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As we age, the Orbicularis
oculi, the muscles around the eyes, and its surrounding fat and fascia start
sagging and can make us look, tired, haggard and sometimes even angry. The orbit
becomes hollow-looking and your tear troughs become apparent, resulting
in a worn look. The SOOF lift may be able to help you cosmetically but is a
great procedure to help correct functional disorders, as well. Fat repositioning
sure has its benefits and advantages, as for rejuvenation purposes it can
sometimes be safer to resuspend fatty tissue to rejuvenate the midface and
undereye area.
What Is
a SOOF Lift?
This surgery is meant to reposition the fat pad rather than remove it
such as is practiced with a standard lower blepharoplasty including fat
removal. However, it is common to have lower blepharoplasty
which may require only skin excision. Just remember that the SOOF lift
is a newer procedure and may not be offered in all surgeon's offices.
Please discuss this procedure fully and determine your surgeon's
expertise before committing to a surgery as there are inherent risks
which go along with this procedure.
This procedure can also
be performed for the below reasons as well for cosmetic. The definitions
for some terms may not be familiar so they have been provided in blue
for your convenience.
-
after involutional
ectropion: [: an
abnormal turning out of a part (as an eyelid) due to bodily changes after
menopause]
-
ciatricial ectropion
-
7th nerve palsy (aka
Facial Nerve palsy or Bell's palsy): a
disorder where the eye muscle can not blink or close the eyelid. Usually persons
with these disorders cannot produce enough tears to lubricate the eye
properly due to the inability to blink or close the lids. So, artificial
lubricant drops are used during the day and a thicker, ointment used at
night.
-
traumatic lid retraction:
retraction of the eyelid due to
blunt force or sharp, physical trauma.
-
Congenital lid retraction:
Can be caused from several acquired factors...
-
thyroid eye disease
-
secondary to contra-lateral
[: occurring on or acting in conjunction with a part on the opposite
side of the body]
ptosis (due to increased neuromuscular stimulation to the ptotic
[sagging]
eye.
-
iatrogenic [:
induced inadvertently by a physician or surgeon or by medical treatment
or diagnostic procedures]
from overzealous ptosis [sag]
operation.
-
neurogenic
(from lesions in the upper dorsal midbrain, Collier's signs and can
occurs with Parinaud's syndrome
[: paralysis of the upward movements of the two eyes that is associated
esp. with a lesion or compression of the
superior colliculi of the midbrain])
-
myogenic [1
: originating in muscle] dysfunction
-
other (where lid retraction occurs in other direction
of gaze but not in primary position)
-
post blepharoplasty:
see the Blepharoplasty Page for more info.
[: plastic surgery on an eyelid esp. to remove fatty or excess tissue ]
-
reconstruction after lower lid excision
cosmetic uses:
-
malar festoons:
excess
skin and Orbicularis resting on the upper malar region
-
tear trough deformity:
the
palpability and appearance of the prominent inner-under eye area due to lack
of fat or ptotic (sagging) fat.
-
infraorbital dark circles:
dark circles [:
situated beneath the orbit]
due to fat loss or sag.
-
prominent nasolabial folds:
The folds or deep grooves
[: of, relating to, located between, or occurring between the nose and the
lips]
cosmetic
uses:
-
malar
festoons: excess skin and Orbicularis resting on the upper malar
region
-
tear
trough deformity: the palpability and appearance of the
prominent inner-under eye area due to lack of fat or ptotic [:sagging]
fat.
-
infraorbital
dark circles: dark circles
[: situated beneath the orbit]
due
to fat loss or sag.
-
prominent
nasolabial folds: The folds or deep grooves [:
of, relating to, located between, or occurring between the nose and
the lips]
It is worth
mentioning that some surgeons consider a SOOF lift a cheek pad lift, or midface
lift. Teh SOOF is the fatty area right under the eye.
Understanding
the Structure of the Eye
In standard Blepharoplasty procedures, the fat pads and
atrophied muscle are removed. With SOOF lift it is repositioned
instead. An aggressive approach can cause complications such as
ectropion, entropion, unusual eye roundness, hollowness and more, in
some patients.
