| Eyelid
Surgery Blepharoplasty
Q What is blepharoplasty?
A Blepharoplasty is a
cosmetic surgical procedure performed on the upper or lower eyelids
designed to remove excess skin folds and pockets of fat.
Q Why would
someone have blepharoplasty?
A The surgery is done to
improve the appearance of the eyes by reducing or removing the bags, sags
and wrinkles around the eyes.
This leads to a younger, more rested appearance.
Q At
what age do people usually have blepharoplasty?
A While there is a fairly wide age range among eyelid
surgery patients, they do tend to be at least in their upper 30's. The
procedure is done to correct the effects of aging and improve the
appearance of the face.
Q
Does the procedure require a hospital stay?
A Eyelid surgery can be done as either an in-hospital or
outpatient procedure. Since blepharoplasty is often combined with a
facelift, the "overall" number of procedures and their complexity will
impact the need for hospitalization.
Q
What are the possible complications?
A Aside from normal surgical complications, eyelid
surgery has the following other possible complications: bruising and
swelling around the eyes lasting two to three weeks, excess tear
production and temporary blurred vision.
Facelift Questions Answers
Q
What is a facelift?
A Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is the re-shaping of the facial
skin and neck to reduce the signs of aging by removing excess fat and
tightening underlying the muscles. This can give the skin a more youthful
and refreshed appearance.
Q
How long does the facelift
procedure take?
A On average, it can take two to five hours depending on the
procedures performed. In many cases, other procedures besides the facelift
are done at the same time, which increases the time required.
Q
What type of anesthesia is used?
A Facelifts are usually performed with local
anesthesia. Sedatives are also used to make the patient drowsy. Some
doctors will recommend general anesthesia, especially if the patient is
having multiple procedures at the same time.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has an entire section of
their website devoted to Public Education. It contains a wealth of
information and is recommended reading for anyone considering any
treatment, which involves anesthesia.
Q
How long will the results of a facelift
last?
A No one can say exactly how long it will last. You
cannot stop the hands of time. You will certainly look younger but your
skin will continue to age and gravity will do its job. However, most
people only have one facelift in a lifetime. This too depends on what
procedure you have and at what age.
Q
What is SMAS?
A SMAS is an acronym for superficial
musculoaponuerotic system.
This procedure addresses the various signs of facial aging by lifting the
underlying facial muscles and then pulling the skin back. After the skin
has been pulled up and back, the excess is removed. The skin is then held
closed by staples.
Q
Where are the incisions placed?
A Usually the incision will begin above the
hairline at the temples. They may then extend in front of the ear and
continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. In some cases, if the neck
is being worked on as well, a small incision will be made under the chin.
Following surgery, incisions can be easily concealed by your hair or with
makeup. (Obviously, the makeup tip is aimed at the ladies. That's not to
say that gentlemen can't wear make up... but for the most part, this is a
tip for the girls.)
Q
What will I look like after surgery?
A You will probably have swelling and may even
have some bruising. Some patients also experience some numbing. This will
lessen in time. The bruising can be covered by makeup. The doctor will
advise you on how to do this.
Q
What does a facelift cost?
A The average surgeon fee is about $5,000 (1998
national average). This does not include the hospital fee and anesthesia.
Prices may vary in different parts of the country.
Q
What risks are associated with facelifts?
A Hematoma (a pooling of blood under the skin),
Scarring, Infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia are some of the
basic risks. Although these risks are considered minimal by many, they are
real risks. If you are going to a board-certified plastic and
reconstructive surgeon, your chances of these types of complications may
be lowered. All types of surgery have risks so please speak to a surgeon
about this in detail.
Q
What is a Brow lift or Forehead lift?
A It is
a procedure designed to lift the skin above the eyes to reduce the signs
of aging. It can give you a more youthful look by lessening the appearance
of lines and droopiness in the brow area.
Q
Is there a difference between a brow lift and a
forehead lift?
A No.
Think of them as different terms for the same procedure.
Q
How is it done?
A The skin on
the forehead can be lifted in a more tradition method, which includes
making an incision in the hairline and redraping and lifting the skin to
achieve a smoother look.
There is also a method by which the surgeon can achieve this look by using
an endoscope with just a tiny incision.
Both methods can give excellent results and take years off a persons face.
Your surgeon can decide which method is best for you.
Q
What are the differences between the traditional and
endoscopic techniques?
A 1.
Traditional Brow lift-an incision in the hairline is created and the skin
is then separated from the underlying tissue and the muscle. This skin is
then lifted and the excess is then removed. The incision is closed in the
hairline area with sutures or clips depending on the surgeon's technique
and preference. These will usually remain in place for a week or two.
Balding patients or those with a sparse hairline may in some cases need to
choose a different location for the incision. It is wise to discuss these
options with a surgeon to determine if the scars will be visible.
