Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, corrects sagging of the eyelid
Eyelid ptosis, or sagging of the eyelid, is a common problem that results in aesthetic and functional implications. Ptosis can cause the eyelid to partially or completely cover the eye, impeding one’s field of vision. It affects both children and adults.
BENEFITS OF PTOSIS REPAIR
Ptosis repair is a highly delicate and specialized procedure. This surgery can eliminate the following:
- Impaired vision
- An aged appearance or a constantly fatigued look
- Headaches due to strain of muscles above the eyes
- Tilting the head to be able to see better
- A feeling of heaviness in the eyelids
- Constant raising of the eyebrows
IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR EYELID PTOSIS
You are an ideal candidate for ptosis repair if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Are a non-smoker
- Are happy and well-adjusted overall
- Have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure
PREPARATION FOR YOUR PROCEDURE
Avoid taking blood thinners such as ibuprofen, Ginkoba, aspirin, and vitamin E. If you are facing any chronic eye problems, they should be treated before the surgery. Your medical history and any medications that you might be taking will be reviewed by the doctor. Avoid eating after midnight prior to the surgery. Also, take a shower before the treatment, as this will reduce the chances of an infection.
PTOSIS REPAIR
- Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is administered to the patient before the surgery. Only minimal intravenous sedation is done, as the surgeon needs to know how much to lift the eyelids.
- Ptosis Repair
If there is a need to perform eyebrow elevation, it is done before ptosis repair. An incision is then made on the upper eyelid, and the muscle that must be elevated is identified and tightened. The surgeon will ask the patient to sit upright during the surgery to assess the position of the muscle and the eyelid and how it responds to gravity. If unsatisfactory, the muscles and eyelids will be adjusted accordingly. Loose excess drooping skin is also excised during this step.
- Closing Incision
After the surgery has been completed, the incision is closed with the help of very small dissolvable surgical sutures.
THE RECOVERY PROCESS
Once the surgery has been successfully completed, you will be allowed to go home. The doctor will recommend applying antibiotic ointments and a cold compress. Apply ice on your eyelids every 20 minutes, making sure the ice does not have direct contact with the skin.
Make sure that whenever you are reclined, your head is above your heart. This will reduce swelling. At night, sleep with an elevated head with the help of pillows.
Avoid rubbing your eyes as much as possible. After two to three days, you will notice a reduction in swelling. As the stitches dissolve and healing takes place, there may be an itching sensation. Alleviate the sensation with the help of cold compresses rather than scratching.
You can get back to normal activities after a week. It is important to note that the longer you wait for the healing process to take place, the better the results. The doctor will also schedule follow-ups to monitor your situation. You will be noticing improvements as every day passes by.
CONTACT US FOR A PTOSIS REPAIR CONSULTATION
To address your sagging upper eyelids with ptosis repair blepharoplasty surgery, contact our office and arrange a consultation. We serve clients from Savannah, Hilton Head and surrounding areas. Dr. Minton is a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with years of experience.