eyebrow, and to obtain the optimum result it may be necessary to correct this surgically either before, or at the same time as the correction of the eyelids themselves. Also, usually, discoloration or dark "circles" beneath the eyes is not correctable by this surgery. However, they often can be improved by chemical peeling or laser resurfacing.
  
 Downward shifting of the brow, and fullness or wrinkling of the eyelid skin are some of the earlier signs of the normal aging process. Frequently, swelling of the eyelids at first present only in the morning, seems to hang on longer each day, and eye shadow makeup becomes smudged at the lid folds. Progressive upper lid fullness over a long period of time may even produce overhanging skin folds that result in partial visual obstruction. Repeated swelling due to allergic or related systemic problems, and a variety of anatomical characteristics that are genetic in origin lead to even earlier aging changes in the eyelids.

  In addition to the wrinkling and sagging of the eyelid skin itself, and the downward displacement of the eyebrows, so-called "bagginess" may be present due to protrusion, or out-pouching of the fatty tissues under the lids. In some persons, this is a familiar characteristic, and becomes noticeable at a relatively early age, sometimes in the mid-twenties. More often, however, the fullness is developmental in nature, and appears at age 35 or 40, becoming even more marked in the 40’s or 50’s.
  
 Along with the development of better surgical methods for correction of these problems, there has been a significant change in opinion concerning the optimum time for eyelid surgery. If left too long, particularly to the point of visual impairment, or the point where the muscle fibers in the eyelids have become over-stretched, repair becomes quite difficult, and the results are somewhat limited. Fortunately, the results of early treatment can be highly successful. There may be more wrinkling or fullness of the skin as years go by, but once fatty tissue "bags" are removed, they generally do not return.

PROCEDURE

   The operation is usually performed in our accredited surgery suite setting, after which the patient returns home.

ANESTHESIA

   Local anesthesia, plus sedation just prior to surgery, helps the patient to be completely relaxed. The operation itself should not be painful. The operation can be done under general anesthesia with the patient totally asleep.

 SURGICAL TIME

   Approximately two hours

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

   The incisions for reducing the wrinkles of the upper lids are made horizontally through the lid. A segment of skin is removed, and sometimes portions of fat underneath the lid are removed. The incisions for the lower eyelids are made behind the eyelid, leaving no visible scar. Occasionally, a small skin excision below the lower eyelid may be added to remove the excess skin, or a laser resurfacing added to remove the excess skin.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE

   The following is a general idea of what to expect in the postoperative period, and what restrictions there will be. Specific instructions will be given at the time of surgery.

Cool compresses applied to the eyelids for several days are soothing, and help to control swelling. Following compresses, Polysporin ointment should be applied.

Dark glasses are suggested for a period of two weeks to prevent irritation from sun and wind, and to rest the eyes. This also helps to hide bruising. The patient should remain within a reasonable traveling distance of the surgeon’s office for approximately 10 days. Sutures, if used are usually removed during the first week. 
Icepacks are recommended for the first 48 hours, and slight oozing for the eye region can be expected for three or four days.

DISCOLORATION

   The eyelids will be discolored and swollen for a period of time following the surgery, depending upon the type of skin, and healing ability of the patient. Occasionally the white portion of the eye may be "bloodshot". This is a temporary condition.

SCARS

   The scars are permanent. However, they are placed in such a position that they are barely discernable after a reasonable period of time.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

   Any type of operation can be attended by certain complications, but fortunately with this procedure, they are very unusual. Like any surgery, these include complications of the medication given (perhaps nausea, or an allergic reaction), infections, abnormalities of healing, such as heavy scar formation, or prolonged postoperative swelling, and discoloration. Also, with the swelling there could rarely be a slight turning out of the lower lid, but this is usually temporary. 
   Changes in vision have been reported with essentially all surgical procedures, and likewise with eyelid surgery, but this is extremely rare. It is also possible that the eyelids will not be perfectly symmetrical, but few people are even after before surgery.
   Any post surgical questions should be directed to the SURGEON, since it is unwise for a patient to accept advice from individuals who are not directly concerned with the operation, such as friends who are nurses, friends who are physicians, or friends who have had similar operations.

MAKEUP

   Usual eyelid makeup may be applied approximately 7 to 10 days following surgery, starting 24 hours after the last stitches are removed.

SHOWERS AND BATHS

   No restrictions. Keep dressings, if any, dry.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

    Social activities should be limited for approximately two weeks.

FEE

   It is customary that fees for cosmetic surgery be paid at least two weeks prior to the surgery. 50 % of the fee is due at the time the procedure is schedules. Payment in advance assures that one does not undertake an elective surgery that he or she is unable to afford. It will be necessary to cancel the surgery so that another patient may utilize the time if the fee is not paid prior to surgery.

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