Blepharoplasty

Aging may lead to sagging eyebrows, bags under the eyes, and droopy upper eyelids. Severe sagging of skin around the eyes may cause reduced peripheral or side vision, especially in the outer and upper parts of the visual field. The surgery will also give a younger and more alert appearance to the eyes.

Purpose:

Blepharoplasty is recommended in the following cases:

Know More About Surgery
  1. Physical examination: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and also evaluate your overall physical health. The doctor will also check the frequency of eyelid drooping and also ask you how long it has been happening.
  2. Slit lamp exam: This test involves the use of high-intensity light to check the internal structure of the eye.
  3. Tensilon test: This test involves the use of Tensilon (edrophonium drug) to check if you have myasthenia gravis (the weakness and quick fatigue of the muscles under voluntary control), which could be a potential cause of blepharoplasty.
  4. Complete eye exam: The doctor will check the production of tears and measure the different parts of the eyelids.
  5. Visual field testing: This test is performed to check if there are any blind spots in the corners of the eyes.
  6. Eyelid photography: Photos of the eyes are taken from different angles to help in planning the surgery and documenting if there is any medical reason for the condition, which may help in supporting an insurance claim.
  • The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, that is, the eye region is numbed using anesthesia.
  • Sometimes, the procedure may be performed under IV or intravenous (injected directly into the vein) sedation.
  • The surgeon will make a small incision (cut) near the upper eyelid to remove the excess skin, fat, and muscles from the eyelids.
  • Some tissues may be moved to other areas before the incision is closed.
  • If the surgery is being performed on the lower eyelid, most fat tissues will be removed, as they contribute to the under-eye bags.
  • A small quantity of skin tissue may also be removed from the internal side of the eyelid or the external side underneath the lower eyelash.
  • In certain cases, the lower eyelid is secured to the bony skeleton.
  • Once the surgeon achieves the desired results, the incisions will be closed using sutures (stitches) or skin glue after tightening the upper and lower eyelid skin properly.
  • The procedure takes about one to two hours to complete.

 

The complications associated with blepharoplasty include:

  1. Bleeding
  2. Infection
  3. Blood clot formation
  4. Pain
  5. Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
  6. Irritated, dry eyes
  7. Scarring
  8. Eyelid problems or difficulty in closing the eyes
  9. Eye muscles injury
  10. Discoloration of the skin
  11. Watery eyes
  12. Sensitivity to light
  13. Numbness of the eyelids 
  14. Blurred vision
  15. Loss of eyesight
  16. Requirement of a follow-up surgery

 

  1. Most patients can go home on the same day of the surgery.
  2. It is normal to have blurred vision due to the lubricating ointment applied to the eyes for some time after the surgery.
  3. You may have watery eyes, sensitivity to light, double vision, numb or puffy eyelids, swelling, and bruising for some time after the surgery. These symptoms should disappear within a week or two after surgery.
  4. It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure, which will usually subside with time.
  5. The doctor will usually remove the stitches one week after surgery.

Home remedies:

The following tips may help in quicker recovery after the blepharoplasty procedure:

  • Apply cool compresses after the surgery to decrease swelling.
  • Use ice packs on the eyes for 10 minutes every hour the night following the surgery. Use ice packs four to five times a day, the day after the surgery.
  • Use the eye drops and ointments prescribed by the doctor.
  • Sleep keeping your head in an elevated position compared to the chest for a few days after surgery.
  • Wear dark sunglasses to protect the skin of the eyelids from wind and sun.
  • Use pain-relieving medications to relieve your discomfort.
  • Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least a week after surgery.
  • Avoid rubbing or pressing your eyes.
  • Do not smoke during the recovery period.
  • Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least two weeks after the surgery.
  • Avoid taking blood-thinning medicines for at least one week after the surgery.

Cost of blepharoplasty in India- 

The cost of blepharoplasty in Mumbai is between INR 40,000 to INR 80,000.
The cost of blepharoplasty in Delhi is between INR 35,000 to INR 70,000.
The cost of blepharoplasty in Bangalore is between INR 35,000 to INR 70,000.
The cost of blepharoplasty in Chennai is between INR 30,000 to INR 65,000.