The many reasons
for an improper functioning eye post-op Standard Blepharoplasty -- or even
cosmetic deficiencies -- result from too much tissue (be it fat, muscle,
skin) being removed.
"The
orbital septum, which lies deep to the Orbicularis, is a key structure
and landmark in blepharoplasty. The septum is a thin sheet of fibrous
tissue that originates along the superior orbital rim and hangs like a
curtain across the lid. It joins the levator aponeurosis by
interdigitating fibers at the upper edge of the tarsal plate. The
septum keeps the orbital fat in its posterior position. Weakening
of the septum with aging, hereditary predisposition, or trauma may
cause protrusion of the orbital fat." 8
Are
You a Candidate for SOOF Lift?
First and
foremost, an individual must be in good health, not have any active
diseases or pre-existing medical conditions and must have realistic
expectations of the outcome of their surgery. Communication is
crucial in reaching one's goals. You must be able to voice your desires
to your surgeon if he/she is to understand what your desired results
are. Discuss you goals with your surgeon so that you may reach an
understanding with what can realistically be achieved.
You must be
mentally and emotionally stable to undergo an cosmetic procedure.
This is an operation which requires patience and stability in dealing
with the healing period. There is sometimes a lull or depression
after surgery and if there is already a pre-existing emotional
problem, this low period can develop into a more serious issue. Please
consider this before committing to a procedure.
Most
individuals seek out Blepharoplasty in their mid thirties. However, if
saggy or fatty under eye bags are hereditary you may wish to go undergo
a SOOF Lift or blepharoplasty procedure
at an earlier age.
Also, if you have
Hyperthyroidism, or myxedema
-- THINK THIS OVER. No amount of surgery will ever reduce your edema (swelling
from fluid retention) of your eye - ever. If you would like to hear more on this
as well as from patients who have had negative outcomes regarding misdiagnosed
situations go to our Cosmetic
Surgery Message Board and ask outloud. It could be a matter of your eyes
never looking "normal" again. This is important. Please read
the risks, complications and contraindications of a SOOF Lift.
"Blepharochalasis
is a commonly misused term that should be reserved for a rare familial
condition characterized by chronic, recurrent edema of the eyelids with
subsequent breakdown of the tissues within the eyelids, including the orbital
septum. This causes prolapse of the orbital fat, resulting in drooping of the
lid. Blepharochalasis is a functional indication for a blepharoplasty.
Dermatochalasis means relaxation of skin. It is associated with the aging
process and variable amounts of fat herniation and prolapse. This is part of
the normal aging process and is not a functional indication unless there is
dermatochalasis causing "pseudoptosis" with superior visual field
defect. Blepharoptosis, or the drooping eyelid is caused by a malfunction of
the levator muscles. Levator function is measured by blocking the action of
the frontalis muscle and measuring the excursion of the eyelid from downgaze
to upgaze. Levator excursion from 15-18 mm is considered normal and 10-14 mm
is good function." 8
What to Expect at Your Consultation
After checking a few surgeons'
backgrounds and credentials, you will make an appointment for a
consultation. You will meet with these surgeons and discuss your goals
and you will disclose all information regarding your health. These
surgeons should ask for your complete medical history. It is advisable
to go over any medical records to refresh your memory prior to your
meeting with the surgeon. The surgeon should ask but if he does not, be
sure to disclose any allergies that you may have, disorders, past
illnesses and if you are a smoker. Be sure to advise him of the
medications, if any, you are taking. T his includes vitamins, herbal
supplements, over the counter medications, etc. You should not take any
aspirin containing products at least 2 weeks prior to any surgery.
See
Medication & Supplement List for an extensive, but partial, list
of medications to avoid before surgery. If you are taking any of the
listed medications advise your surgeon and anesthesiologist so that they
can take note of it or have you cease consuming them.
You will then discuss
your complaints and concerns. Your surgeon will explain the technique
and incision placements or methods that may be most appropriate for you
and should discuss the risks associated with SOOF lift with you, as
well.
