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The benefits of eyelid surgery – blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty Dubai | 3 November 2019
Whether you are looking to correct vision problems, reverse the effects of ageing or simply for cosmetic reasons, there are a wide-range of benefits of eyelid surgery.
WHY UNDERGO EYELID SURGERY?
Appear Younger
Unfortunately, the ageing process is something that occurs in everyone, no matter how well a person may take care of themselves. Some people may experience unwanted signs of ageing as early as their 20s, while others are lucky enough to notice them many years down the line. Nevertheless, it is a natural and unavoidable occurrence.
The eyes are one of the first and most visible areas to demonstrate ageing since the collagen in the delicate skin surrounding the eyes begins to weaken earlier on and more severely than in most other areas. That being said, one of the key aims of eyelid surgery, in particular blepharoplasty, is to remove any excess skin around the eyes which causes them to appear tired, baggy and aged. After undergoing such a procedure, most patients are pleased with how much younger and more refreshed they look.
This is because the eye is constantly moving, causing loss of volume, added wrinkles, drooping and excess skin. Blepharoplasty removes that excess tissue, skin and fat in order to leave a more youthful appearance.
Look less tired
During initial consultations, many patients complain of constantly looking like they have not slept a wink in a long while, even if they always get a solid eight hours, or appearing stressed when they are not. Surgical removal of the excess eyelid skin and fat will mean a look that appears less tired since this excess skin is what contributes to under-eye bags and puffiness as we begin to age.
Patients may also choose to undergo other procedures, such as brow lift, which has a similar effect in that it aims to reduce the number of wrinkles, lines or creases present on the forehead. These are normally carried out together in order to shorten the recovery process.
Remove dark circles
There are three main causes of dark under-eye circles; the loss of volume in the tissue under the eyes, excess eyelid fat which can cause ‘bulging’, and the reduction of the pigmented eyelid skin, causing darkness beneath the eyes. The correct surgical procedures can help with these issues by removing any excess skin, sculpting and redistributing the fat, and replacing lost volume.
Improve vision
While eyelid surgery is most commonly used for cosmetic motives, there are frequent cases in which it is performed for health reasons. For many patients, the upper eyelid skin may droop down into their field of vision, causing sight problems, which blepharoplasty is able to fix.
Moreover, some patients may suffer from ptosis, or droopy eyelid, which is a physical condition causing the eyelids to droop lower than normal, often impairing vision. Again, a surgical procedure can be performed to correct vision problems, whilst also resulting in a younger, more refreshed appearance. Here, the upper lid is lifted and excess skin and tissue is removed in order to expand the line of sight. Many patients have found that there is a much greater level of comfort in their forehead and eyebrow area after the procedure, as they no longer have to make the effort to raise their eyelids to be able to see clearly.
Another eye condition which can be treated with eyelid surgery is that of dry eye syndrome. This is where the eyes are not able to produce enough tears, or the tears produced are evaporating too fast. However, surgery will only be carried out where dry eye is severe and other treatment methods have failed to help.
Receive a confidence boost
The eyes are a central aesthetic feature and are often the first thing somebody notices about you, which is why feeling content with the way they look is key to positive self-esteem. As such, the physical improvements resulting from cosmetic eyelid surgery and other combined procedures are immeasurable and will certainly help patients feel happier and more confident in their own skin.
Are you a suitable candidate for eyelid surgery?
Remember that Dr. Vigo will always provide an honest opinion regarding the type of surgery a patient has come in to enquire about. This means that it is not uncommon for some patients to be advised against a certain type of surgery. In any case, Dr. Vigo will go through each procedure thoroughly so that patients can make an informed decision about which type of surgery is right for them. Sometimes, non-surgical procedures, such as tear trough fillers might be are a more appropriate course of action.
Blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic facial procedures, carried out to improve the appearance of the eye area. Most people seek blepharoplasty surgery to make their eyes appear less tired or to improve their symmetry. Knowing what to expect after the procedure is important and can make the process less overwhelming.
BLEPHAROPLASTY RECOVERY
Post-surgery
It might seem a little scary, but once you wake up from your blepharoplasty surgery, the first thing you will notice is that your vision is blurry. This is nothing to worry about and does not mean the surgery has been unsuccessful, but rather because of a thick antibiotic ointment which is applied to the eye area to stop the surface area from becoming dry. This should be used for one week post-surgery, four times a day, on the inside of the eye and the wounds.
To prevent the eye from becoming dry, artificial tear drops are prescribed. For 24-48 hours after the surgery, ice packs should be used and patients should also sleep in a sitting up position, using several pillows to reduce the swelling by preventing fluid from accumulating.
Absolutely avoid any strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or exercising for at least 7 days into the blepharoplasty recovery period. However, patients need to be mobile right away, so we recommend walking at a gentle pace to begin with.
