Why should someone consider eyelid surgery? Aging affects everyone and affects every part of the body, including your eyelids. The eyelids can be adversely affected, which can make someone look far older than they actually are. In addition, drooping eyelids may actually interfere with your vision making activities such as driving a car much harder and may even be hazardous. Eyelid surgery, which is technically known as blepharoplasty, means patients can have a short surgical procedure that alleviates wrinkles on the eyelids and eliminates drooping eyelids.
The blepharoplasty is a relatively popular cosmetic surgery procedure, especially among middle-aged patients. This procedure, which is commonly referred to as a brow lift, helps to lift the eyebrows from the face and eliminate lines and wrinkles that have formed around the creases of the eyes. It can make a person appear younger and more energized while also offering long-term results.
Experts in Eyelid Surgery Procedures
It is best to find a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is an expert with eyelid surgery services. Expert cosmetic surgeons can use unique and innovative facial plastic surgery techniques to minimize both scarring and recovery time. Since experienced cosmetic surgeons place the incisions in naturally occurring eyelid creases, most of the evident scarring is harder to see. In addition, as scars fade over time, most become virtually undetectable under normal conditions. This means the patient can look significantly younger without anyone realizing it.
It doesn’t matter if your facial plastic surgeon does both eyelids. For example, suppose you have your lower lids done to eliminate bags and sags or your upper eyelids operated on to eliminate wrinkles and drooping. In that case, the overall recovery timeline and processes are the same. While it depends on the severity of the operation as well as the preference of the patient, most eyelid surgeries can be executed under either local or general anesthetic.
However, not everyone wants to have a plastic surgery procedure performed in order to get these results. There are options available for an eye lift that do not require surgery.
What are the Alternatives to the Blepharoplasty?
Laser Treatment
Patients can look into their laser treatment options to see if they can be applied to the region around their eyes. Laser treatment procedures can eliminate the appearance of wrinkles as well as prevent them from forming in the future.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel also can help rejuvenate a person’s appearance and reduce the impact of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. The goal of a chemical peel is to remove dead, aged skin from the face, ultimately allowing new, fresh, and rejuvenated skin to grow on the surface. It can instantly refresh a person’s appearance, especially in the region surrounding the eyes.
Dermal Fillers
In some cases, dermal fillers and injections can be used to perform a non-surgical blepharoplasty procedure. Dermal fillers can be used to fill in the lines and wrinkles around the eyes, while injectables can help decrease the volume of the skin surrounding the eyelids. This helps to eliminate the dark, puffy circles that can form around the eyes as a result of fatigue or stress.
Natural Rest
Patients also can combat these troublesome signs of aging by making sleep a top priority. A good night’s sleep will allow the skin to restore itself and promote new growth of healthy, vibrant, wrinkle-free skin. This may sound too good to be true, but it’s actually one of the best ways to improve a person’s appearance around their eyes.
Makeup
Makeup also can be used to cover up the signs of aging. Choose light-reflecting makeup, as this can help lighten the tone of the dark circles and detract from the prominence of the dark circles on the face. Makeup should be gently applied as to avoid injury to the eye or damage to the sensitive skin in the area.
Post-Surgery Recovery
After the surgery is complete, the patient does have to be driven home and to speed recovery. Both hot and cold compresses help to minimize the post-surgical swelling while improving patient comfort.
For the first few days after surgery, these restrictions also apply:
- Do not allow the patient to drive, watch TV, or read. This prevents eye strain.
- The sutures will be removed or will dissolve on their own approximately a week after surgery.
- The patient will be able to function normally within 7 to 10 days.
However, keep in mind that the bruising of the eyelids may still be evident and may still show for several weeks after suture removal.
The Significance of the Eyes
The eyes are the gateway to the soul, and they can say a lot about a person’s current mood and disposition. People who are in need of a blepharoplasty or facial rejuvenation around their eyes may appear to be tired, angry, or frustrated — even at times when they feel happy, relaxed, and energized. This can take a significant toll on their personal and professional lives.
Younger-looking eyes and the elimination of vision-impairing drooping eyelids definitely have unquestionable benefits. Patients will be able to eliminate a hazardous condition, and the patient will look significantly younger as an added result. In addition, expert cosmetic surgeons use their progressive surgical techniques so their patients may experience a measurable improvement in self-confidence and self-esteem.
For those of you who have to deal with drooping eyelids or if you feel you look older than you should because of your eyelids, call a board-certified cosmetic surgeon about an eyelid surgery consultation. Having one short surgery can make a huge difference in your life! Patients who are interested in non-surgical eye lift options should also set up a consultation appointment with an expert facial plastic surgeon who is familiar with all types of facial rejuvenation techniques. This is the type of surgeon who can provide a patient with natural-looking, personalized results.