You will
also discuss the available anesthesia that will be used for your
procedure. Most SOOF lift procedures are performed under Light Sleep
Sedation or General Sedation. Either way, discuss this beforehand as
many people are not aware of the risks of Anesthesia. If you do go under
Deep General, ascertain that the anesthesiologist is certified. Please
read the All About Anesthesia Page -- the risks regarding anesthesia
should be considered for a fully informed choice.
You will
discuss where the surgery will be performed as well as after care and
post-operative visits. Discuss with your surgeon your vision problems,
if any and tell him if you wear contacts or glasses. He will discuss
with you all of the aspects of surgery and if you will have
blepharoplasty as well, if you should need all 4 or just the upper or
lower eyelids only operated on with your SOOF Lift. *You will also be
taught how to clean your eyes post-operatively at your pre-operative
visit.
He should
advise if he feels as if you have excess fat, skin or even atrophied
muscle that needs to be removed (blepharoplasty). You will discuss the
incision placement, the realistic expectations you should have and what
other options you may have instead of surgery.
You will
also discuss fees, medication costs and any hidden costs
that may arise. If your eyelids interfere with your vision, you may be
able to get your insurance to cover the blepharoplasty portion of the
operation.
If you would
like more information on Consultations or a list of questions to ask
your surgeon please visit the Consultation
Help Page. If you should choose to book or reserve a surgery date
you will usually give a deposit to hold your surgery date. Most times if
you cancel a few days beforehand, this amount is non-refundable. After
paying your deposit and scheduling a surgery date, you will also
schedule a pre-operative appointment...
Your Preoperative Appointment
This
appointment addresses more questions you may not have thought to ask at
the initial consultation, such as more surgical details, concerns and
even ascertaining that your surgeon is aware of what you desire from
your procedure. Just as your surgeon will make certain that you
know what it realistically possible from this procedure.
You will
also discuss your pre-operative instructions and speak about the
recovery period instructions and what to expect in the months ahead. You
will be given prescriptions for antibiotics, pain relievers, perhaps
blood pressure medicines, prescription anti-inflammatory drugs and
perhaps a box or directions for gaining a box of Arnica montana. Would
like to know more on the benefits of Arnica
montana? Perhaps you will be instructed to obtain Bromelain
or other types of remedies, although many surgeons would rather have you
not take ANYTHING other than your prescription medications, please do
not go against your surgeon's wishes. Remember, always ask your doctor
before taking any of these products.
Please do
not hesitate to address any concerns that you may have during this time
and even after your pre-operative appointment. If you remember something
when you get home or the next day or even the day of surgery -- don't be
afraid to ask.
Preparing
for Your Surgery
You should be given a
pre-operative information packet that explains everything you should do
and know before your surgery date. The packet should include a
list of all the medications you should not take starting usually
at 2 weeks before your surgery. These medications will include, but are
not limited to, aspirin containing products, stimulants, seratonin
supplements, etc. Would you like to view a typical Medication
& Supplements List? We have a printer-friendly
version as well. Also, if your surgeon advised that you may take
Arnica montana, Bromelain, etc.
for swelling and bruising you should either have this in your packet or
begin shopping for your necessities.
It is quite possible that you
will have preliminary blood work performed. This is normally an extra
out-of-pocket expense that the patient must participate in to check your
white and red blood cell count (complete blood count or CBC) to alert
your surgeon to disease or disorders
beforehand. If you are a female they may take an extra vial for a
pregnancy test. Some surgeons ask that you have physical. This can be
yet another out of pocket expense so ask at your consultation what will
be needed when you are quoted a price.
So many
things to do... so little time. Surgery will be here before you know it
so visit the Preparing For
Surgery page and relax. This section contains, printer-friendly
pre-op lists, tips and advice as well as things you must do to prepare
for your big day.
How This
Procedure Is Performed
A SOOF Lift
normally takes from 1 to 3 hours to perform. If you are having upper
blepharoplasty as well the surgery will last closer to 3 hours. If this
is the case, the upper Blepharoplasty will more than likely be performed
first. Larger amounts of skin are excised for upper Blepharoplasty and
the swelling is more intense than with the lower lids. The exception is
when unusually large bags are present.
