Blepharoplasty
Did you know that Blepharoplasty, or "Lid Lifts" can be covered by your medical insurance and even Medicare? Well it certainly can, and Ophthalmologists, are not only the natural choice of surgeon for eyelid surgery (no one knows the complex anatomy of eyelids better than an ophthalmologist), but are also virtually the only medical specialists that can document whether your droopy lids are interfering with your peripheral vision, through careful preoperative photos and a test known as a "Visual Field". These tests are both covered by your insurance and/or Medicare, and after being reviewed by doctors Monnett or Steinwand, are the first step in determining whether your surgery qualifies as "MEDICALLY NECESSARY". Through the use of modern techniques and advances in an eyelid rejuvenation procedures, coupled with Dr Monnett's "SCALPEL-LESS" EYELID SURGERY technique, doctors Monnett and Steinwand can help restore a more youthful, alert and healthy look to your droopy eyes, while also restoring the peripheral vision lost to droopy lids. Sometimes blepharoplasty can even relieve chronic headache that can be due to the constant, unconscious contraction of the forehead muscles and lifting of the brows in an unconscious attempt to lift the droopy lids and excess skin upward out of the vision. Often referred to as a "mini facelift," blepharoplasty has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both men and women because of its high level of patient satisfaction. Blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids, and both eyes as well as both upper and lower lids can be done all at once.
Blepharoplasty is for those who:
- have eyelids encroaching on their field of vision
- want to reduce loose skin and/or bags over or under their eyes
- have chronic headache from constant contraction of forehead muscles to raise the droopy lids out of the way of vision
- would like to attain a refreshened, more youthful appearance that can be afforded by the "mini-facelift" effect of blepharoplasty.
Before surgery:
Your doctor will evaluate the condition and health of your eyes along with the visual field results and preoperative photos mentioned above. Specifics regarding your vision, tear production, use of contact lenses, use of medications and personal expectations will be discussed. This information, along with other factors such as age, skin type and ethnic background will allow both you and your surgeon to come to a mutual decision. A plan will be discussed regarding the surgical technique, amount of surgery and type of anesthesia to be used.
What to expect on procedure day:
You will arrive 30-60 minutes prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked-in and settled comfortably, you will be prepared for surgery. Blepharoplasty is generally performed using a local anesthetic, and you will receive sedation to help you relax into a "twilight sleep".
If you are having surgery performed on your upper eyelids, your surgeon will remove the excess skin, muscle and fatty tissue that have accumulated in the eyelid, In addition, many cases require that a small "tuck" be taken in the vertical muscle that lifts the eyelid margin upward. While the removal of the excess skin and fat achieves the "debulking " of the lid, only this vertical tuck can raise the positon where the upper eyelid margin crosses the eye. Since the stretching of this muscle is very common with aging, and therefor frequently needs to be addressed during blepharoplasty, it might be surprising to know that this "tuck" part of the procedure is often omitted by other specialists who may not be as comfortable with the complex anatomy of the eyelid. The "SCALPEL-LESS" Incisions will be made along the natural folds in your skin so that as the incisions heal, they become difficult, if not impossible to see.
If your surgery is on your lower eyelids, your surgeon may make the incision inside or behind the eyelid (providing there is not too much excess skin). This technique is called a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, which allows the removal of the fatty deposits that create "bags" while avoiding the need for an external incision. If you have excessive skin or muscle folds below the eye, an incision may instead be made just below the base of the eyelashes. As this incision heals, the fine scar should become barely visible.
After the procedure you will need to have someone drive you home. There is typically some bruising and swelling for 7 to 14 days after the surgery, longer in some cases. "The "SCALPEL-LESS" technique is used specifically because it is less traumatic to tissues, and helps to minimize bruising and swelling. In addition, the use of packages of frozen peas molded to conform to your forehead/eyebrow area, especially for the first 24 hours, along with elevation of the head, are highly recommended, and can significantly reduce these effects. Doctors Monnett and Steinwand also typically recommend eye ointments and/or eye drops to keep the eye moist and clean.
Postoperative discomfort is usually relatively mild, but your eyes may feel sticky, dry and itchy for a week or so after the procedure. You will need to take special care in cleaning around your eyes for the first week or two. Occassionally there is mild blurring of vision for a short time that can be reduced by frequent use of artificial tears.
The "SCALPEL-LESS" incisions are closed with self-absorbing stitches which will dissolve on their own. Make-up or sunglasses may be used to camouflage temporary bruising after the stitches are removed.
Expectations:
The decision to have blepharoplasty is an important one that only you can make. The vast majority of our patients are extremely happy with their appearance as well as improved peripheral vision after blepharoplasty, however, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire. Although the positive effects on your appearance from having blepharoplasty are immediate, your results will not be considered final for up to a year as the healing process continues.
Serious complications with blepharoplasty are extremely rare, but like any surgical procedure it does have some risks. If you decide that blepharoplasty is an option for you, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed. Be sure you have all your questions answered to your satisfaction.
As we at The Monnett Eye Centers like to say "No One Knows Eyelids Like Eye Doctors", and Dr. Monnett has over 20 years experience performing eyelid surgery. Both he and Dr. Steinwand are very proud of their eyelid surgery results--and we think you will be too. In fact, we have a before and after photo album for you to peruse just to help you decide for yourself!
Alternatives to Blepharoplasty
To learn about other cosmetic procedures, please visit the cosmetic procedures section of our Web Site. If you would like more information about this exciting procedure, you may want to make an appointment, attend a seminar or request additional information from our practice.
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