If you’re feeling like your expression just doesn’t look as alert and refreshed as it used to or if age is causing a more tired expression, you may want to consider the significant benefits of blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery for creating a more youthful, well-rested appearance.
Drooping, sagging eyelids, though small portions of the body, can have a big effect on the face’s appearance and on a person’s self-esteem day to day. Sagging eyelids may be caused by extra fat deposits that are resting in the lids, an excess of skin in the area, or just the results of gravity due to age. Whatever the cause, eyelid surgery is a fairly simple procedure that can be done quickly and requires little to no downtime following the procedure.
The first step in preparing for eyelid surgery is to consult with your surgeon and discuss your eyelids and have before pictures taken. The best candidates for blepharoplasty are those who are in relatively good health and have realistic expectations for their post-surgery results. Your surgeon will discuss pricing with you and what the procedure will be like.
In most case, eyelid surgery takes around an hour to complete. During your consultation, you and your doctor can discuss if you are in need of upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery or both. During upper eyelid surgery a small incision will be made on the upper eyelid where fat and excess skin will be gently removed and then the incision will be carefully stitched shut with one small line of stitches.
Eyelid surgery of the lower lid may be performed to remove any excess skin in the area while improving the shape of the lower lid overall. Fat may also be removed from a sagging pocket in the lower lid area which will help in correcting droopiness or sagging.
The recovery time post-surgery is fairly quick. Some bruising and swelling is typical since the areas around the eye are particularly sensitive, so cool compresses should be used for the first 48 hours following the procedure. Stitches will remain in the skin for at least a week and most patients are able to return to their normal activities a week to a week and half following a blepharoplasty procedure.
Some risks are associated with an eyelid surgery procedure including bleeding, scarring, dry eyes, an inability to close the eyes or an infection. All surgery involves risk so be sure to speak with your doctor in detail beforehand to discuss any concerns.