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Blepharoplasty, also known as cosmetic eyelid surgery, is a procedure to help rejuvenate the eyelid area. The procedure is gaining popularity and is often performed in conjunction with facelift surgery to achieve more dramatic results.

Before Surgery

Before the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will speak with you about how the entire process works. This includes what you can expect on the day of your surgery and what you can expect in the way of recovery time. You may be asked to undergo some laboratory tests or a medical evaluation to ensure you are healthy enough to have the surgery. If you smoke, you should consider quitting to minimize potential complications. Also, you may need to stop taking certain medications two weeks prior to surgery. Your surgeon will be sure you understand all pre-operative instructions to help your procedure go as smoothly as possible.

Procedure Overview

On the day of your procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will likely give you a list of instructions to follow in the hours preceding your operation. It is important that you follow these instructions completely, as they are important to the successful outcome of your procedure. Depending on the type of eyelid surgery you are undergoing, and whether your treatment is being combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, the surgery may take several hours to complete. Most blepharoplasty procedures are completed on an outpatient basis, so you can return home the same day as the procedure.

Recovery and Results

For most patients, recovery from eyelid surgery is quick and relatively painless. You can anticipate returning to work within 7 to 10 days if your surgery has no complications. You will be asked to keep your head and neck elevated for the first few days to help control blood flow. In some cases, your eyes may be loosely covered with gauze. After a week or so, you will go back and see your surgeon to have your stitches removed. You will be prescribed painkillers and anti-swelling medication to help deal with any pain or discomfort during your recovery.

If you are considering breast augmentation, your plastic surgeon may select from several incision techniques to perform your procedures. It is important to understand these options so you can work with your surgeon to develop a plastic surgery treatment plan that meets your individual needs and goals.

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision is made in the crease under the breast. Once the incision is made, the implant is inserted and positioned behind the nipple. Many women choose this incision location because the scarring is hidden in the fold. Additionally, it is the most versatile of all the incision options since it can be utilized in both submuscular and subglandular breast implant procedures.

Periareolar Incision

The periareolar incision is made along the outline of the areola. Once the incision is made, a pocket is formed in order for the implant to be placed and centered. An advantage to choosing this option is that scarring is very minimal because incisions are hidden in the areola border. However, in some cases, the individual’s areola is too small for this option.

Transaxillary Incision

Another option is to place the breast implants through a transaxillary incision. This type of incision is made in the underarm, and the surgeon creates a channel to the breast so the implant can be positioned behind the nipple. Since the incision is not made on the breast, the scar is well-hidden, making this incision technique a popular choice. However, this option is not suitable for patients who wish to use silicone implants.

Transumbilical Incision

The transumbilical technique involves placing the implants through a navel incision. The surgeon then creates a path to the breast, allowing the implant to be positioned behind the nipple. The main advantage of this technique is that there is no scarring on the breasts. But, as with the transaxillary technique, this option is not suitable for patients who wish to use silicone implants.

During your breast augmentation consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will weigh the pros and cons of each technique with you and will help you determine which incision option is best suited to your unique needs.