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UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY

Dallas and Surrounding Areas

  • Excess upper eyelid skin can cause peripheral vision problems.
  • Surgery may be covered by some insurance companies
  • Surgery can be done with a laser under sedation anesthesia
  • Most patients experience minimal down time

upperUpperAs we age, gravity and normal physiologic processes cause a variety of changes in our appearance. The eyes are often considered the focal point of our face. The aging process causes several changes to the structures surrounding the eyes that can not only affect our appearance and way we feel about ourselves but can also affect the functioning of the eye itself.
The most common associated aging change to the periocular structures is redundancy of the upper eyelid skin – a “baggy” eyelid appearance. In severe cases, this tissue can obstruct a patient’s superior visual field. This is corrected with a surgical procedure (Upper Blepharoplasty) in which the resulting scar is hidden in the natural eyelid crease.

Preoperative Evaluation
The eyelids are integral in facilitating the normal functioning of the eye. As such, the eyes are thoroughly examined. A thorough medical history and ophthalmologic history is taken with note taken of any previous eye diseases and/or surgery. Because our physicians are not only trained in Ophthalmic Plastic surgery but Ophthalmology as well, they are uniquely qualified to evaluate and perform this type of surgery. A biomicroscopic examination is performed to assess the ocular surface. The propensity for dry eye formation is evaluated and eyelid function and form are examined. Specifically, the laxity of the lids, the amount of eyelid closure, the position of the lid crease, the eyelid excursion and the position of the lid margin in relation to the eyeball are noted.

The Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty) is commonly performed under local anesthesia in the office or as an outpatient. Frequently, patients are asked to arrive 1-2 hours prior to surgery. This allows the nursing staff to draw appropriate lab work, start an IV and answer any further questions you may have. An anesthesiologist will discuss anesthesia prior to surgery and answer any questions you may have. In general, surgery takes approximately one hour. The incision and resultant scar is hidden in the eyelid crease.

Postoperative Care
After upper eyelid surgery, patients may have an ice pack placed on their eyes immediately postoperatively to assist in minimizing swelling.  For the first several days after surgery, patients must keep their wounds clean and dry. It is not unusual to temporarily be unable to close your eyes after eyelid surgery. For this reason we ask patients to put antibiotic lubricating ointment in their eyes nightly for the first 1-2 weeks. The same antibiotic ointment is placed on the wounds twice daily to prevent infection. Oral antibiotics and pain medication are frequently prescribed. Sutures will either be removed at one week or may dissolve.
Postoperative care after lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the same as for upper eyelid blepharoplasty. It is not uncommon to have significant bruising and swelling after blepharoplasty surgery.

Complications
Blepharoplasty surgery is very safe and is one of the most common aesthetic procedures done. Bruising and swelling are common and usually subsides within 1-2 weeks. Inability to close the eye is also common during the first 1-2 weeks. Significant scarring and pain are unusual as is infection. As with any surgery in and around the eye, there is a risk of loss of vision. Most experts believe that this risk is approximately 1/40,000. Any significant postoperative bleeding, pain, redness or visual disturbances must be reported to your physician.
Most upper blepharoplasty surgery is performed in the office or as an outpatient under local anesthesia. Blepharoplasty surgery is very safe and effective. Complications are very rare and include: bleeding, infection, bruising, swelling, inability to close the eye, scarring and loss of vision. Because we have a unique understanding of the eye and plastic surgery, we are frequently asked to correct eyelid deformities in other surgeon’s patients with sub optimal results.

© 2020 GRANT GILLILAND MD. All Rights Reserved.

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