What is Eyelid Surgery? | Biodermis.com

Eyelid surgery, otherwise known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. This surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. Blepharoplasty is considered a reconstructive surgery or a cosmetic surgery, as it can restore functionality to the eyes or improve the aesthetic appearance of the eyes. People with deformities or disfigurations of the eyes will benefit from this type of procedure. Likewise, eyelids that have begun to sag or droop due to old age can also be modified with a blepharoplasty. Generally, there is minimal to no scarring during the post-operative recovery process and patients can return home with minimal down time soon after the surgery is completed.

Information about blepharoplasty

There are a number of defects of the eyelids that a blepharoplasty can fix. Most commonly, a person will opt for this procedure if their eyelids begin to droop or sag with age, as this can interfere with the patient’s peripheral vision. The sagging of the eyelids, also known as ptosis, is a common problem that occurs when the muscles surrounding the orbits (eye sockets) wear down and become weak over time. Ptosis may also occur in reaction to a medical condition, concussion, or other injury that causes trauma to the face. Ptosis may be unilateral (affecting only one eye) or bilateral (affecting both eyes). In addition to correcting ptosis, a blepharoplasty may be performed to reduce fatty deposits and puffiness around the eyes, under eye bags, drooping of the lower eyelids, and excess skin or fine lines surrounding the eyes.

Surgically treating droopy eyelids is achieved by removing excess skin from the eyelids and tightening the supporting muscles. Sometimes, the lower eyelids will also be surgical modified in addition to the surrounding tissues of the eyebrows. Some patients will want more extensive changes to the facial anatomy surrounding the eyes, so a surgeon can make modifications to the upper nasal-bridge portion of the nose as well as the upper regions of the cheeks. A blepharoplasty is usually performed by making external incisions along the skin creases of the upper and lower eyelids. The natural creases in the skin do a good job of masking the scars that result after the procedure. A typical operation will take around 1-3 hours to complete. Any post-operative bruising or swelling that occurs usually resolves after 1-2 weeks.

Interesting facts

· In a 2014 poll, 85% of blepharoplasty patients were female

· East Asian blepharoplasty procedures are different from the classic blepharoplasty

· Double eyelid surgery is the most popular procedure in Korea

· Eyelid surgeries can be traced back all the way to the ancient Greeks and Romans

· The term “blepharoplasty” was coined in 1818 when the technique was used to address deformities of the eyelids caused by cancer

· A blepharoplasty can be performed using a scalpel or a laser

Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: REFER OR RESELL?