Permanent Link to Do you have heavy eyelids? Need a lift..

p>You can consider having an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty if you have heavy eyelids obstructing your vision. You can also have the surgery to improve your appearance. Your droopy eyes resulting from aging, hereditary factors or disease can be corrected with the procedure. Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Bloch carries out this procedure for both men and women with realistic goals, good health and with a positive outlook towards the procedure. The eyelid surgery does not lift saggy eyebrows or remove wrinkles under eyes and dark under-eye circles. Blepharoplasty can however be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as laser resurfacing, facelifts or brow lifts to treat other problem areas.

Preparing for eyelid surgery

In preparing for eyelid surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Eyelid surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, outpatient or licensed ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Steps for an eye lift procedure

Dr. Bloch will give you medications before an eyelid lift procedure to help you relax. The following procedure is used in blepharoplasty:

• Area around your eye is injected with numbing medicine
• Tiny incisions are made in the eyelids folds or natural creases
• Extra fat and loose skin are removed
• Eyelid muscles are tightened
• Incisions are then closed up with sutures after surgery is over
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• After the Procedure

You can usually go home the day of surgery. Arrange ahead of time for an adult to drive you home.

Before you leave, the doctor or nurse will cover your eyes and eyelids with ointment and a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the numbing medicine wears off. The discomfort is easily controlled with pain medicine.

• Keep your head raised as much as possible for several days. Place cold packs over the area to reduce swelling and bruising. Wrap the cold pack in a towel before applying. This helps prevent cold injury of the eyes and skin.
• Your doctor may recommend eyedrops to reduce burning or itching.
• You should be able to see well after 2 to 3 days. Do not wear contact lenses for at least 2 weeks. Keep activities to a minimum for 3 to 5 days, and avoid strenuous activities that raise the blood pressure for about 3 weeks. This includes lifting, bending, and rigorous sports.

Your doctor will remove the stitches 2 to 7 days after surgery. You will have some bruising, which may last 2 to 4 weeks. You may notice increased tears, feeling more sensitive to light and wind, and blurring or double vision for the first few weeks.

Eyelid lift risks

Like most plastic surgeries, an eyelid lift has its own risks and complications. Dr. Bloch will discuss most of these with you upon your consent during your consultation. Some of the common risks include:

• Anesthesia effects
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Temporary swelling on eyelids
• Bruising
• Scarring
• Blurred or double vision
• Slow healing
• Tiny whiteheads formations after removal of stitches

Other problems with blepharoplasty which are however rare include loss of vision or eye damage. Sometimes closing eyes when sleeping may be difficult but this rarely occurs permanently. Seeking professional services from board-certified plastic surgeons will reduce the occurrence of most of these risks and give you good results.