Eyelid Surgery San Antonio
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is the most popular cosmetic surgery to reduce the signs of age and exhaustion around the eyes that may be causing you to appear much older than you really are. At our San Antonio offices, Dr. Constance Barone can remove puffy bags under the eyelids and correct droopiness of the upper lids, creating a more youthful appearance that can affect the look of your entire face. The information below may help you determine if this effective cosmetic procedure is a good option for your aesthetic enhancement goals.
Eyelid Surgery
Medically referred to as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery addresses cosmetic conditions that can make you look tired, unhappy, and considerably older than you actual are. By removing excess skin, fat, and muscle around the eyes, eyelid surgery not only enhances your facial aesthetic, it can also improve your vision by addressing droopiness of the upper eyelids. While blepharoplasty is beneficial in a number of ways, it cannot help reduce the appearance of crow's feet and wrinkles. However, other procedures used in conjunction with eyelid surgery, such as brow lift or facelift, can address these issues, giving you a more complete facial makeover.
Contact our San Antonio plastic surgery center for more blepharoplasty information, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Constance Barone.
Eyelid Surgery Candidates
Eyelid surgery candidates are typically at least 18 years of age, in relatively good physical and emotional health, and have realistic expectations for results. Candidates generally have pronounced bagginess and signs of age or exhaustion under the eyes, and/or droopiness of the upper eyelids. Patients with conditions such as hypothyroidism, Graves' disease, "dry eye," high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are not ideal candidates for blepharoplasty. Those with glaucoma or a detached retina should check with their ophthalmologist before undergoing eyelid surgery.
Eyelid Surgery Results
Blepharoplasty Procedure
Planning
At our center serving San Antonio and surrounding areas, your initial eyelid surgery consultation will include a complete medical history. Dr. Barone will be open and honest with you about all aspects of the procedure, and she encourages you to be equally direct with her about any questions or concerns you may have. Your vision will also be tested at this first meeting, and you and Dr. Barone will discuss your aesthetic goals and what you can expect after surgery. Plastic surgery costs and financing will also be discussed, as well as risks and benefits of the procedure.
Preparation
Dr. Constance Barone will give you detailed guidelines on dietary, medicinal, and vitamin restrictions prior to eyelid surgery. These instructions are designed to make the procedure go as smoothly as possible. She will also advise you to arrange for someone to take you home once the surgery is complete, and to help out for a few days, if necessary.
The Blepharoplasty Surgery
Blepharoplasty can be performed here at our San Antonio facility, or at one of our affiliated hospitals on an outpatient basis. The procedure typically requires only local anesthesia. IV sedation or general anesthesia can be used for patients who prefer to be sedated during surgery.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Barone will make small incisions along the creases of the upper lids and below the eyelashes of the lower lids. Through these incisions, Dr. Barone will remove excess muscle and fat, and may also trim away any sagging skin. Upper eyelid surgery addresses an abundance of skin that causes the eyelids to droop and give off a tired appearance.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery begins with a discreet incision under the eyelashes. Excess muscle, fat, and skin are removed, reducing bagginess and making the skin firm and smooth. Depending on your needs, upper and lower eyelid surgery are often combined into one procedure.
Eyelid surgery usually takes one to three hours to complete.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
Dr. Barone will likely lubricate the eyes with ointment after surgery. Any discomfort or pain in the area can be alleviated with medication. Patients should expect some swelling and bruising to be present around the eyes for about two weeks up to a month after eyelid surgery. In some cases, patients also experience temporary blurring, tearing, sensitivity to light, and double vision. Scarring is very minimal and virtually unnoticeable, as the incisions are made in the natural creases of the eyelids. Patients are typically able to resume normal daily activities about 10 days after blepharoplasty. It's important for patients not to engage in strenuous activities that may raise blood pressure for at least three weeks after the procedure.
Eyelid Surgery Risks
As with any plastic surgery procedure, there are risks involved with eyelid surgery. Some of these risks include:
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin)
- Retinal detachment
- Infection
- Drooping of the lower eyelid
- Difficulty keeping eyes closed
By closely following Dr. Barone's pre- and post-operative instructions, risks of blepharoplasty can be significantly minimized. Dr. Barone will go over all the risks and benefits of the procedure at the initial consultation, and you will decide together if eyelid surgery is right for you.
Contact Our Blepharoplasty Surgeon
At our practice in San Antonio, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a safe and effective cosmetic option for patients wishing to eliminate signs of age and exhaustion from the areas surrounding the eyes. Dr. Constance Barone can provide you with a rejuvenated appearance that can have an effect on the entire facial aesthetic by performing this common plastic surgery procedure. Contact our cosmetic surgery facility today to schedule an appointment.
