How Does Blepharoplasty Work?

As we grow older, the shape of the tissue around our eyes changes. We might start to experience some sagging skin, increased laxity in the muscle, and too much fat. Many people also struggle with bags under their eyes, which can appear due to genetic factors, because of excess stress, or after a long period of suboptimal sleep. Here at ICT Eye and Beautiful Eyes in Wichita, KS, we can perform eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty Wichita KS, to solve these issues.

This procedure can help to rejuvenate your facial features, thereby not only making you appear years younger but also much more alert and awake. What’s more, it can prevent you from losing your eyesight if your upper eyelid is drooping into your eyes. Let’s have a closer look at how the procedure is performed and what you can expect both before and after treatment.

How Does Blepharoplasty Wichita KS Work?

When you begin to notice changes to the area around your eyelids, you should get in touch with a doctor sooner rather than later. Having surgery early could be easier because the intervention will be smaller and less invasive. You can start by booking your initial consultation here at the clinic with Dr. Burgoyne, who will analyze your cosmetic or medical concern and let you know whether eyelid surgery is the best option for you.

To make sure your outcome is satisfactory, we will discuss your desired results and plan which tissues will be removed or reshaped. Once a final decision has been made, we can book you in for your surgery. Your specialist will tell you what you need to do beforehand to ensure a smooth treatment and how you can optimize your recovery process and results.

Before the Procedure

Eyelid surgery is an invasive procedure, so we need to thoroughly check your medical record before approving you for this treatment. During your initial consultation, you should bring all information regarding past and current medications and interventions. If you take blood-thinning drugs or supplements, you will need to pause them temporarily because they could complicate the procedure.

We will also conduct a physical examination that might include measuring certain parts of your eyelids and testing your tear production. What’s more, a vision examination will be necessary, particularly if you are hoping to make an insurance claim. Prior to the operation, we will take photographs of your eyes from different angles, so you’ll be able to evaluate the success of your surgeon’s work.

During Surgery

On the day of your procedure, you will come to the clinic and have numbing agent applied to your face. In most cases, blepharoplasty in Wichita KS is performed on an outpatient basis, so you won’t need full anesthesia or an overnight stay at the hospital. However, we do anesthetize the area around your eyes to make the treatment pain-free for you. We may also administer some intravenous medication, which will help take the stress out of the treatment.

While some people have surgery on both the upper and lower eyelids, others only have one or the other. Your surgeon will carefully cut the tissue and redistribute and remove excess skin and fat. If there is also a problem with the muscle around your eyes, they will re-shape it. Then, they will carefully close the cut and allow you to go into a recovery room.

Recovering from Your Operation

Depending on the length of your operation and how comfortable you feel, you can go home within a few hours. However, you’ll be given certain instructions to follow as you recover. Always use the ointments we recommend because they are designed specifically for people who have had eyelid surgery. You can apply ice to the area and should clean it carefully on a daily basis to prevent infection.

For several days after the operation, you will need to avoid rubbing your eyes, smoking, and strenuous physical exercise that causes you to strain. During the night, you will most likely be asked to sleep with your head raised on a tall pillow. If you go outside, you have to wear tinted sunglasses that protect you from sunlight and wind. In some cases, you’ll need to come back to the clinic a few days after your operation to have the stitches removed.

Are the Results Permanent?

The vast majority of our patients are extremely pleased with the results of the surgery, and they can see a significant change to the way the area around their eyes looks. Those who had trouble seeing because their eyelid was droopy experience increased vision and therefore an augmented quality of life. Others notice that they appear younger and more awake.

In some cases, the results from eyelid surgery can last for the rest of the patient’s life, but in other cases, the droopy eyelids return. This could be because of the natural aging process or because of lifestyle factors. To maintain the best results possible, you should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, stop smoking, and live healthily by getting plenty of exercise and eating nutritionally balanced meals.

Who Can Benefit from Eyelid Surgery?

Not everyone who suffers from cosmetic concerns is a good candidate for eyelid surgery, and you will need to speak to your surgeon before being approved for the procedure. At the clinic, we will accept you for an operation if you are concerned about the look and feel of your face or if you are experiencing vision problems as a result of your eyelid shape.

We will also make sure that you are in good general health because we want the surgery to be as safe as possible. By being honest with us and disclosing all medical information, you can make sure you aren’t putting yourself at risk.

Your Eyelids Changed Due to Aging

The primary reason why people would like to undergo Blepharoplasty in Wichita KS is because they are experiencing a cosmetic concern related to their eyes. They might look older than they actually are, or they may appear constantly tired. This can be extremely discouraging and affect a patient’s self-esteem, so we are happy to approve eyelid surgery in such cases. When you come to speak to us, we can assess whether the damage you’ve experienced warrants surgery.

You Have Trouble Seeing

Some of the most successful operations are on people who have trouble seeing because their upper eyelid covers their eyes. This can be extremely distressing and cause a number of issues. For instance, you can’t drive well when you aren’t able to see, so you might have to give up your license unless you can have the issue fixed.

Fortunately, eyelid surgery is a reasonably straightforward and quick procedure. For people with severe eyelid problems, it can improve their quality of life and allow them to participate in all the activities they loved before they developed the problem.

You Are in Good Health

As discussed, we will ask you for your medical records when you come to us for the first time. This is to ensure that the surgery will be safe for you and that we won’t be putting your health at risk. Because eyelid surgery doesn’t require a general anesthetic, most people will be eligible for it. However, if you are currently suffering from an illness like cancer or serious circulatory disease, you might need to look for an alternative.

Similarly, current or past problems with your eyes could preclude you from taking part. Issues like dry eyes or active infections are always a contraindication and need to be resolved before we can proceed. This is why you will be tested thoroughly prior to being booked in for surgery.

Restore Your Beautiful Eye Shape Now

If your eyelids have changed as a result of the natural aging process or due to an illness, you should come to the clinic and speak to us. Although blepharoplasty Wichita KS is often a cosmetic intervention, it can also prevent vision trouble by removing tissue that droops into your eyes. Our experts can discuss with you whether you are a good candidate and what to expect from surgery.

In most cases, the procedure is quite straightforward, and you can recover in your own home. Once you have had eyelid surgery, your results are permanent, so you can enjoy a bright, open look for the rest of your life. Get in touch with us now at ICT Eye and Beautiful Eyes in Wichita, KS to book your initial consultation with us. Dr. Burgoyne will be more than happy to welcome you to the clinic and help you figure out the best way forward.