Michael P. Martin, M.D.
Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
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BLEPHAROPLASTY and BROW LIFT
Blepharoplasty is a procedure that is used to correct the appearance of
excess skin in the upper and lower eyelids, as well as protruding perioribital
fat. Rarely this is done, due to the fact that there is decrease in the visual
field, but if that is a concern, that should be documented by an ophthalmologist,
by a visual field evaluation. If there is a visual field defect, the upper
eyelid procedure can be approved by an insurance company for reimbursement,
this includes Medicare. Most commonly this is not present in the vast majority
of patients who request this procedure.
This is done by making incisions and any time an incision is made a scar
is present. The scars and incisions are placed in an area that are not grossly
obvious to the casual observer. The intent of this procedure is to remove
herniating periorbital fat and excess skin. Due to the fact that this surgery
is being done on the eyelids and the periorbital fat, there are always risks
for bleeding in the periorbital cavity. This can result in orbital hematoma,
changes in vision or blindness.
These usually occur in less than 1/10th of 1% of the time
and require immediate attention by the surgeon if the patient notices increased
swelling, increased pain, changes in vision or blindness. Generally there
is some post-operative swelling lasting from 5-7 days. There is also some
bruising and significantly decreases over a short period of time. Patient
is encouraged to use ice pack on their eyelids as much as tolerated, for
the initial 2-3 days, pain medication, sometimes antibiotics, and steroids,
at the surgeons discretion. The sutures are usually removed at 5 days post-operatively.
The patient is usually, at least contacted by phone at the first post-operative
day, then seen at 5 days, post operatively, again at 10 days 14 days and
3 months. Pictures are usually taken preoperatively and post-operatively
for documentation of preoperative appearance, as well as the post operative
appearance.
BROW LIFT:
Brow lift is a procedure that is performed to place the eyebrows in the
appropriate location, which is at or above the superperiorbital rim. This
is commonly done in conjunction with Blepharoplasty or eyelid tuck, to provide
maximum results. This can be done endoscopically and/or done by a bi-corneal
incision.
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