First, you will have monitoring
pads attached to you so that the surgical team can properly
monitor your vital statistics before, during and after your operation.
When you are brought to the operating room, electrodes will be plugged into these pads which are connected to the
monitoring equipment.
Once you are on the operating room table,
you will then be given your choice or your surgeon's preference in
anesthesia as discussed prior to your surgery date. If you had
been given an oral sedative or valium prior you will have less anxiety.
They will more than likely insert an IV for a saline drip to keep you
hydrated and have a vascular doorway for anesthesia,
antibiotics, and other medications. If you haven't been given a
sedative, it is more stressful for some patients. If you feel that
you may experience anxiety inquire beforehand regarding an oral
sedative. Having an IV inserted feels sort of like blood being
drawn, but for a shorter period of time. It's the initial
placement of the IV that may sting a bit. Some people get heir IV
placed in the crook of the elbow, some the hand, it all depends upon your
veins though. So if your veins are not very prominent this can be
a problem. You are then brought to
the O.R. if you aren't on the table yet. After the needle
is injected into the vein it is pulled out and a little plastic tube is
left in your vein. This is called a catheter.
The catheter is taped to your skin so it is not accidentally
knocked or pulled out and is ready to be used as a sort of entryway for
anything the surgical team deems necessary for your body. This is
usually done before you get into the actual O.R. -- by a nurse -- and you
have a saline bag hooked up to you. The medications will usually
be given with a drip system with this saline. As said before, the saline
will keep you hydrated both during and post-operatively.
If you have
chosen an IV Liquid Sedative, they will insert a hypodermic into your
tube that you are attached to or they attach the bag of it with a drip
system to add a few drops every few seconds and when they spring open
the stopper and it starts heading towards your body. The the
effects of the anesthesia are felt soon after injection or opening the
stopper - a few seconds in fact. It may feel similar to a
sensation of heat entering your arm or hand at the catheter
site. It then feels as though it is creeping up your arm -- then it
jumps from your shoulder to a metallic-like taste under your
tongue and then you are blissfully anesthetized. The
anesthesiologist or surgeon will then determine if you are sedated
properly, your stats are stable and if you are ready for the surgery to
begin.
You will then be marked
with a magic marker type pen for the placement areas. You will then be
scrubbed with Betadine although the surgical marker markings will remain
-- although not as dark. However, some surgeons scrub beforehand and then
mark the skin. You will be injected with a solution of Lidocaine,
epinephrine and saline. The epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor. This
will impede your skin's ability to bleed excessively. The
incisions will follow along the natural lines and creases of the upper
and lower eyelids. All efforts possible should be made in order to
achieve inconspicuous scars. Although, the incisions may extend into the
crow's feet area (aka smile lines) at the outer corners of
your eyes.
There are
two SOOF lift techniques that are usually performed. The
definitions for some terms may not be familiar so they have been
provided in purple
for your convenience.
The External Approach with a visible scar:
1. A lateral
canthal incision of 1-2 cm is made. Which means an incision at the outer
corners of the eye where the two lids meet.
2. Lateral Canthotomy and Inferior Cantholysis
3. Lateral Canthopexy
4. create pocket superiorly [:
in or to a more superior position or direction]
to expose deep temporal fascia and periosteum [:
the membrane of connective tissue that closely invests all bones except
at the articular surfaces] over
the lateral orbital rim.
5. The skin is then dissected [separated
from the underlying structure]
at a lateral aspect incision, extended 2-3 cm inferiorly to create a
flap [: a piece of
tissue partly severed from its place of origin for use in surgical
grafting] of malar [cheek
or zygomatic] fat, SMAS [Superficial (or Sub-) muscular Aponeurotic
System], Orbicularis
oculi [muscle around he eye] and SOOF [the
sub-Orbicularis oculi fat pad]
6. With forceps the SOOF is grasped and two braided permanent sutures
are threaded through the flap and anchored to the deep fascia
[the
thick white muscle covering] of
the temporal area
[: of or
relating to the temples or the sides of the skull behind the orbits]
and periosteum.