For the first couple of weeks it is recommended that dark sunglasses be worn to protect the eyes from becoming irritated by wind or sun. We also suggest taking regular naps as the eyes can become tired easily during the recovery period.
Is there any bruising?
Moderate swelling and bruising is very normal, though the severity of it will differ significantly from person to person. This should decrease within just 1-2 weeks if you have had an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, whereas an upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty takes 2-4 weeks.
After this time it is generally not at all noticeable that surgery has recently taken place. In a few patients, this swelling and bruising can last for a longer period of time.
Bandages are not normally necessary during the blepharoplasty recovery period, though dressings tend to be placed over the eyes to reduce swelling after the procedure.
Will I be in pain?
This is not a painful procedure and blepharoplasty recovery is relatively easy. Any pain following surgery will usually be slight and can be managed with the appropriate painkillers. These should be distributed to you after the procedure. Most patients will also be able to get up and walk around as normal on the same evening, or the morning after the surgery.
Abdominoplasty – Dreaming of a Flat Tummy?
Abdominoplasty Dubai | 1 November 2019
After pregnancy or weight loss, excess skin and fat can distort the appearance of the abdomen. In particular, many women find that after their second child or after bearing twins, their muscles and skin do not return to their original appearance secondary to repeated stretch of the abdomen. The abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” procedure, creates a flatter, firmer abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles. You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are at a stable weight and are physically healthy, you have realistic expectations, and you do not smoke.
Anatomy of the abdomen
The abdominal wall consists of skin, fat, and muscle. The rectus abdominis muscles, which form the “six pack” of muscles on the abdomen, are covered by a firm sheath called the rectus fascia. This fascial layer frequently weakens and stretches out with pregnancy and weight gain. As a result, once a patient loses weight or has her children, she may be left with laxity of the abdominal wall. During surgery , the fascial layer over the rectus abdominis muscles is tightened, and the excess skin and fat are removed.
Surgery steps
The abdominoplasty procedure is performed with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen within the bikini line. In patients who have undergone a prior c-section, the incision can be made in the same location and extended to the sides. The rectus abdominis muscles of the abdomen are tightened, and the excess skin and fat are trimmed and redraped. Most abdominoplasty surgeries require repositioning of the umbilicus, or navel through a second incision. In the “mini” abdominoplasty procedure, lower abdominal muscle tightening with fat and skin removal are performed through a limited horizontal bikini incision only, without repositioning of the navel. The resulting scar is usually low on the abdomen, and therefore can be concealed within most bathing suits and clothing. Small drain tubes are placed with both techniques.
Additional procedures
Liposuction is sometimes performed in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery to contour the flanks. Some patients wish to undergo simultaneous breast surgery to lift, add volume, or both. The combination of tummy tuck surgery and breast augmentation or lift surgery is commonly referred to as a “mommy makeover” procedure.
Additional procedures incur additional operating time, anesthesia, and surgical risks.
Surgery and anesthesia
The surgery lasts 1 1/2 –2 hours, and is performed under general anesthesia. Many patients worry about the risk of general anesthesia, but it is very safe and it assures that you will be completely comfortable during surgery. Prior to surgery you will be required to obtain medical photographs, routine bloodwork, and in some cases preoperative clearance. The evening prior to surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. This ensures that you will have an empty stomach prior to surgery, which is very important for your anesthesiologist to care for you safely. You will need to have a responsible adult available to escort you home after surgery.
Recovery
Following surgery, you will awaken in the recovery area. Once you are fully alert, you will be transported to the stepdown area where you will be given something to eat prior to discharge. You will have two drains and a surgical garment placed at the conclusion of the procedure. The nurses in the recovery area will demonstrate how to empty and record the output from your drains. A responsible adult will need to be available to escort you home.
Patients are seen in the office one week following surgery. At that time your drains will be removed and you will be placed into a surgical garment. Most sutures placed will dissolve on their own.
Walking is permitted the day after surgery, but strenuous activity and heavy lifting are limited until six weeks following surgery. Most patients do not complain of severe pain following this surgery, but note that the abdomen feels “tight”, as if they have performed many sit-ups. Pain medication is prescribed for any discomfort. Swelling will be present for the initial 2-3 months after surgery, and the final results are typically seen 3-6 months after surgery. The scar will continue to fade and soften for up to one year following surgery, although it will never completely disappear.
What a tummy tuck cannot do
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise. If you have ongoing weight loss, or are planning to become pregnant, you should delay your surgery. A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, but it will remove the skin beneath the umbilicus. Stretch marks above this level some- times appear lighter after surgery, but they will not disappear.
Dr. Matteo Vigo is a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) is the world’s leading professional body for board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons.
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Watch Dr. Vigo explaining the tummy tuck procedure here.