Dr. Brian Kobienia is able to meet the diverse aesthetic needs of patients throughout the greater Minneapolis area using a diverse array of surgeries. Yet not all procedures that he performs are purely cosmetic. In fact, there are some surgeries that are performed in order to address health issues.
One such procedure rhinoplasty, which can be performed to address respiratory issues such as a deviated septum. Another such procedure is eyelid surgery, which has its cosmetic benefits and can also improve your vision in certain cases. Let’s explore this issue right now.
About Eyelid Surgery
Also known as blepharoplasty, cosmetic eyelid surgery involves the revision of the upper or lower eyelid in order to improve a patient’s appearance.
By contrast, when eyelid surgery is performed to address obscured vision, it tends to be performed on the upper eyelid only should the upper eyelid sag down or slump excessively. It may also be performed in order to add an eyelid fold to the upper eyelid if a person has eyes that are narrow and cause vision obstruction.
Dangers of Obscured Vision
If your vision is obscured or somehow affected by your upper eyelids, this can lead to major issues with your ability to do everyday activities. For one, routine things like reading or watching movies may be affected by significant issues with the upper eyelid. Work may also be unnecessarily difficult, particularly if you look at screens as part of your duties.
Activities such as driving or riding a bicycle may be especially dangerous given that obscured vision can make it difficult to see objects. That goes for objects in your peripheral vision as well as ones that may be in front of you.
When Eyelid Surgery May Be a Good Idea
If you begin to notice problems with your vision that are seemingly related to your eyelids, be sure to discuss these matters with your physician. He or she will be able to determine if a surgery is ideal for your needs.
Should an eyelid surgery be deemed medically necessary due to vision obstruction, you’ll want to discuss these matters with your insurance provider as coverage will likely be available.
The Eyelid Surgery Procedure
If you have an upper eyelid that droops or sags, an incision will be made along the crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin will be removed and the remaining skin of the eyelid will be carefully sutured to tighten the remaining skin.
When patients have narrow eyes and require the creation of an eyelid fold, the procedure will involve a carefully placed incision on the upper eyelid in order to facilitate the creation of an eyelid fold.
In both of these cases, the surgical scar will be well-hidden by the fold in the upper eyelid, making the overall results of the procedure quite seamless.
Recovering from Eyelid Surgery
After eyelid surgery, it’s not uncommon for patients to feel groggy or uncomfortable. This fatigue will last for a day or so as you recover, and any significant soreness should abate by the end of a few days. Patients will be asked to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks to ensure proper healing.
Irritation and itchiness around the eyelid will be normal. Special ointment will likely be provided in order to keep the eyelid moisturized and to minimize sensations of scratchiness as well.
What is vision like after eyelid surgery?
As patients recover, they may notice some blurry vision or eye irritation in the first few days of healing. This is normal and the latter can be treated with liquid tears. When patients are fully healed from surgery, they should be able to see much better than they did before surgery, with little obscured or blocked thanks to the revisions made.
Schedule a Consultation for Facial Plastic Surgery
For more information about eyelid surgery for health reasons and whether or not it would be an ideal option for you, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. Dr. Kobienia looks forward to your visit and helping see better through safe and effective surgical care.
