Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Eye Surgery Services Baltimore Blepharoplasty Specialists

Our oculoplastic eye surgeons perform eyelid plastic surgery for patients who experience impaired vision because of drooping eyelids or want to look younger and less tired. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, will improve the appearance of your eye area by removing excess skin and fatty deposits. The procedure can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids.

Drooping Eyelids

As we age, it is very common for skin on and around your face and eyes to start sagging or dropping. Because the skin muscles in the eyelid areas are much more thin than the other facial skin, it is understandable why eyelid skin may start to droop. Of course cigarette smoking and overexposure to the sun’s UV radiation will worsen this condition. As your eye muscles weaken the skin around the eyelids will start to form bags and will begin sagging. Many people do not like this because it makes them look old and tired. Dulaney Eye Institute does offer cosmetic eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) for patients hoping to look and see well. By rejuvenating the eyelids, patients look more alert, less tired, and refreshed. In some cases, drooping eyelids become a medical issue and can obstruct vision. In these cases, insurance may cover the cost of the eyelid surgery.

Blepharoplasty

Every year, thousands of men and women choose blepharoplasty to improve their vision and the way they look. Droopy eyelids can make you appear older and can also impair vision. Blepharoplasty corrects these problems and also removes puffiness and bags around your eyes that make you look worn and tired. Successful facial plastic surgery will involve a good rapport between a patient and the surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery. Your surgeon can answer specific questions about your specific needs. As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Blepharoplasty removes the excess fat, muscle, and skin from both upper and lower lids. The results can be a rejuvenated appearance, with a younger, firmer eye area. People with circulatory, ophthalmological, or serious medical conditions must rely on the diagnostic skills of their own surgeon to determine whether blepharoplasty is an option to consider. Whether the surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified surgeon is of great importance. The patient must also make the commitment to follow the pre-surgical and post-operative instructions of the surgeon. During the pre-surgical consultation, you will be examined or asked to answer questions concerning vision, tear production, use of lenses, and your desires for surgery. Your surgeon will explain what you can expect from blepharoplasty and take a complete medical history. Factors to be weighed include age, skin type, ethnic background, and degree of vision obstruction. Furthermore, you can expect an open and honest exchange between you and your surgeon, which will establish the basis for a successful outcome.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

In upper eyelid surgery, the surgeon first marks the individual lines and creases of the lids in order to keep the scars as invisible as possible along these natural folds. The incision is made, and excess fat, muscle, and loose skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions, thereby minimizing the visibility of any scar.

LOWER EYELID SURGERY

In lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon makes the incision in an inconspicuous site along the lash line and smile creases of the lower lid. Excess fat, muscle, and skin are then trimmed away before the incision is closed with fine sutures. Eyelid puffiness caused primarily by excess fat may be corrected by a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The incision, in this case, is made inside the lower eyelid, and excess fatty material is removed. When sutures are used to close this kind of incision, they are invisible to the eye. They are also self-dissolving and leave no visible scar. Under normal conditions, blepharoplasty can take from one to two hours.

AFTER BLEPHAROPLASTY

Immediately after the surgery has been completed, your surgeon may apply tiny sterile bandages. This is not done for transconjunctival blepharoplasty. It is not crucial that the eyes be covered. However, an ointment to prevent dryness of the eye area may be used. A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing and relieve discomfort. Your surgeon will prescribe medication for discomfort. For a week and a half following blepharoplasty, you will clean the eye area (the eyes may feel sticky, dry, and itchy). Eye-drops may be recommended. Your surgeon will also list activities and environments to avoid in the weeks immediately following surgery. Permanent stitches will be removed in three to five days after surgery. Self-absorbing stitches will dissolve on their own.

INSURANCE AS IT PERTAINS TO EYELID SURGERY

Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve vision or surgery for eye deformity or injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage. Many eyelid surgery patients, who might not realize their eyelids were obstructing their vision, are amazed how eyelid surgery can open their visual field. As a bonus, eyelid surgery will enhance a more youthful appearance (making you look as young as you feel).

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