If you are concerned about signs of aging around the eyes, such as excess skin that hoods your eyes or creates bags under your eyes, you may wish to consider an eyelid surgery with Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
A cosmetic eyelid surgery is called a blepharoplasty.
Dr. Mouchantat of Denver can use blepharoplasty to correct:
- Puffiness and bags beneath the eyes
- Excess skin and tissue above the eyes
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
Eyelid surgery can help correct fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes when excess skin is removed and the skin in the eye area is tightened.
Eyelid Surgery Options
You can choose to have eyelid surgery to correct excess skin and tissue above the eyes, underneath the eyes, or on both the upper and lower eye area.
If Dr. Mouchantat is performing an eyelid surgery to correct the area beneath your eyes, he can make the incision on the inside of the eyelid or on the outside of your lower eyelid near your lash line.
The Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Eyelid surgery is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. For an upper blepharoplasty, to correct the appearance of skin and tissue above your eyes, Dr. Mouchantat will make an incision above your eyelid. For a lower blepharoplasty, he will make an incision inside the lower eyelid or on the bottom eyelid near the lash line.
From this incision point, Dr. Mouchantat will access the fat deposits around the eyes through the muscle wall. He will remove fat deposits and excess skin. Once excess skin and fat are removed from the eye area, he will close the incisions.
Blepharoplasty: Pre-operative Instructions
Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal medications or vitamin E for 14 days prior to surgery. It is OK to have a light breakfast before surgery.
Have your prescriptions filled before the day of surgery and take your pre-op medication as directed. Review the medication information and instructions for use from your pharmacy prior to taking medications.
Take Arnica Montana as directed on the package starting 7 days pre-op and for 1-2 weeks post op.
Prepare some small bags with frozen peas or crushed ice for use post-operatively.
Wear comfortable clothing that does not pull over your head and slip on shoes on the day of surgery.
Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure and have someone stay with you for at least the first day.
Post-operative (after surgery) Instructions
Rest with your head supported in an elevated position, such as in a recliner. Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated on several pillows as well.
Have a non-strenuous activity level, no bending, straining or lifting. Walking is fine for a few minutes at a time. Don’t bend over to tie shoes, etc.
Use ice packs for 20 minutes of each hour that you are awake and the refrigerated cool gel pad for another 20 minutes of each hour while awake.
Clean your wounds at the suture line using a Q-tip with hydrogen peroxide diluted in half with water twice a day. Apply the Bacitracin Ophthalmic ointment to the suture line after cleaning; it is not necessary to put it in your eye but safe if it touches your eyes. It is safe to shower in 24 hours if your eyes are closing well and do not let the shower spray your face directly.
Suture removal is usually done in stages and complete within one week. You can expect swelling and discomfort in the first couple of days after surgery. Resolution of swelling and bruising is usually complete by three weeks from surgery. If you are experiencing increasing pain or pressure in an eye or visual changes please call immediately.
Learn More About Eyelid Surgery in Denver
Are you interested in eyelid surgery? If you wish to learn more, contact Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat. We encourage you to schedule a consultation today.
