I developed what I dubbed the Ten Minute Eyelift for treating significant upper eyelid hooding. The technique is quite simple. With the patient seated upright, I first mark off the entire length of the lower third of the “underbelly” of the hooded portion of the lids on each side. Next, I numb these areas with a small amount of local anesthetic. Finally, I pass a cautery probe, which imparts an intense amount of heat energy, along the marked stretch of each lid.
Almost immediately, the skin contracts vigorously in response to the probe, drawing the hooded portion of the lid backwards over the surface of the underlying normal lid. As it does so, the underlying eyelid is exposed and restored. Each wound is then covered with only a small amount of antibiotic ointment and left to heal spontaneously.
The entire technique takes about five minutes per side. Healing is usually complete in seven to ten days. Slight bruising and mild swelling are common afterward and may take about a week before becoming less noticeable. Cold compresses can be used in the first 48 hours to minimize the bruising and swelling. This may be supplemented by the oral use of bromelain for three days. Bromelain, an enzyme, is a pineapple derivative that has demonstrated usefulness in preventing bruises and speeding their resolution. Pain medications are seldom necessary, but for some people who experience mild discomfort, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is ordinarily adequate. Most people can return to work the following day.
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Posted to Droopy Eyelids - Alternatives to Eyelift Surgery? on 6 Aug 2012
I developed what I dubbed the Ten Minute Eyelift for treating significant upper eyelid hooding. The technique is quite simple. With the patient seated upright, I first mark off the entire length of the lower third of the “underbelly” of the hooded portion of the lids on each side. Next, I numb these areas with a small amount of local anesthetic. Finally, I pass a cautery probe, which imparts an intense amount of heat energy, along the marked stretch of each lid.
Almost immediately, the skin contracts vigorously in response to the probe, drawing the hooded portion of the lid backwards over the surface of the underlying normal lid. As it does so, the underlying eyelid is exposed and restored. Each wound is then covered with only a small amount of antibiotic ointment and left to heal spontaneously.
The entire technique takes about five minutes per side. Healing is usually complete in seven to ten days. Slight bruising and mild swelling are common afterward and may take about a week before becoming less noticeable. Cold compresses can be used in the first 48 hours to minimize the bruising and swelling. This may be supplemented by the oral use of bromelain for three days. Bromelain, an enzyme, is a pineapple derivative that has demonstrated usefulness in preventing bruises and speeding their resolution. Pain medications are seldom necessary, but for some people who experience mild discomfort, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is ordinarily adequate. Most people can return to work the following day.