7. The excess skin is then excised [removed]
8. The suture lines are then closed
The Transconjunctival, or through the conjunctiva [:
the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and is
continued over the forepart of the eyeball]
approach:
1. the
incision/permanent suture is made subperiosteal [:
situated or occurring beneath the periosteum, or : the membrane of
connective tissue that closely invests all bones except at the articular
surfaces] and
the above techniques are applied, the only difference is the incision
placement. The Transconjunctival technique leaves no visible scar.
After the
surgery is completed, the surgeon will lubricate your eyes with an
ointment and perhaps apply a pressure dressing. Your eyelids will feel
tight and quite tender as the anesthesia wears off. Your prescribed
medication should alleviate this pain and discomfort. However, if you
believe your pain to be out of the ordinary, call your surgeon or the
staff on call immediately. You will be driven home by your spouse,
significant other or friend as you will not be able to see, much less
drive yourself home.
The Road to Recovery
You may be groggy
from the anesthetic and/or oral medications and probably won't remember
much of the first day or two. You will have to take it easy and sleep on
two pillows to keep your head elevated for 7-14 days - or however long
your surgeon suggests. When you wake up you will notice that your eyes
will look even more swollen in the first 3 days. But, as the days go on
the swelling will dissipate. There may be bruising, but this will go
away, as well. So make a mental note of this or you may be shocked into
a depression. Bruising and swelling are a normal occurrence in most
surgeries.
Your will be
instructed to keep your head elevated for several days. Two to three
medium-filled pillows should do the trick. Take your temperature
regularly. An elevated Temperature could mean an infection. Take
those antibiotics ON TIME. And don't forget if you are taking birth
control that some antibiotics can interfere so in the event that you do
have relations, use another form of protection as well. You should also
use cold compresses to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. Some
surgeons may recommend the Swedish
Therapy Gel Eye Mask or the BioDermis HydroGOLD™ eye mask because it is incredibly comfortable and stays
cool, without being "wet", for long periods of time.
The amount
of bruising varies with the individual. It will be at its worst
during the first week. You may not swell and bruise too much directly
after the surgery, but the next day and especially the third, you may
feel as if the swelling and bruising is rather extreme. You will begin
cleaning your eye area as shown at the pre-operative visit. Your
surgeon may recommend using eye drops or oculo-wetting solution to help
with lubricating your eyes. It is quite possible that your tear glands
will not be able to produce enough tears to lubricate your eyes properly
for the first few days or even weeks. Although quite the opposite is
possible as in excessive tearing. You may also experience light
sensitivity and blurred or double vision. You may be instructed to wear
a special hard mask over your eyes while sleeping. This type of mask is
also utilized for post-operative care of LASER vision correction (LASIK)
patients. This mask prohibits the patient from accidentally applying
pressure or rubbing the eyes while at rest.
Your sutures will be removed after 2 - 5 days, more than likely 3 days.
You swelling will begin to subside at the end of the week although it is
known to remain for 3 weeks. You will instructed to not wear contacts
(if your vision requires it). And even after the allotted time your
contacts may give you discomfort while wearing them. You may still
experience hyper-lacrimation (excessive tearing) or hypo-lacrimation
(excessive dryness from lack of tears) of the eyes. This should return
to normal within a few weeks and may be more of n aggravation than
anything.
Most patients return to work in a 7 to 10 days. You should limit your
sun exposure as your eyes will be sensitive to it as well as your
incision sites; sun block should be used on the eye area. Make sure that
the sun block is safe for eyes and will not irritate them.
Avoid too
much movement for the first few days (about 5). And even if you are
feeling better, you should take it easy while you are recovering. Do not
participate is strenuous activates for at least 3 weeks. And definitely
NO CONTACT SPORTS. Your bruising will subside within a few weeks and
after your surgeon gives you the "go ahead" you may begin
wearing cosmetics to hide residual bruising.
Risks & Complications of SOOF Lift
Please read these
risks completely:
The minor
complications that are associated with SOOF Lift include double or
blurry vision for a few days, temporary swelling at the corners of the
eyelids, and milia (or tiny whiteheads) that can be removed by
your surgeon by pricking them with a micro-needle. It is possible to
develop asymmetry during healing or excessive scarring if you are prone
to such a thing.
