A wide-eyed look is a sign of youthful alertness. Maintaining that open gaze becomes more difficult with age. Fat deposits, sagging skin, and bags under the eyes are all common as we grow older. In some cases, excess skin may even prove a practical impediment to clear vision.
Blepharoplasty, commonly called an eye lift, is an effective way to remedy the situation. Many surgeons offer the procedure but few have earned a reputation for eyelid surgery in Beverly Hills on par with that of Soma Plastics.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
The term “eye lift” is something of a misnomer. It’s possibly more accurate to describe it as eye reduction surgery. The surgeon makes an incision within the crease of the upper eyelid, just below the lower lash line or inside the eyelid.
The surgeon may then remove excess skin and redistribute or remove fat deposits. The skin looks firmer and smoother, creating a more youthful appearance.
The surgeon may elect to use tiny sutures or skin glue to seal the incisions. The sites of the incisions ensure that the scars are concealed within the surrounding structure. You may visit the surgeon a week later for the removal of the stitches.
The History of Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is not a modern phenomenon. In the first century AD, the Roman encyclopedist Aulus Cornelius Celsus described eyelid surgery. His treatise made it clear that the procedure was well-established at the time.
Some research indicates that the Ancient Egyptians used the technique as many as 1,500 years before Celsus recorded it. The procedure was relatively crude compared to modern cosmetic surgery but proved effective.
It was only in the 1800s that we see a significant advancement in the procedure. The surgeon Karl Ferdinand von Gräfe coined the term “blepharoplasty” when he reconstructed an eyelid. This advance paved the way for modern upper eyelid surgery in Beverly Hills.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
● Upper eyelid: The surgeon cuts into the crease of the eyelid to remove excess fat and skin.
● Lower eyelid: The surgeon cuts just below the lash line,on the inside or outside of the eyelid. They may remove excess skin and fat, and may also redistribute fat deposits to even out the area.
● Double eyelid: Both the upper and lower eyelids are operated on at the same time. It’s the most popular type of eyelid surgery in Beverly Hills.
A blepharoplasty refers specifically to the removal of excess tissue. If there is a significant amount of skin weighing the lids down, the treatment will seem like an eye lift.
If, however, the problem is due to muscle weakness, ptosis surgery is a better option. With this procedure, the surgeon tightens the muscles and tendons attached to the lid.
If the issue is related to discoloration rather than excess skin, the doctor may opt to avoid surgery. They may instead use a chemical peel or laser treatment to lighten the skin.
The Procedure
In Beverly Hills, California, eyelid surgery is routine. The process takes around two hours if the doctor works on the upper and lower eyelids together. The procedure may be conducted at the practice or a surgical center.
The doctor typically uses a combination of oral sedation and a local anesthetic if you’re at the practice. At a surgical center, you may have the option of general anesthesia instead.
The surgeon will make the incision, gently separate the skin from the underlying tissue, then remove the excess fat and skin before using tiny sutures or glue to close the incision.
The exception is when the surgeon performs a transconjunctival lower lid blepharoplasty. When the cut is performed from the inside of the lid, sutures are problematic as they may scratch the cornea.
Patients may opt for complementary procedures such as the smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles at the same time.
Recovery
Recovering from eyelid plastic surgery in Beverly Hills is fairly simple. The doctors may apply cold compresses and lubricating ointment to ease irritation and reduce swelling. If necessary, they may lightly apply gauze to protect the area from dirt.
The nurses will monitor you for a few hours to ensure that there are no complications. You’ll typically be able to go home the same day.
The recovery time depends on the patient, but most people give it 10 to 14 days before going out afterward. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your doctor beforehand, as certain chronic conditions may delay healing.
It’s common to experience bruising, swelling, dry eyes, and irritation following the surgery. There may also be some discomfort, but nothing that medication cannot control. Your doctor may also prescribe ointment, cold compresses, and medication to prevent infection.
You should protect your eyes from the sun during recovery. It’s also important to limit physically demanding activity for at least a week. Finally, avoid medication that increases bleeding such as aspirin.
You should ask your doctor the following questions when researching the procedure:
● Will you perform the surgery here or in a hospital?
● What medication do you typically prescribe during recovery?
● Am I going to have to keep gauze or dressings over my eyes?
● If so, when can I remove them?
● Are the stitches dissolvable or do you remove them? When?
● How often should I return for checkups?
● How soon can I resume my full schedule?
Potential Complications
Even routine eyelid surgery in Beverly Hills carries risks. These include:
● Dryness and irritation of the eyes
● Bleeding and infection
● Difficulty in opening or closing the eyes
● Scarring
● Muscle damage
● Skin discoloration
● The need for further procedures
● An adverse reaction to anesthesia
● Blood clotting
● Temporary blurred vision and, in rare cases, complete loss of vision
Providing your doctor with a full medical history allows them to evaluate your risk. From there, you may make an informed decision about whether the benefits outweigh the potential dangers.
Schedule Your Evaluation Today
At Soma Plastics in Beverly Hills, CA, we adopt a holistic approach to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Call us at 855-SOMA-955 and discuss your options with one of our professional team members. We combine high-quality care with proven techniques to achieve reliable results for our patients. Contact us today!
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