BLEPHAROPLASTY CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO SERVE FAIRHOPE AND MOBILE, ALABAMA

THE SURGERY

Surgery with Dr. Park and Dr. Rebowe on the eyelids may be done as an isolated operation or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation. Both upper and lower eyelids can be corrected at the same surgery, typically an outpatient procedure done with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. Surgery for each set of lids takes approximately 1 hour. The main goals of an upper eyelid blepharoplasty are to remove excess skin and correct protruding orbital fat.

With lower lid blepharoplasty, skin resection is usually limited or avoided and the focus is on lax muscle tightening, excess septal fat correction, and eyelid suspension. A canthopexy suture bolsters the lower lid support tacking it back up to the lateral bone rim and a canthoplasty involves taking down and recreating the lower lid support.

A tear trough deformity can be corrected by mobilizing septal fat to the area of depression. A skin incision is used if both skin and fat are to be removed, but if not, an incision on the inside of the eyelid, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty can avoid an external scar and skin resurfacing can treat minor skin laxity of the lower lids. A laser blepharoplasty utilizes a laser to make incisions which can reduce bleeding, bruising, and swelling.

Understand The Risks

Complications are rare, and most individuals can expect an excellent result with correction of their lid problems. There are, however, rare but potential risks and complications. Bleeding behind the eye (retrobulbar hematoma) can threaten vision and presents as severe pain, visual changes with loss of visual field or bright lights/sparkles, proptosis (protrusion of the eyeball), or excessive bruising/swelling. Emergent release of sutures and canthal ligament is necessary in these situations.

Itching, scratching, burning, light sensitivity, and discomfort characterize dry eyes. Symptoms may exist following Blepharoplasty due to swelling and crusting, but is temporary in most cases and is managed with lubrication and artificial teardrops while waiting for improvement. Lower lid retraction (Ectropion) can occur if the tissue pulls down as it heals but is usually correctable with massage and taping, but may require surgical correction when persistent. It will be difficult to fully close the eyes after the operation (Lagophthalmos) for a couple days and protection with lubricating gel is recommended. Ice and elevation is important in limiting postoperative swelling.