Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Ottawa
The importance of the eyes and eyelid surgery
The area around the eyes (peri-orbital area) is one of the first places in the face that we see signs of aging. Combined with the fact that this area is the first place people look at when they meet us, this makes the area around the eyes one of the most important in the maintenance of a youthful appearing face. When the eyelid skin sags or there are bags under the eyes, it can make a person look tired. It can make the eyes appear smaller, and the eyes can feel heavy. In severe cases, the sagging skin can obstruct your vision, making you compensate for this by having to lift up your head or forehead to be able to see. Eyelid surgery is one of the best initial ways to improve the appearance of facial aging.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
Surgery for the eyelids can address either the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. Aging of the eyes can include sagging and wrinkling of the skin, sagging of muscles around the eyes, or puffiness and protruding fat pockets around the eyes. Eyelid aging is different in different people and can include one, two, or all of these components. Surgery of the eyelids addresses each of these problems if they exist. It is important to have a consultation with a facial specialist such as Dr. Javidnia to determine if brow lifting is also necessary to achieve your desired results as often the brow and eyelids age at the same time.
How the surgery is done
Eyelid surgery is most often done with local anesthetic unless it is done in combination with other facial surgery for which general anesthesia is already being used. Dr. Javidnia performs most blepharoplasty surgeries at our onsite state of the art private surgical facility. For the upper eyelids, an incision is made in the crease above the eyelids which is very well hidden in this area. For the lower eyelids, the incision is made either on the inside, or in the line just below the lashes. Again, these incisions are either hidden or hardly noticeable. Through the incisions extra fat and muscle are removed or repositioned as necessary, extra skin is removed and very fine sutures are placed. Surgery for the eyelids can take between 1-2 hours depending on the different components involved, and if both upper and lower eyelids are being addressed at the same time. Eyelid surgery is a day surgery where patients go home after they have recovered from anesthesia.
After Surgery
Eyelid surgery usually involves minimal post-operative pain and quick healing. Bruising and puffiness of the eyes can be expected after surgery which are at their worst the day after surgery and continue for 3-7 days. We recommend regular application of cold compresses and keeping your head elevated as much as possible. If you wear contact lenses, we ask that you keep them out of your eyes for 1 week after surgery. The eyes can be dry, or there may be excess tearing, and blurry vision for a few days after surgery. Most symptoms and bruising resolve by one week after surgery and work and regular daily activities can be resumed at this point.
