PROCEDURES

FACE

INDICATIONS

Blepharoplasty is usually sought by people looking to reverse the effects of aging. Excess or sagging skin around the eyes is a normal consequence of aging, but one may consider eyelid surgery if these effects are troubling or bothersome. In certain cases, blepharoplasty is performed for non-cosmetic reasons. You might be a good candidate in this case, if your vision is affected by droopy skin. Some individuals report that vision when looking upwards is blocked by the excess skin.

PROCEDURE

A blepharoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis, under local anaesthesia and/or sedation. This enables rapid discharge and return home. Dr Sofianos will inject a numbing agent into the skin of your eyelids. The first step is to address the upper eyelids. Dr Sofianos, after careful and meticulous marking, will make an incision remove excess skin, as well as muscle and in some cases, fat. Some of these tissues might be moved to other areas surrounding the eye before the incision is closed.

The lower eyelid usually involves removal and/or redistribution of fat, which contributes to the bags under one's eyes, as well as sometimes removing some skin. The incision to access the fat is either on the inside of the eyelid or on the external skin, under the lower eyelashes, as determined by Dr Sofianos. The lower lid may also be tightened or secured to the bony skeleton around the eye, if it is lax and to prevent complications postoperatively.

RECOVERY

Recovery from blepharoplasty is relatively short compared with other types of surgeries. Immediately after the procedure, topical antibiotic ointment is applied. Eye patches are usually not necessary. Postoperatively, you will be monitored for adverse reactions and, unless there are any complications, you will go home the same day.

It is very important to rest for a few days immediately following blepharoplasty surgery. Swelling and pain may occur for the first few days. On the first and second postoperative days, you should apply cold packs every few hours you are awake, for approximately 15 minutes at a time. The ice should reduce swelling and keep bruising to a minimum. 

Dr Sofianos will instruct you about pain medication, if needed. Most times only non-prescription pain relievers are required and narcotic medications are rarely necessary.

Sensitivity to light and blurry vision can also occur in the short-term. Please let Dr Sofianos know if these symptoms last longer than two days. If pain is severe or vision changes occur, call Dr Sofianos immediately.

Do not wear contact lenses for two weeks following surgery; ensure you have an alternative, such as prescription glasses, on hand.

Often the sutures used for blepharoplasty dissolve on their own but if non-dissolving sutures are used, these are removed at about a week after the surgery.

For more information or prices for blepharoplasty Johannesburg, please get in touch with our office.

 

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