BLEPHAROPLASTY

TYPES

There are three types of eyelid surgery and are dependent upon the cosmetic surgeon’s evaluation after a thorough examination, and they are as follows:

• Blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid is usually done among individuals with an accumulation of fats in the upper eyelids. There is the presence of “crows feet” or wrinkles in the corner of the eyes, especially notable once the person smiles.
• Blepharoplasty of the lower eyelid is indicated for individuals with puffy lower lids seen among individuals with prolonged sun exposure.
• Repair of both upper and lower eyelids done among individuals who want to have a more youthful-looking eye.

SYMPTOMS

Regardless of our beauty routine, each of us looks at herself in the mirror several times a day. As we age every year, we cannot deny that we can readily see the changes that happen in our faces as time goes by. Here are some of the clues that you can see that would prompt you to visit your doctors’ clinic:

• Presence of excess skin looks like they have been thrown into several folds commonly seen in the upper eyelid
• Recurrent eye irritation usually resulting from the inadequate lubrication of the eyes that results from a medical condition such as Bell’s palsy (though this condition is reversible in its early stages with therapy and appropriate medications)
• Malocclusion or disparity between the upper and the lower lids

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is made by physical examination and an appropriate assessment of the patient coming in for a consultation. Blepharoplasty was initially thought of as a corrective cosmetic procedure, and it has found its importance in reversing some symptoms associated with medical problems such as:

• Grave’s opthalmopathy is a condition wherein there is an excess in thyroid hormone production, resulting in bulging eyeballs. The upper lid is pushed further backward, exposing the sclera (white portion of the eyeball). A series of laboratory examinations involving the thyroid hormone function is requested.
• Bells’ palsy- paralysis of the facial nerve, which is essential in the sensation of the forehead and, if left untreated, leads to the inability to close the eyes. Nerve conduction studies and audiometry may be requested to confirm the diagnosis.

TREATMENT

There are two methods of the approach employed in blepharoplasty, and these include the following:

• An incision made at the external portion of the upper eyelid. In doing so, the incision is done in the area where it will be inconspicuous to the naked eye. Layers of sagging skin will then be removed, and the remaining portions will be sewn into place using an absorbable suture to hold the eyelid in place while healing.
• Excision of excess fats and skin from the lower eyelid by making a small cut in the eyes’ inner surface also helps in concealing the surgical site.