Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the upper or lower eyelids, or both. As you age, the skin and tissues around your eyes will become thinner, and gravity provides the downward pull to create sagging, excess skin. You may feel that you have become permanently tired-looking, especially if you have developed bags under your eyes. In many cases, the problem is purely cosmetic, but for some people, their field of vision will become restricted due to excess tissues keeping the upper eyelids from opening fully.
Whether you are sick of always looking tired or are noticing difficulty looking up, investigate your options by setting up a consultation with Dr. Percy Lo, our board-certified plastic surgeon at Allure Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery. He is a knowledgeable facial plastic surgeon and can help determine whether eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in St. Petersburg is the right choice to address your problems.
The word blepharoplasty covers a variety of surgical procedures involving the eyelids. Depending on the changes you have experienced, you may need modifications to both eyelids or only to your upper or lower eyelids.
An upper blepharoplasty can address eyelid ptosis, when your upper eyelid droops over your eye. It can include the excision of excess eyelid skin and the removal of excess fat in your upper eyelid area. If part of the reason for your drooping upper eyelids is that muscle fibers that would normally help open your eye have become detached, repair of the muscle can be included. This surgery can help you see more of your normal field of vision, which was being blocked by your lax upper eyelid and excess tissue.
A lower blepharoplasty can help correct undereye bags and sagging lower lids. With minor repositioning and removal of excess fat and skin, your lower eyelids can return to a more youthful appearance. A canthopexy or canthoplasty may be included in lower eyelid surgery. This procedure involves anchoring the outer corner of your eye to the underlying structures to help prevent new sagging in the future.
During an initial consultation, our experienced St. Petersburg plastic surgeon, Dr. Lo, can provide an examination and discuss your goals to determine which blepharoplasty procedure is right for you.
There are a few things you need to know before your eyelid surgery. You will not be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks, possibly longer, so be sure you have useable eyeglasses. You must also stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery and remain smoke-free through your post-op recovery time.
Our St. Petersburg eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure. Anesthesia is usually local anesthetics combined with IV sedation. Dr. Lo will explain your options at your pre-operative appointment. You should not drive yourself home because using your eyes will be somewhat compromised immediately after the procedure.
Swelling will likely occur in the areas where surgery was performed. If the swelling completely impairs your ability to see, you must contact our office immediately. Careful use of a cold pack and keeping your head elevated can help keep swelling to a minimum.
Post-operative pain is routinely minimal, so it can be addressed by taking over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen. The cold pack you use to help keep swelling down will also help decrease pain.
As with any surgery, there are risks. Our knowledgeable staff will instruct you on what to watch for concerning infection.
The final results of your St. Petersburg eyelid surgery will emerge as swelling subsides, which will take time. Your results are expected to be permanent, but over time, your face will continue to age. You should be careful with skincare around your eyes and avoid sun exposure as much as possible by wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.
If you feel that eyelid surgery is something you may need, you should set up an appointment with Dr. Percy Lo. You can discuss your concerns and have all your questions answered. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in St. Petersburg could be exactly what you need to improve your appearance or your ability to see your entire field of vision. Call our office today to learn more.
