north carolina cosmetic surgeons
Eyelid Plastic Sugery
Eyelid Plastic Surgery (Upper & Lower)

OVERVIEW
Eyelid plastic surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure to remove fat, excess skin, and/or muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid plastic surgery reduces drooping in upper lids and puffiness below your eye. However, the procedure doesn't remove crow's feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles or lift sagging eyebrows.
SURGERY
During your initial consult with Dr. Anagnos, he will review your medical history, allergies and any medications, including vitamins, that you're taking. He will test your vision and assess your tear production. You should also provide any relevant information from your most recent eye exam.

Eyelid plastic surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you'll be awake during the surgery but relaxed and insensitive to pain. The procedure takes 1 to 3 hours, and the upper lids are typically done first. Dr. Anagnos will make incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids. Working through these incisions, Dr. Anagnos will separate the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, remove excess fat, and trim sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are closed with fine sutures.

RECOVERY
After your surgery, Dr. Anagnos will lubricate your eyes with ointment and apply a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore, but you can control any discomfort with pain medication. You will need to keep your head elevated for several days and use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Your eyes may be gummy for a week or so, and you'll be shown how to clean them. You should be able to read or watch TV after 2 to 3 days. However, you won't be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks.

RISKS
Some medical conditions make blepharoplasty more risky: thyroid problems, dry eye, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, a detached retina, or glaucoma. Check with the doctor before the surgery regarding these conditions.

All surgical procedures carry some uncertainty and risk. Minor complications associated with blepharoplasty include double or blurred vision for a few days, temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids, and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Some patients have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep, following the surgery. Another very rare complication is ectropion, a pulling down of the lower lids. This can usually be corrected with further surgery.

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If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at 828-268-0082, email us, or use our online request form.


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