2. Endoscopic Brow lift-This procedure is performed with an endoscope,
which is a tiny surgical camera. Small holes are made in the hairline area
so the scaring is very minimal. The surgeon then uses the scope with is
attached to a probing devise to lift the skin and the muscle to smooth out
the area. The holes are then also closed with sutures or clips. This
procedure is more advanced so you need to go to a surgeon who specializes
in this type of lift.
An important reminder. Both procedures produce good result but many
surgeons have preferences because that is what works for them. Be sure to
ask the surgeon about all of your options and get more than one opinion so
that you can be an educated patient.
Q
What type of Anesthesia is used?
A This
procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The doctor
will decide what is best. For more information on the topic please see the
ASA. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has an entire section
of their website devoted to Public Education. It contains a wealth of
information and is recommended reading for anyone considering any
treatment, which involves anesthesia.
http://www.asahq.org/PublicEducation/homepage.html
Q
Who can benefit?
A Most
people over the age of 40 can develop hard lines and a drooping look to
their forehead area. This can make a person look angry or sad all the
time. A lift can provide a more alert and youthful look. Although anyone
with this type of problem can benefit from a forehead lift, it is usually
done on patients between the ages of 40-65.
Q
What other procedures are done in conjunction with a
brow lift?
A Many
people will have a face-lift and a brow lift or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
Every patient is different so you need to ask a qualified surgeon what
would be best for you. Be sure to ask the surgeon about all of your
options before deciding.
What
to expect after surgery:
The bandages
post-op are usually described as a mummy-type dressing because the
bandages cover the entire area. These are usually removed the next day.
You may have some discomfort, swelling, numbness and bruising.
Most patients only suffer with minor discomfort, not true pain. The
numbness can last as long as six moths but, most often, feeling in the
forehead area returns sooner.
If there is some bruising it can be covered up with makeup. Have your
doctor advise you on how to do this. Be sure to not apply any make up,
creams, or cleansers without the permission of your surgeon.
You may also be instructed to keep your head elevated for a few days to
minimize swelling.
Some patients may lose some hair in the incision locations but it will
almost always grows back.
Keep in mind that every patient heals differently. It is important to
follow your doctor's guidelines during pre and post op care to insure the
best results possible.
Q
What are the risks?
A
Complications with this procedure are rare but can occur. Scarring,
infection, swelling, numbness and possible loss of ability to raise the
eyebrows or wrinkle the forehead are remote but possible.
Adverse reaction to anesthesia is also a concern with any type of surgery.
If you are going to a board-certified plastic surgeon, your chances of
these types of complications may be lowered.
All types of surgery have risks, so please speak to a surgeon about this
in detail.
Pre-Op Tip List:
If your hair is short you way want to grow it to cover the
incision areas. If you color or perm your hair you may also wish to do
this a few days prior to surgery since it will be a while before you will
be able to do these processes since they may interfere with healing. If
you smoke or drink alcohol you may want to consider stopping. It has been
noted that smoking and alcohol can interfere with the healing process.
Plan on taking some time off from work. Have a friend or family member
pick you up after the surgery. It is also a good idea to have them around
to assist you for the first few days. Prepare meals that are easy to chew
and freeze them. This will ensure that you eat healthy with less effort.
Heavy chewing should be avoided after surgery. Be sure to inform your
surgeon of any medications you are presently taking. It is also important
to find out what to avoid before surgery. Things such as aspirin, garlic
and certain vitamins that are normally harmless should be avoided. Ask you
doctor for a list of these products. Get a list of guidelines you need to
follow and review them before the surgery. If you have any questions be
sure to ask the doctor prior to the surgery
Post-op Tips:
Be patient and get lots of rest so your body will heal. Your
doctor may advise you to sleep with your head elevated. Drains may be
placed in the incision area for the first few days to assist in healing.
Follow the doctor's instructions for cleansing your face. Avoid exposure
to the sun and do not use any tanning beds until the doctor advises that
it is OK.
Avoid strenuous activity such as lifting, yard or housework, sex, aerobic
exercise and other normal activities for a week or two. It is also wise to
not bend over. When picking something up be sure to bend at the knees to
avoid excess pressure on the face.
Do not apply any makeup until the doctor says it is OK. As the incision
heals it may become itchy. Be sure not to give into the urge to scratch
them.
Do not take exceed the recommended dosage of pain pills. Pain pills can
often make you constipated. If this does happen ask the doctor what is
safe to use.
Keep a positive attitude and be realistic. Recovery may take time so read
some good books and rest.
It is normal to feel depressed after surgery because you are not feeling
well and you are not seeing the result you desire at this point. Be aware
of this and know it will just take time.
Warning signs-
- Fever over 102 degrees.
- Extreme swelling or redness.
- Extreme pain
Be sure to contact your doctor if anything does not seem right. It is
always better to be safe
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