Eye Bag Removal: What's Possible and What Isn't

Eye bag removal, or blepharoplasty, is a commonly used part of the general suite of surgical techniques that combat signs of ageing. The technique is also used to remove excess eyelid skin from the visual ranges of people whose eyelids, and the skin around them, have begun to interfere with their fields of vision.

The procedure can be undergone either as a part of a full facelift surgery - or on its own, either to address practical eyesight problems or to give a little lift in the face of ageing evidence.

Eye bag removal is accomplished by making fine incisions in the natural creases of the eye lids. The surgeon performing the blepharoplasty then delicately removes excess fat tissue from under the skin, and trims the muscle accordingly, before sewing the creases back together. The results can be quite dramatic, particularly in patients whose eye lids have begun to droop noticeably.
The removal of eye bags is a suitable procedure (in general terms) for any patient over the age of 35. Patients below 35 can be candidates for an eye bag removal in certain circumstances, particularly where those patients have very large under eye bags. The blepharoplasty can remove the appearance or tiredness or the hooded aspect that people who have over large under eye bags sometimes present.

As with all forms of surgery, the ultimate decision insofar as suitability goes rests with a qualified consultant. A good consultant will want to know why you are intending to have your eye bags removed, and will recommend the right surgery for you where he or she feels that surgery is necessary or advisable.
In general terms, an eye bag removal is possible for anyone with normal eye health. Exclusions from blepharoplasty include people who have detached retina, glaucoma, dry eye or tear duct issues. Sufferers from Graves' disease; hyperthyroidism; and high blood pressure are also advised that the procedure may not be suitable for them in these cases.

Smokers may be interested to note that modern surgical consultants advise giving up completely two weeks before an eye surgery, and not starting again until at least two weeks have elapsed since the operation. This is because smoking is believed to slow down healing processes, and thus to present a wider field of possibility for infections and complications.

Patients who opt for a eyebag removal surgery,blepharoplasty are also advised that the post operative pain period may last for a week or two. It is a common and natural reaction to eye bag removal to have bruising and swelling around the eyes for a couple of weeks. Your surgeon or consultant will provide you with a full list of treatment solutions for post operative swelling, bruising and tiredness - these will include ice packs, anti inflammatories and a compulsory period of rest so your eyes can get used to their new formation.

In general terms, having a blepharoplasty can make your appearance brighter and livelier, which can in turn have a positive impact on the way you see yourself. It's an effective way to combat the signs of ageing, to rejuvenate your appearance and to increase your field of vision. By: Andrews Diesen

How Does Diabetes Affect My Teeth and Gums?

What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) disease in which there is a high level of sugar in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas in your body to control this blood sugar. Diabetes thus, can be caused by too little insulin production, resistance to insulin, or both.
To understand diabetes, it is important to first understand the normal process by which food is broken down and used by the body for energy. Several things happen when food is digested:
A sugar called glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream. Glucose is a source of fuel for our body. The body now produces insulin. The role of this insulin is to move glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells, where it can be stored.Diabetics have high blood sugar because their body cannot move sugar into fat, liver, and muscle cells to be stored for energy.
Why does this happen?
Their pancreas either does not make enough insulin or the body cells do not respond to insulin normally.Both of the above ca also occur
There are three major types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. In this disease, the body makes little or no insulin. Daily injections of insulin are needed to control this. The exact cause is unknown.
Type 2 diabetes makes up most of diabetes cases. It most often occurs in adulthood, but teens and young adults are now being diagnosed with it because of high obesity rates. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it. In this type of Diabetes the cells of the body require higher insulin levels to clear the blood of sugar
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.
Complications of Diabetes:
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is an infection of the supporting structures of the teeth ie, the Alveolar bone the ligaments and the gingiva on top. Uncontrolled diabetics show increased levels of gum infections which results in early loss of their teeth. In uncontrolled diabetics there is increased production of advanced glycation end products.these do not allow the collagen to be remodeled therefore the collagen tends to break down at the slightest infection resulting in multiple abscess in the gums
Diabetic cardiomyopathy: damage to the heart, leading to diastolic dysfunction and eventually heart failure.
Diabetic nephropathy: damage to the kidney which can lead to chronic renal failure, eventually requiring dialysis. Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of adult kidney failure worldwide in the developed world.
Diabetic neuropathy: abnormal and decreased sensation, usually in a 'glove and stocking' distribution starting with the feet but potentially in other nerves, later often fingers and hands. When combined with damaged blood vessels this can lead to a diabetic foot. Other forms of diabetic neuropathy may present as mononeuritis or autonomic neuropathy. Diabetic amyotrophy is muscle weakness due to neuropathy.
Diabetic retinopathy: growth of friable and poor-quality new blood vessels in the retina as well as macular edema (swelling of the macula), which can lead to severe vision loss or blindness.
Is there an association between gum disease and Diabetes?
For the nearly 50 million Indians that have diabetes, many may be surprised to learn about Periodontitis being an unexpected complication associated with this condition. Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of advanced gum disease called periodontitis among those with diabetes, The American Diabetic Association has added periodontitis to the list of other 5 established complications associated with diabetes, macro vascular disease such as heart disease, micro-vascular diseases, retinopathy, nephropathy (renal disease) and neuropathy.
If I have gum disease like Periodontitis will I have more diabetes?
Research is showing that when gum disease/ periodontitis is present it results in increased levels of TNF-alpha. The ability of the body to respond to insulin decreases therefore the patient requires a higher dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs to control their rising blood sugar levels. Research has also shown that once this gum disease is controlled the amount of medication required reduces.
Is There a Two-Way Street?
Yes,the relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes is two-way. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). People with diabetes are at an increased risk for serious gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection, and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.
Diabetics should get their periodontal health examined by a periodontist every 6 months.
If I Have Diabetes, am I at Risk for Dental Problems?
If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth than non-diabetics. Like all infections, serious gum disease may be an important factor in causing blood sugar to rise. Other oral problems associated to diabetes include: thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth, and dry mouth which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities.
How Can I Help Prevent Dental Problems Associated with Diabetes?