Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty or Cosmetic eyelid surgery is an operation to remove excess skin, fat and muscle from around the eyes and to correct droopy eyelids and bags under the eyes. It can be performed on the upper lids and lower lids at the same time. Sometimes it is done to improve vision problems. In other cases it is performed as a cosmetic operation so as to improve the appearance of the eyes. Other than correcting droopy, baggy eyelids by removing excess skin, fat and muscle, blepharoplasty can also remove wrinkles.

But this form of cosmetic eye surgery will not remove 'crow's feet' and scowl lines nor can it eliminate dark shadows under the eyes. Blepharoplasty can be done along with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift. The eyelid surgery is customized to suit the individual. Persons suffering from medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, Graves' disease and cardiovascular disease are cautioned from attempting cosmetic eye surgery. Those who suffer eye disorders such as glaucoma or detached retina are also advised against such cosmetic procedures.

Blepharoplasty surgery takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. If you are having all four eyelids done, the surgeon will probably work on the upper lids first, then the lower ones. In a typical cosmetic eye surgery procedure, the surgeon makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids within the creases of your upper lids and just below the lashes in the lower lids. The incisions may extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes.

The skin is then separated from underlying fatty tissue and muscle. Excess fat is removed and sagging skin and muscles are trimmed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions. If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids but don't need to have any skin removed, your surgeon may perform a transconjunctival Blepharoplasty. In this procedure, the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, thereby leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with thicker and more elastic skin. After surgery, the surgeon will probably lubricate your eyes with ointment and may apply a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to control the discomfort. You will be instructed to keep the head elevated for several days and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Healing of bruises may take a fortnight to a month. You will be shown how to clean your eyes, which may be gummy for a week or so.

Plastic Surgeon

A surgeon, who can correct deformity, scars and disfigurement caused by accidents, birth defects and treat diseases like skin cancer (melanoma), is called a plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon also performs surgeries purely based on cosmetic purposes, e.g. rhinoplasty. The first plastic surgeon of the U.S. was Dr. John Peter Mettauer who performed his first surgery of cleft palate in the year 1827. Plastic surgeons perform various levels of surgeries on human body to beautify and restructure it. The main surgeries performed by plastic surgeons:

Reconstructive surgeries: The most common surgeries in the reconstructive section are breast reconstruction, palate surgery, cleft lip, surgery for patients suffering from burns called contracture surgery. Another technique called microsurgery is performed where tissue is transferred from one place to another where tissue is damaged and needs replacement.

Cosmetic surgery: The most famous and common surgery in the area of plastic surgery is cosmetic surgery and is performed purely from beautification point of view. Cosmetic surgery also known as aesthetic surgery is done just to enhance the beauty of any part and may possibly be a reconstructive surgery. The surgery improves the beauty or looks of any part of the body and is usually referred with the name of that particular part of the body. For e.g. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck - reconstruction of the abdomen), Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) - application of permanent eyeliner or reshaping the eyelids.

Cosmesis: Another common procedure called as cosmesis is a blend of reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery. In the process of reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery techniques are utilized thus improving cosmesis.

In addition to these branches of plastic surgery, there are also surgeries such as craniofacial surgery - mainly dealing with pediatric deformities, maxillofacial surgery - improvement of the jaw and the face.

The risk of handing over your beauty lies with the plastic surgeon. Ensure your surgeon is

• Certified by a board, e.g. American Board of Plastic surgery.
  
• The surgeon is rightly qualified, cross check his qualifications with the right body. He should have completed medical school and then specialized for five years in the field of general surgery and then plastic surgery. After this should have cleared oral and written examinations held by the board.
  
• Has the right infrastructure and facilities to handle surgeries. They should be well-equipped with the latest gadgets and facilities thereby making the procedure easy.
  
• Has enough experience in the field of plastic surgery.

Latest trends in plastic surgery

• Use of lasers and fiber optic telescopes to in the field has led to better results and satisfying customers. The outcome of the surgery is more enduring than earlier times.
  
• This method has made plastic surgery more economical and trouble-free as a result reduced side effects.
  
• An endoscopic method for facelifts and forehead corrections.
  
• Modern techniques mean smaller incisions and practically no scars left behind after the surgery.
  
• Also modern sedation techniques like the intravenous sedation save a lot of trouble and risk for the patients.