blepharoplasty
Pronunciation: BLEF-ah-ro-plas-tee
Surgical procedure to remove excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids.
Full Definition
Blepharoplasty is a facial plastic surgery procedure designed to rejuvenate the eyelid area by addressing age-related changes such as excess skin, muscle laxity, and fat pad herniation. Upper blepharoplasty removes redundant skin and may include muscle modification, while lower blepharoplasty can be performed via external (transcutaneous) or internal (transconjunctival) approaches depending on whether skin removal is needed. The procedure can be performed for functional improvement when ptotic eyelids impair vision or for aesthetic enhancement. Careful preoperative assessment and surgical technique are crucial to avoid complications such as ectropion, dry eyes, or lagophthalmos.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between functional and cosmetic indications for accurate coding and documentation.
In Context
- "Upper blepharoplasty significantly improved the patient's visual field deficits caused by dermatochalasis." — operative report
- "Transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty avoids external incisions while addressing fat pad herniation." — surgical technique paper