Good Candidate

The typical complaints of a good candidate for eyelid surgery are heavy or droopy upper lids, bags and puffiness of the lower lids, or excess, wrinkled skin in the lids. A natural consequence of aging, these characteristics can also occur prematurely in younger individuals. The changes with age in both the upper and lower eyelids are a result of excess skin and protrusion of fat but other structures may be involved or even the root of the problem.

In younger patients there may be little or no skin redundancy and all lid changes may be due to protrusion of fat due to weakness of the septum or muscle. In addition to the assessment of the skin, muscle, septum, and fat, it is important to appreciate any sagging of the eyebrows as a brow lift may be needed. At our office in Mobile Blepharoplasty is directed at removal of the excess skin and fat bags from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Crow’s feet, are not improved by a standard blepharoplasty.

If excessive skin impairs the visual field, correction may be considered reconstructive and upper lid blepharoplasty may be covered by insurance. Outside of this situation, however, eyelid surgery is considered cosmetic, and is typically not covered by insurance. Contact Us at (251) 340-6600 to learn more.

THE SURGERY

Surgery with Dr. Park and Dr. Rebowe on the eyelids may be done as an isolated operation or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation. Both upper and lower eyelids can be corrected at the same surgery, typically an outpatient procedure done with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. Surgery for each set of lids takes approximately 1 hour. The main goals of an upper eyelid blepharoplasty are to remove excess skin and correct protruding orbital fat.

With lower lid blepharoplasty, skin resection is usually limited or avoided and the focus is on lax muscle tightening, excess septal fat correction, and eyelid suspension. A canthopexy suture bolsters the lower lid support tacking it back up to the lateral bone rim and a canthoplasty involves taking down and recreating the lower lid support.

A tear trough deformity can be corrected by mobilizing septal fat to the area of depression. A skin incision is used if both skin and fat are to be removed, but if not, an incision on the inside of the eyelid, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty can avoid an external scar and skin resurfacing can treat minor skin laxity of the lower lids. A laser blepharoplasty utilizes a laser to make incisions which can reduce bleeding, bruising, and swelling.

Post Surgery Scar Treatment

A common concern among those pursuing plastic surgery is the appearance of post-surgical scarring. It is important to note that many elements of scarring are genetic, and there are some people predisposed to forming widened or thickened scars. However, there are known interventions that if followed can significantly reduce the size and visibility of the post-surgical scar.

By choosing PR Plastic Surgery for your procedure, you have already taken the first step by choosing board-certified plastic surgeons who are meticulous in their technique and wound closure. Thankfully, our patients also have the resources of the PR MedSpa and the expertise of our aestheticians to ensure the most favorable surgical outcomes.

For optimal scar treatment and healing, both Drs. Park and Rebowe, and our aestheticians highly recommend two therapies available through our MedSpa. Once cleared by your surgeon, our MedSpa staff will assist you in transitioning to these therapies.

Silagen Silicone Treatment
Laser Scar Therapy

Silagen Silicone Treatment

Works as a protective barrier that seals in hydration and limits excess collagen production, the root cause of abnormal and raised scars. This treatment is offered in the form of either silicone scar cream or silicone sheeting. The silicone cream will have additional benefits to scar reduction, including moisturizer and sunscreen. The cream dries to form a medical-grade silicone barrier that is flexible and lightweight. The silicone sheets have the additional benefit of added pressure to the scar. We recommend that the silicone cream be applied twice daily, and the silicone sheets are worn daily for up to 24 hours. Silagen Silicone Treatment is usually recommended for a minimum of 2-4 weeks following suture removal, or per physician recommendation. Some patients may utilize Silagen silicone up to one year post surgery for optimal results.

The Laser Scar Therapy

Consists of two powerful devices that can reduce scars and scar tissue, the Vbeam Perfecta and the Erbium laser.

The Vbeam Perfecta Laser reduces the appearance of scars by decreasing the erythematous, or red pigment. Inflamed scar tissue has more active blood cells than normal skin and the wavelength of this device targets the red pigment specifically, reducing the inflammation and therefore scarring. Clinical studies show that 100% of scars treated with Vbeam Perfecta Laser show visible improvement.

After the Vbeam, we use the Erbium Laser to blend the transition to native skin and compliment the results. By heating the subcutaneous tissue, the laser stimulates the production of new collagen, resulting in tightened and rejuvenated skin around the scar. Not only will the scar itself fade and diminish, but the edges of the scar will more effectively blend into the surrounding skin. Laser scar therapy has proven to speed up the recovery process post-surgery.

Your surgeon and our aestheticians at the PR MedSpa will assist you in choosing the correct post-surgery scar treatment pathway for you following your surgery.

AFTER THE SURGERY

After receiving Blepharoplasty Mobile patients should use ice and elevation to help minimize swelling, bruising, oozing, and crusting, which usually peaks at 48 to 72 hours and resolves by day 5 – 7. After surgery on all four eyelids, lids may swell to almost complete closure. Pain is usually minimal. Contacts should not be worn until the swelling and dryness have resolved. Symptoms of blurry vision, light sensitivity, or tearing may occur but should slowly resolve over 2 to 3 weeks, and lubricating gel and eye drops provide symptomatic relief. Sutures are removed within a week and at that point, makeup can be used to cover up any residual bruising. It may take up to 3 months for the scars to settle down fully. Return to work and daily activities are variable with some people back as quickly as 3 days postoperatively. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks to limit swelling.

Understand The Risks

Complications are rare, and most individuals can expect an excellent result with correction of their lid problems. There are, however, rare but potential risks and complications. Bleeding behind the eye (retrobulbar hematoma) can threaten vision and presents as severe pain, visual changes with loss of visual field or bright lights/sparkles, proptosis (protrusion of the eyeball), or excessive bruising/swelling. Emergent release of sutures and canthal ligament is necessary in these situations.

Itching, scratching, burning, light sensitivity, and discomfort characterize dry eyes. Symptoms may exist following Blepharoplasty due to swelling and crusting, but is temporary in most cases and is managed with lubrication and artificial teardrops while waiting for improvement. Lower lid retraction (Ectropion) can occur if the tissue pulls down as it heals but is usually correctable with massage and taping, but may require surgical correction when persistent. It will be difficult to fully close the eyes after the operation (Lagophthalmos) for a couple days and protection with lubricating gel is recommended. Ice and elevation is important in limiting postoperative swelling.

Designing A More Beautiful Future

Schedule Your Mobile & Fairhope Plastic Surgery Consultation //

Led by our experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons, The Park & Rebowe Clinic for Plastic Surgery brings an artful touch to your Mobile & Fairhope plastic surgery experience, ensuring you achieve your desired transformation. Schedule your consultation today and discover for yourself why The Park & Rebowe Clinic is better by design.

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