Eyelid Surgery & Cosmetics
Non-invasive therapies
Non-invasive treatments are numerous and include such options as light emission treatments, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. Light emission treatments use a variety of wavelengths of light to reduce wrinkles and pigmentation while improving skin tone and texture. Chemical peels utilize various types and concentrations of chemical substances to improve skin texture, decrease pigmentation and decrease wrinkles. Trichloroacetic acid and glycolic acid are two commonly used chemical peel agents. Microdermabrasion mechanically removes the most superficial layer of the skin, while dermabrasion also affects a deeper portion of the skin.
Injectible therapies
Botulinum toxin, or BOTOX® as the most popular form of the protein is known, is an agent that inhibits muscle contraction, thereby preventing unwanted wrinkles from appearing. It is commonly used cosmetically to treat frown lines in between the eyebrows, smile lines at the edges of the eyelids, horizontal wrinkles across the base of the nose and wrinkles in the forehead. BOTOX® is also used for a wide variety of other purposes. The effects of BOTOX® are temporary as the nerves affected regenerate their ability to communicate after a period of approximately three months. BOTOX® treatments are done in the office without the need for any anesthesia. A treatment involves several injections into specific muscles using a very small needle. Most patients say the injection feels like a small pinch and any discomfort is minimal. Results are visible in as little as two to seven days. Periodic treatments with BOTOX® are needed to prevent reappearance of the unwanted wrinkles.
The lower eyelids are often affected by bulging of the soft tissues, causing a lumpy appearance and altered contour. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty often involves repositioning the soft tissues with minimal removal of excess skin. Lower eyelid skin tone can often be improved with noninvasive treatments.
The cheek area, often referred to as the midface, can also sag or droop as the attachments to the facial bones lengthen with time. Tightening these connections lifts the cheek and restores a more youthful contour.
Blepharoplasty can be performed using a skin incision or an incision through the mucous membrane of the eyelid (the conjunctiva). If a skin incision is planned, precise measurements and skin markings are made prior to beginning the procedure. No surgical markings are needed for an incision made through the conjunctiva. Local anesthetic is then injected and the surgical site is washed with a sterile cleanser. A plastic contact lens may be placed on the eye for protection during surgery. Once the surgical site is anesthetized, the initial incision is made.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
In upper eyelid blepharoplasty, soft tissue removal is performed using a heated cautery needle or scissors depending on the tissue type and the surgeon’s preference. Pinpoint bleeding is controlled using cautery or a chemical clotting agent. Most surgeons recommend sutures (stitches) to close the operative site. In many cases the sutures used will dissolve over time, though occasionally removal is needed.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty often uses an incision made through the conjunctiva. The protruding, fatty tissue of the lower lid is removed or sculpted. Once tissue is removed or repositioned, stitches may be placed to close the operative site. If redundant skin is present, a thin strip just below the eyelashes may be excised.
Post-Surgery
At the completion of surgery, antibiotic ointment is typically applied over any incisions. Ice pack compresses are recommended for the first two days to limit swelling. Warm compresses are used thereafter to aid in resolution of bruising. Discomfort is usually minimal and controlled by over the counter medicines such as acetaminophen. Brief follow up postoperative appointments are generally made a week and two months after surgery, though additional visits may be requested if needed
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