It is possible that you may experience difficulty in closing your eyes
when sleeping. In rare instances this condition may be permanent. Also
there is the rare possibility of ectropion. Ectropion is a
condition where your lower lids are pull down or gape. If you
should develop ectropion, further surgery will more than likely be
needed to correct it. Which could lead to more risks and more cost to
you, the patient. Ascertain whether or not, if you should develop
ectropion,
your surgeon's fees will be waved.
If you have thyroid problems (hypothyroidism
or Graves' disease)
dry eyes or insufficient tearing, circulatory disorders or high blood
pressure, having a SOOF lift may be more risky for you than an otherwise
"healthy" individual who does not have such disorders.
Grave’s disease is frequently associated with severe swelling of the
periorbital tissues. This swelling may be misdiagnosed as excess
under-eye fat pads. If you are myxedematous* (in a severe
state of hypothyroidism) you may have severe edema, or fluid
retention, especially in the eye area; is a common symptom of
hypothyroidism. The fluid filled tissue areas are often
misdiagnosed as excessive fat in the eye area and when removed can lead
to disastrous results. As your edema subsides and your fluid levels
level out, after removal the eye area will look very sunken in.
Ascertain that your surgeon establishes whether or not your eye
"bags" are caused by fat or chronic edema prior
to your SOOF lift. Edema will not be corrected by surgery - ever.
"A
review of the past medical history is also important to reveal any
contraindications or underlying illnesses that may affect the surgery.
The surgeon should always be aware of the possibility of thyroid
disease manifesting as orbital disease. Graves' ophthalmopathy can
cause globe protrusion, eyelid retraction and symptoms of dry eyes,
while hypothyroidism may produce myxedema, which the patient and
surgeon may misdiagnose as protruding orbital fat. Previous facial
palsy may result in persistent weakness of the periorbital
musculature, which may lead to inadequate corneal lubrication and
corneal desiccation or ulceration. Allergy may cause intermittent
swelling and dermatitis of the eyelid skin and recurrent periorbital
edema. Chronic renal disease and diabetes may affect wound healing and
increase the risk of infection." 8
Other
disorders that may increase your risks are myasthenia
gravis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, a detached retina or
glaucoma (and other high pressures of the eye), poor circulation and
poor elasticity. Please disclose all disorders or concerns with your
plastic surgeon - you're health and well-being might depend on it.
Sometimes the eye area will not heal correctly and you just may have to
have an additional surgery to correct it. The surgeon may or may not
charge any additional fees if another surgery is necessary.
Even though the SOOF lift
may be sought to re-suspend or re-position the fat pads instead of
removing them partially, or entirely. Some patients do need fat removal.
*myxedematous: severe
hypothyroidism characterized by firm inelastic edema, dry skin and hair,
and loss of mental and physical vigor. (Merriam-Webster dictionary)
The Average Prices of SOOF Lift
Although
costs may vary from region to region and depending upon the physician, the
average prices: $2,000. - $5,000. US.
These prices may not include medications, post-operative supplies or O.R.
and anesthesia fees.
The
Least You Need To Know
-
What: The SOOF lift is a procedure to
lift the Sub-orbicularis oculi Fat and/or cheek fat pad
-
Why: This surgery is meant to reposition the
SOOF and cheek pad. Some surgeons may consider this lift to involve lifting only
the SOOF,
others both the SOOF and cheek fat pad. Be sure you find out ahead a time.
-
When: from
late 20's to 70's, usually.
-
Who: Research
your doctor very well! He should help you decide which technique would be
best for you and discuss this openly.
-
Where: Accredited
Surgical suite or hospital
-
Risks: READ
THEM!
-
incisions/scars: in
the outer area where the lids meet or inside the lower lid.
-
Anesthesia:
IV
Sedation (Light Sleep) or General. Read
All About Anesthesia
-
Duration:
1-3 hours
-
Pain Factor:
mild, pain meds should alleviate any discomfort. If not, call your surgeon
immediately!
