This text provides information about eyelid correction in case of overhanging upper eyelids (dermatochalasis).HOW DO OVERHANGING EYELIDS DEVELOP?As we age, the skin loses its elasticity, and wrinkles and folds develop. The skin of the eyelids is very thin and can therefore easily droop. This is also called dermatochalasis. Sometimes a fold develops that hangs down so far that it obstructs vision. Sometimes this fold is filled with a small amount of subcutaneous fat. Drooping eyelids are a natural part of aging and are present to a greater or lesser extent in everyone as they get older.HOW CAN OVERHANGING EYELIDS BE TREATED?Droopy eyelids can be corrected by removing a small strip of stretched and redundant skin. This is an outpatient procedure. This surgery is called a blepharoplasty. This type of blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids. The upper eyelid procedure is the most common. First, the amount of excess skin is marked. Then, the skin is locally anesthetized with an injection of anesthetic fluid. A small strip of skin is then removed. If necessary, portions of the underlying layers (fat tissue, muscle tissue) are also removed.
The skin is then sutured, usually with a very thin suture that runs invisibly under the skin and is attached only to the sides of the eye. As with any surgical procedure, this will create a scar, but with blepharoplasty, this scar is very small, barely noticeable, and disappears into a skin fold. Ultimately, it will be almost invisible. The procedure takes a total of 1-2 hours.WHY IS TREATMENT NECESSARY?The eyelids can droop so much that vision is obstructed. It can also cause the eyelids to feel tired and heavy. There may also be cosmetic reasons to correct drooping eyelids.PREPARING FOR THE PROCEDURE: STOP BLOOD THINNERSYou must stop taking blood-thinning medications before the surgery. This is very important because these medications can cause bleeding during the operation. This bleeding complicates the surgery and increases the risk of complications. Some of the most common blood thinners are Sintrom mitis, Marcoumar, and Ascal. Some anti-inflammatory painkillers such as aspirin, Persantin, and ibuprofen also thin the blood. You should stop taking the blood thinners Sintrom mitis and Marcoumar three days beforehand, and other blood thinners such as Ascal ten days beforehand. You can resume taking these medications four days after the surgery.
Sometimes blood thinners cannot be stopped immediately, for example, in the case of an artificial heart valve. If in doubt, consult the doctor who prescribed them or the thrombosis service. If you cannot stop taking the blood thinners, inform the surgeon.
Please remember that you cannot travel home by public transport or return home alone. Make sure you have appropriate transportation (taxi, pick-up, etc.).WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY?It's normal for your eyelids to be blue and swollen after surgery. Keep in mind that you may be bruised and bruised for a few days to a few weeks and will need to wear sunglasses. This can last for several weeks. Sometimes the mucous membrane of your eye is also slightly swollen. You should keep the wound clean; this will promote healing. Pain after surgery is mainly caused by swelling. You can safely use paracetamol for pain.
Some recommendations to reduce swelling and promote healing:
Apply ice to the surgical area for ½ hour three times a day, both on the day of surgery and the two days afterward. It's best to put the ice in a plastic bag and then in a washcloth.
On the fourth and fifth days, apply warm compresses to the surgical area, three times a day for ½ hour. Add warm water to a plastic or rubber bag.
Elevate your head at night by sleeping on two pillows. You may be given a gel or ointment for your eyes after surgery; This is to prevent the cornea from drying out. If you need this for a longer period, you will receive a prescription.
Aftercare:
The nurse will remove the stitches after 5-7 days. You will have a follow-up appointment at the outpatient clinic after approximately four weeks.
If you have any problems, please contact the hospital or the emergency room.
You can continue taking your normal medications and eye drops, except for the blood-thinning medications (as mentioned). In principle, you can continue with your normal activities as usual. If you have any doubts, please ask us.
For the first two weeks, you should not swim or engage in strenuous exercise.WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF EYELID CORRECTION?Complications are very rare.
- Removing too much skin from the upper eyelid can cause difficulty closing the eyes.
- Removing too much skin from the lower eyelid can cause the lower eyelid to turn outward.
- Removing fat can cause bleeding behind the eye, which can be vision-threatening (very rare).
- Infection (very rare). |
