The following is information regarding blepharoplasty surgery which is important to review, understand and discuss with family and/or friends before choosing to proceed with this surgery.
GOALS OF BLEPHAROPLASTY
The purpose of blepharoplasty surgery is to reduce excessive skin wrinkles, folds and “bags” in the upper and lower eyelid skin. This is intended to produce a less tired, more youthful appearance. In any given patient, these goals may be only partially met.
LIMITATIONS OF THE PROCEDURE
This procedure will not recreate younger skin nor will it correct sagging brows, wrinkles lateral to the eyelids (crows feet), frown lines or asymmetry between the two sides which was present prior to surgery. In addition, the surgery will not prevent future aging which will eventually cause a return of some or all of the preoperative symptoms.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROCEDURE
The conditions noted above are a natural consequence of aging and without surgery will usually progress. In some patients this can lead to a decrease in vision due to mechanical obstruction of the eyelids. Some wrinkling of the upper or lower eyelids can be improved through procedures which “peel” the upper layers of the skin. This will not effect the underlying bags nor will it reduce the excessive overhanging skin. The upper eyelids and lower eyelids can be operated on simultaneously or in separate procedures. Generally, to avoid multiple anesthetics, the upper and lower eyelids are done simultaneously. This also tends to balance the aesthetic result following surgery. In some instances, eyelid surgery may be combined with other procedures such as face and forehead lifts, peels, etc.
RISKS / COMPLICATIONS
Surgical complications accompanying this procedure consist primarily of bleeding which may lead to swelling and tension of the eyelids. If a significant collection of blood forms, there may be pressure on the eyeball itself, which can lead to decreased vision or, in very rare instances, permanent visual loss (blindness).
Should significant bleeding occur, a second operative procedure may be required to remove the sutures in the eyelid and evacuate the underlying blood collection. Discoloration and swelling are normal following this procedure and persist for a variable period of time, usually 1-3 weeks. In some instances, the blood pigment from the bruising may permanently discolor the lower eyelid skin causing a slight darkening of the skin. The incisions in the eyelid usually heal very well and are nearly invisible after 6-12 months. In some patients there may be thickening of the scar, lumpiness of the scar, small cysts within the scar deformity of the eyelid secondary to
scarring.
Secondary surgical procedures such as skin grafts may be required to correct the lid deformity. In some patients there may be persistent dryness of the eyes due to interference with tear formation or drainage, corneal abrasions or irritation or eyelid deformity leading to incomplete eyelid closure. Eye muscle imbalance can also occur after eyelid surgery. Infection is quite rare, but should it occur, this may require outpatient or in hospital antibiotic treatment.
Even though the risks and complications cited above occur infrequently, they are the ones that are peculiar to the operation or of greatest concern -- other complications and risks can occur, but are even more uncommon. Any and all of the risks and complications can result in:
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Additional surgery
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Time off work
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Hospitalization
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Expense to you
On occasion, surgical revisions may be indicated following the original surgery. If planned or performed within one year after the original surgery and if insurance does not cover these revisions, there will be no charge by the surgeon, but a facility fee will be charged by the hospital for use of the operating room as well as a fee from the anesthesiologist.
NO GUARANTEE -- The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there cannot be any guarantee nor warranty expressed or implied by anyone as to the results that may be obtained.
COMMENTS
If a smoker -- must be off cigarettes for three weeks before surgery and for three weeks after surgery. There is a much greater risk for scarring, poor healing, hair loss and skin loss in smokers.
Must be off all aspirin containing products for three weeks before surgery and three weeks after surgery. (Check all medications with us. Some medications such as Motrin and Advil also affect clotting).
If there is any item on this consultation sheet that you do not understand, please call our office. An explanation or additional information will be provided.
Our aesthetic coordinator, Ms. Connie Chudoff is available for any questions. Ms. Chudoff can be reached in the Voorhees office at 856-325-6768.