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Get to know about Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty (blepharoplasty) is an operation to improve the shape and structure of the eyelid. As we get older, the muscles around the eyelids will weaken, causing fat to build up. The accumulation of fat can make the upper eyelids become loose and form eye bags in the lower eyelids. The sagging condition of the eyelids in addition to making someone look older, can also narrow the field of view, especially at the edges. Eyelid surgery or eyelid surgery can overcome this condition, by removing excess skin and fat in the eyelid. In addition to repairing the eyelids, in Indonesia and several countries in Asia, eyelid surgery is also done to make eye creases. The act of making eye folds is also known as Asian blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery.

Indications for Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is generally performed on patients aged 35 years and over, who have experienced the effects of aging on the skin. In addition, eyelid surgery can also be performed on individuals with the following conditions:
  • The upper eyelids hang so that they do not open their eyes perfectly.
  • Excess skin on the upper eyelid that causes narrow visual field.
  • Excess skin on the lower eyelid.
  • The formation of eye bags.

Warning Eyelid Surgery

Patients who are planning to undergo eyelid surgery should inform their doctor if they have the following conditions:
  • Disorders of the eye, such as glaucoma, dry eyes, or retinal detachment.
  • Thyroid hormone disorders, either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
  • Heart disease and circulatory system disorders.
  • Diabetes.
  • High blood pressure.

Before Eyelid Surgery

Before scheduling surgery, patients are advised to consult not only with plastic surgeons, but also with ophthalmologists. The doctor will ask questions about the patient's previous medical history, drug consumption, smoking habits, alcohol use or drug use. The doctor will also ask if the patient has had surgery before. After knowing the medical history, the patient will undergo the following examinations:
  • Physical examination. Mainly performed on the eye, such as eyelid examination or conducting tests to determine tear production, as well as eye examination and visual field.
  • Eyelid photo. The patient's eyes will be photographed from various angles to help the doctor plan the procedure.
In addition to undergoing the examination, there are several things that the patient needs to do before undergoing surgery:
  • Stopping the consumption of blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin or aspirin, and NSAIDS such as ibuprofen or naproxen, because of the risk of bleeding. Consult your doctor when you should stop taking your medication before undergoing surgery.
  • Stop smoking a few weeks before surgery. Cigarettes can slow tissue healing.
  • Invite family or friends to accompany you, at least one day after the operation, and to take you home from the hospital.

Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Eyelid surgery is divided into upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery. In their actions, both operations can be carried out simultaneously. Eyelid surgery can be done with local anesthesia, namely by injection in the area of ​​the eyelid, or with general anesthesia by injection in a vein.
  • Upper eyelid surgery:

  • The doctor will make an incision along the upper eyelid, precisely on the crease of the eyelid.
  • After the incision is made, the plastic surgeon will remove excess skin, fat, or tissue in the upper eyelid area.
  • After the above process is completed, the doctor will close the incision with very small stitches.
  • If the upper eyelid drops too much to cover the pupil of the eye, the plastic surgeon will also perform a ptosis correction procedure to strengthen the muscles of the upper eyelid, so that the eyelid can open wider.
  • Lower eyelid surgery:

  • Make an incision under the eyelashes or inner eyelids.
  • Discard fat in the eye bags. If needed, the doctor will remove a little skin tissue.
  • Closing the incision with stitches, which are generally removed one week
After the surgical procedure is finished, the doctor can advise the patient to undergo laser resurfacing to disguise the incision line. Upper eyelid surgery generally only lasts an hour, whereas lower eyelid surgery usually takes up to two hours.

After Eyelid Surgery

After the surgery is successful, the patient will be taken to the recovery room. The doctor will allow the patient to go home the same day after the patient's condition is stable. The doctor will monitor the patient's condition if complications arise after surgery. Before the patient is discharged, the doctor will cover the patient's eye with an ointment and a bandage. The eyelids will feel pain after the effects of the anesthesia disappear, but can be reduced by taking painkillers. Other symptoms that arise after surgery are watery eyes and are sensitive to light, and swelling and bruising on the eyelids, but this only lasts a while Generally for a former operation it takes several weeks to disappear. Patients are advised to take full rest for a week and control a week later to pull out the stitches. There are several things that need to be done and avoided by patients during the recovery process, including:
  • Do not drive the vehicle for several days after the operation.
  • Use a pillow to support the head when lying down to reduce swelling.
  • Clean the eyelids gently, using ointments or eye drops prescribed by the doctor.
  • Compress the eyelids with an ice bag for 10 minutes and do it routinely every 1 hour. The next day, do 4 -5 times a day. It is recommended to wrap the ice bag in a towel before applying it to prevent irritation to the skin around the eyes.
  • Wear glasses to protect eyes from the sun and dust.
  • Take pain medications, such as paracetamol, if necessary.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Avoid sports, especially swimming, and jogging or aerobics for several days.
  • Avoid scratching the eyes.
  • Do not wear contact lenses for up to 2 weeks after surgery.

Complications of Eyelid Surgery

Complications of eyelid surgery are rare, but sometimes can occur, such as:
  • Infection
  • Dry eye.
  • Double vision or blurred.
  • Hematoma or bleeding under the skin.
  • The eyes look asymmetrical.
  • Scarring arises.
  • Eye muscle injury.
  • Ectropion or condition of the lower eyelid folds outwards.
  • Entropion or condition of the eyelid folds inward.
  • Blindness.
  • Anesthetic allergic reaction.

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