-
Swelling:
Moderate -- Medium; depending upon individual; I suggest
arnica montana and bromelain.
-
Bruising:
Moderate
-- Medium; depending upon individual; I suggest arnica montana and bromelain.
-
Post-operative
instructions: Have someone there to help care for you during your
recovery, keep elevated -- even when sleeping. A recliner works best. Cold
compresses for first 48 hours are suggested. As well as cleansing of the
eyes after your pre-operative visit. You shouldn't try to read or watch
television -- at least for long periods of time -- for up to three days
post-operatively. And do NOT wear your contacts, if you wear them, for at
least 2 weeks post-operatively. Try not to rub your
eyes in the weeks following your surgery. This action could further
irritate your eyes. Some surgeons offer a metal or hard plastic face mask
(coated with a soft material) to keep wandering hands and fingers away
during healing times. Patients having undergone Lasik are familiar with
these face masks.
-
1st Post-op visit: day
2 to 5 (more than likely day 3) for suture removal
-
Return to work:
7 to 10 days
-
Activity:
No
exercise until at least 3 weeks post-operative. Be careful not to raise your
blood pressure for several weeks, you don't want to inhibit proper healing
or get an infection. You should remain inactive for 3 to 5 days. Check with
your surgeon!
-
Sun exposure:
UV
light may cause hyperpigmentation in some patients around the incision
lines.
-
End result:
The swelling and proper positioning of the eyelids post-op may take several
months.
-
Loss of Sensitivity:
It is possible to lose sensation along the incision lines.
Long term or permanent loss of sensitivity is possible.
-
Anything else?
Possible eyebrow and eyelash loss from medications. Possible asymmetry as
well. Possibility of hypertrophic scarring that some patients get Erbium
laser treatments to abate.
-
Longevity:
the skin is still subject to aging, especially with photo-aging. You may
wish to seek Erbium
or CO2 laser for wrinkles, or even NLite.
-
But Wait! There's
More! Research as much as
you can on the subject. Disclose all your medical background. If you
are a smoker, if you are taking medications, or if you have any other
medical concerns. Have realistic expectations about your results. If you are
50 years of age and you choose to undergo Blepharoplasty, the procedure will
not give you the eyes of 20 year old. Besides this look would not suit your
face and appear done. NO plastic surgeon can perform
miracles, he can only try and improve upon what you have beforehand.
-
The average prices for
a SOOF
Lift both lower lids, $2,000. - $5,000.;
Related
Links
EyeRepairs.com - Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery for the Eye and Orbit.
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References
Hamara ST. The Role of Orbital Fat Preservation in Aesthetic Surgery.
Clinics of Plastic Surgery; 23(1) 17-28. 1996
Hamara ST. The Aging face: Analysis Surgical Approach and Result Assessment: Aesthetic Surgery Quarterly
16(1), 65-74
Hoenig JA, Shorr N, Shorr J, The Sub-orbicularis Oculi Fat In Aesthetic and
Reconstructive Surgery; International Ophthalmology Clinics; 37(3): 179-191. 1997
McCord, CD et al. Re-draping the Inferior Orbicularis Arc. Plastics and Reconstructive
Surgery; 102(7): 247 1-9. 1998
M. Sean Freeman, MD, Trans-conjunctival Sub-Orbicularis Oculi Fat (SOOF) Pad Lift Blepharoplasty:
A New Technique for the Effacement of Naso-jugal Deformity
Goldberg, Robert Alan; MD, FACS "SOOF Lift Helps
Rehab Eyelid Complex Fat Relocation Rather Than Removal Is The Name Of The Game
In Today’s Lower Lid Blepharoplasty" *R. Goldberg can be reached at the Jules
Stein Eye Institute, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7006; (310)
206-8250; fax: (310) 825-9263.
Ophthalmics Direct, Differential
Diagnosis of Common Physical Signs in the Eyelids
8 Greenberg, Jayson, M.D.; Baylor College of Medicine. The Bobby R. Alford Department of
Otorhinolaryngology and Communicative Sciences. Blepharoplasty February 4, 1999
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary
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