Drooping upper eyelids arise when there is too much skin at the level of the upper eyelids. This is usually related to age. Eye bags occur at the level of the under eyelids and come about due to an excess of underlying fatty tissue. Both drooping eyelids and eye bags can be fixed with an eyelid correction. In our Eye Clinic in Winksele, we almost never operate on bags under the eye. For this, we can gladly refer you to a plastic surgeon. Often people think that they have “black rings” around the eyes. This is more a consequence of hyperpigmentation of the skin. Unfortunately, this cannot be fixed with an eyelid correction or via eye laser treatment.
Complaints can be functional as well as aesthetic.
During an eyelid correction or upper blepharoplasty the excess skin and/or fat is removed. Ideally, the eyelids will not be too tightly stretched in order to be sure that the eyes can still close well and to ensure that the cornea remains properly moist. When talking about drooping eyebrows, we are talking about “brow ptosis”. In this case, lifting the eyebrows is suggested before having eyelid correction.
Blood thinning medication must be stopped 10 days prior to the eyelid correction. This needs to be in consultation with your general practitioner.
Eyelid correction is done at the Eye Clinic in Winksele under local anesthesia. Firstly, the ophthalmologist will outline the area that will be operated on the eyelids. An injection is given in each eyelid in order to numb them. Then the excess skin, and if necessary fat, is removed. Any blood vessels are cauterized. Because of this you may notice a strange odor during the operation. At the end of the eyelid correction, the skin is stitched. After the operation, you will need to stay a little while in the Eye Clinic. In most cases, you can head home after a half hour. Take into account that you will not be able to drive a car after the operation. Be sure that you are accompanied by someone who can take you home.
It is possible that the eyelids will have substantial swelling and/or bruising the first days after the eyelid correction. The day of the operation, you may take an over-the-counter pain medicine in case of pain, for example Dafalgan. The use of aspirin or any other blood thinning medication is not advised, as these could promote bleeding and slow down wound healing. Blood thinners can be taken again three days after the operation. You will use VitA-Pos eye ointment for the next 10 days in both eyes. You have the option of applying a Kamillosan compress twice a day. The use of make-up as well as swimming are best to be avoided for a period of one month. It is best to wait about two months before using tanning beds or tanning without eye protection in order to avoid any pigmentation of the scars. The stitches will be removed by the ophthalmologist at the Eye Clinic in Winksele 7 to 10 days after the operation.
As long as you respect the follow-up care, you will see the final result about 6 weeks after the operation.
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