Blepharoplasty is the technical name for an eyelid surgery, which is used to eliminate extra eyelid tissue and smooth eyelid skin for a smoother and younger appearance. It is typically performed on individuals who have reached middle age, although some people in their 30s do have the procedure performed as well. Prospective patients who are considering this procedure should be healthy nonsmokers and should approach the surgery with realistic goals. For example, candidates must realize that eyelid surgery does not stop the aging process and that the results of upper eyelid surgery do not last forever.
Common Reasons for Blepharoplasty
Because of the continuing effects of aging, the face and other areas will be affected with wrinkles and drooping skin. Unfortunately, the eyelids can be adversely affected as well. This can make someone look much older than they actually are. In addition, drooping eyelids may actually interfere with your vision. This makes many activities such as driving a car much harder and a lot more dangerous as well. With eyelid surgery, technically known as blepharoplasty, patients can have a small surgical process done that may alleviate wrinkles on the eyelids and may eliminate drooping eyelids as well.
Eyelid surgery can help patients who feel that their eyes are making them look older than they truly are. An eyelid surgery can correct sagging, drooping lids, and even puffiness beneath the eyes. While it cannot correct crow’s feet or some fine lines and wrinkles, this surgery may be combined with another facial cosmetic surgery, such as a brow lift or facelift, for even more impressive results. Patients who have an eyelid surgery often find that they have a wider field of vision, a smoother upper eyelid, and a renewed look of youthfulness.
Eyelid surgeries are often needed because of the effects of aging. The skin alters dramatically as individuals reach their 30’s and 40’s. The skin begins to lose elastin and collagen, which together create a toned and pleasingly plump appearance. Therefore, the eyelids may begin to sag, and the skin becomes crepe-like. In addition, unwanted fat deposits may begin to appear, especially in the lower eyelids, leading to the appearance of bags under the eyes. Eyelid surgery cannot treat crows-feet or some other types of wrinkles. Therefore, patients may want to consider combining eyelid surgery with another procedure, such as a facelift, to address all of their concerns simultaneously.
Start by Finding a Board-Certified Expert Surgeon
Find a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is an expert on eyelid surgery. Experts on this procedure often have innovative and unique facial plastic surgery techniques that will minimize both recovery time and scarring. By placing incisions in naturally occurring eyelid creases, evident scarring is much harder to see. Since scars do fade over time, they may become virtually undetectable under most conditions. For the patient, this means they can look years younger without anyone being the wiser.
Only qualified surgeons who have training and expertise in this field should perform eyelid surgeries. Many experienced expert board-certified cosmetic surgeons have been performing this and many other cosmetic procedures for many decades. An eyelid surgery requires precision and finesse to be accomplished correctly with a minimum of scarring or other complications. An eyelid surgery is a same-day procedure, meaning that patients will be discharged to the comfort of their own homes before the day is out.
Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
Regardless of whether the facial plastic surgeon does surgery to the lower eyelids to eliminate puffiness or to the upper eyelids to eliminate wrinkles or droopiness, or does surgery on both sets at the same time, the recovery timeline and requirements are basically the same.
Most eyelid surgeries can be performed using a local anesthetic and an oral medication to help patients feel calm. However, larger cases may require general anesthesia, or some patients may prefer to be put under to decrease anxiety. Depending on the severity of the operation or the preference of the patient, the surgery can be done under either local or general anesthetic. Once the procedure is complete, the patient will have to be driven home. To facilitate recovery, using both hot and cold compresses will help minimize the post-surgical swelling. This also improves patient comfort as well.
Important Instructions for Recovery
Eyelid surgery patients can expect to have some swelling and possibly even bleeding around the incision sites. This can lead to pain, which can often be controlled using only over-the-counter pain medication. In some cases, the surgeon will prescribe a pain medication for greater pain control. Patients will be instructed to keep their heads elevated for at least the first 24 hours and to use cold compresses around the affected areas to decrease swelling. Patients should also treat the incisions with great care as they get dressed or wash their faces. They will not be able to wear contacts for a while and will most likely need to use eye drops initially to decrease the effects of dry eye.
Here are some other restrictions for the first few days after eyelid surgery:
- The patient is not to drive, read, or watch television to prevent eyestrain.
- Approximately a week after the surgery, the sutures will be removed or will dissolve on their own.
- Also, after a week, the patient will be able to function normally.
However, keep in mind the bruising of the eyelids may still be evident and may last for a few more weeks after suture removal.
Patients will need time to recover following the procedure. They will be allowed to rest at the surgery center before being discharged home the same day. They should not plan to return to work for up to a week post-operatively to allow any pain or swelling to dissipate. They will also want to treat the incision areas with care when dressing or bathing. Many eyelid surgery patients find that they need to take some over-the-counter or prescription pain medication for a few days. In addition, the cosmetic surgeon will usually see patients within a day or two of surgery to assess how they are recovering.
Consult a Cosmetic Surgeon for Specific Information
Eyelid surgery is typically used for cosmetic reasons only. However, in the case of patients who need this procedure performed to increase their range of vision, health insurance may pick up the cost. Patients who need to pay out of pocket can ask us about setting up a payment plan that will fit into their budgets.
The benefits of younger-looking eyes and the elimination of vision-impairing drooping eyelids are unquestionable. The patient can eliminate a dangerous condition, but the patient will look years younger in the process. Thanks to expert cosmetic surgeons and their use of progressive surgical techniques, this means a patient may experience a significant improvement in self-esteem and self-confidence. If you have to deal with drooping eyelids or feel you look much older because of your eyelids, consult with their offices today. A small surgery on your eyelids can make all the difference!