| • Other names: "Second time around," late-term "touch-up"
• Primary goal: The same as with "primary" blepharoplasty– that is, an improvement in the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. The distinction here is that the patient has undergone previous unremarkable (uncomplicated) blepharoplasty surgery some years earlier and now desires a repeat operation. As a group, the patients are more elderly than the average blepharoplasty candidate.
• Secondary goals: In patients who have undergone previous blepharoplasty, seldom is there enough new overhanging skin to interfere with vision. Thus, functional (non-cosmetic) concerns are generally minimal.
• Special anatomy: The unknown degree and location of internal scarring from older techniques may significantly alter the anatomy and predispose to less predictable results.
• Anesthesia: Because of unknown or unexpected alterations of normal anatomy, it is extremely helpful if the patient can cooperate during surgery by opening and closing the eyes upon request. Local anesthesia with oral or light intravenous sedation is thus highly desirable.
• Operative technique: While similar to "primary" blepharoplasty, secondary surgery must be undertaken with a . . . |
