Panama Medical Vacations

Blepharoplasty - Eyelid Surgery
This is a procedure to remove fat, excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery is beneficial if you have drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes. These features can make you look older and more tired than you are, and can possibly interfere with your vision.

Prior to Surgery
Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure
Blepharoplasty usually takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. In a typical procedure, the surgeon makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. These incisions may extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes. Working through these incisions, the surgeon separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removes excess fat, and often trims sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.

After Your Surgery
After surgery, your eyes will probably be lubricated with ointment and may have bandages. Your eyelids may feel tight and hurt as the anesthesia wears off, but pain medication prescribed by your surgeon will relieve the pain.

Your surgeon will instruct you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising, which could last upwards of a month. You'll be shown how to clean your eyes and you will likely need eye drops since your eyelids may feel dry, burn or itch. For the first few weeks you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.

Risks
Complications following blepharoplasty are rare but can include: double or blurred vision for a few days; temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids; and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Tiny whiteheads may also appear after your stitches are taken out; if this occurs, your surgeon can remove them easily with a very fine needle.

Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; in rare cases this condition may be permanent. Another very rare complication is ectropion, a pulling down of the lower lids. In this case further surgery may be required.

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama brow lift at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, a safe and rewarding procedure.