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cosmetic_surgery by Edward Latimer-Sayer
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list of operations > lower blepharoplasty

Lower Blepharoplasty



What does it try to accomplish?

Reduction of eyebags and wrinkles of the lower eyelid.


How is it done?

The incision is just below the eyelash line out into the laugh line by the side of the eye for a short distance. The excess fat is taken away, then the skin is straightened out to remove most of the wrinkles and the overlapping skin is removed.


How long does the operation take?

About ¾ hour.


How long is the stay in the clinic?

1 night


What type of stitches are used?

Thin plastic stitches in the outer part of the incision only.


How long are they left in?

3 days.


What type of dressing is used?

Steristrips (sticky paper tape) and eye ointment. The ointment makes the vision very blurred straight after the operation.


How long is it left on?

The Steristrips stay on for ten days.


Is there any bruising?

Usually quite marked.


Is there any swelling?

Variable, but often obvious.


What pain will there be?

Usually only mild discomfort.


Where are the scars and how bad are they?

In the crease lines around the eyes, usually inconspicuous.


How long does it take to recover?

2 to 3 weeks.


When is the final result seen?

4 to 6 months.


How long does it last?

Removal of the eyebags is permanent, but wrinkles are likely to recur.




Common Complications
Early: Severe bruising and swelling and soreness in the eye. Sometimes the skin pulls down away from the eye but this corrects itself when the swelling improves.
Late: The scars may show occasionally and can require improvement by adjusting the operation at about 6 months afterwards. Wrinkles are not usually completely removed. Nearly everyone’s eyes are asymmetrical, both before and after the operation. Sometimes the position of the lid is lower than it was before, allowing the white of the eye to show beneath the coloured part of the eye (scleral show).
   
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