Aging is a gradual process and no one can be exempted from this. Aging signs start appearing around our eyes first. Why? Because the skin around our eyes is thin as compared to the rest of the face and body. One will start noticing fine lines, loose and sagging upper lids, puffy eyes, and undereye bags. This is because the tissues lose elasticity over time and separate under the skin. As the skin is thin in this area, veins and scattered muscles are prominently visible.

Today we are always on the go, hardly getting enough sleep and rest. This can trigger premature aging of our skin. Blue light from the TV, computer and mobile screens as well as the lack of sleep put a lot of strain on our eyes, causing dark circles, under eye bags, and crow's feet. These often give a tired and dull appearance to the entire face.

Eyelid Surgery by Dr. Sharmistha Bhattacharyya is the key to getting a more relaxed, refreshed and rested look. Blepharoplasty Surgery is also commonly known as eyelid or eyelid lift surgery. The eyelid surgery is beneficial in treating sagging skin on the upper eyelids, puffy upper and lower eyelids or presence of deep grooves under the eyes.

When to consider Blepharoplasty?

Procedure

Blepharoplasty can be performed on either upper eyelids or lower eyelids or both based on the pre-evaluation factors and patient expectations.

The surgery is planned and based on the patients:

• Underlying muscles and facial structure.
• Bone structure.
• The symmetry of the eyebrows.

Surgeons make precise markings to designate where excess skin, underlying muscle, and fat pads need to be removed. Photographs are taken before the surgery.

These are removed with scalpels, surgical scissors, radio-frequency cutting devices and sometimes cutting lasers. Sutures are placed carefully to smooth areas around the eyebrows and eyelids.

Surgeons have to be precise while removing excess skin because over-excision or under-excision both can deteriorate the end results.

Procedure Duration

This takes about 2-3 hours to complete. As this is done as an outpatient procedure, patients can go home after a few hours of the surgery. Patients should have someone to accompany them and drop them home after the procedure.

After Eyelid surgery, what will my surgical incisions and scars look like?

Incisions are made in the natural fold for the upper eyelid surgery. Dr. Sharmistha Bhattacharyya performs a Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty for the lower eyelids to remove eye bags from the inner side of eyelids. There are no stitches or scars in this case. In the other technique, the incision is made just under the lash line. There are no visible scars. Post Operative scars fade over time and are hidden in the eye folds and the lash line.

Risks

Thousands of people around the globe have Eyelid Surgery in a day. And they are quite happy with their results and recover comfortably. However, when the surgery is done without proper training and aftercare then it can cause:

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Infection
• Blood Clotting
• Blurry vision
• Damage from excessive sun exposure
• Itchiness around the eye area
• Muscle damage
• Visible Scars

It is important that you give details of your medical history and other eye infections you might be suffering from. This will help to avoid complications during & after the surgery.

Possible Side Effects

A temporary side effect of eyelid surgery is the inability to close your eyelids completely. There can be dryness in the eyes. Doctors often prescribe drops to keep the eyes lubricated after the surgery. But as the eyelids heal this problem subsides in a few weeks.

Recovery

There can be mild discomfort during the recovery period. If the pain is severe or you develop a blurry vision, consult your surgeon immediately. Sutures are removed after 5 days from the surgery.