Do you have droopy upper eyelids or bags under your eyes? If you are unhappy with these changes and want to improve the way your eyes look, blepharoplasty may be the ideal procedure for you. But what exactly is blepharoplasty?
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is a surgical treatment that can rejuvenate the eyelids and make the eyes appear brighter, fresher, and more youthful.
Blepharoplasty is generally done to correct sagging upper eyelid skin but can also be performed on the lower eyelids.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty addresses sagging skin and puffiness in the upper eyelids.
Droopy upper eyelids are the result of the natural aging process and loss of skin elasticity over time. The sagging of the lids is sometimes so severe that it affects peripheral vision. Puffiness occurs when the fat pad that cushions the eyelid moves out of position and becomes prominent due to the weakening of the muscles supporting the eyelids.
The Procedure
The incision for upper eyelid surgery is typically made within the natural crease of the eyelid. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles. The fat pad may also need to be reduced or repositioned to resolve eyelid puffiness.
An upper eyelid lift is an outpatient procedure typically done under local anesthesia, and takes about one hour to perform.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty corrects bags and excess skin beneath the eyes and minimizes the appearance of hollows.
Bags under the eyes occur because the muscles and tissues around the eyes weaken over time, causing the fat to protrude. Also, the laxity of the skin contributes to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles in the area.
The Procedure
The incision for lower blepharoplasty is made just beneath the lash line to allow excess skin to be removed. The incision can also be made inside the lower eyelid. This technique is ideal for patients that only need to reposition or remove fat.
What Is Recovery After Blepharoplasty Like?
There is typically bruising and swelling after blepharoplasty, which peaks 2-4 days after surgery and takes about 2 weeks to resolve. Patients should use cold compresses and sleep with their head elevated for the first few days after surgery to minimize swelling.
Most patients can resume regular activities within 7-10 days. Patients should follow the post-op instructions of their plastic surgeon to ensure a speedy recovery after eyelid surgery.
When Will You See Results?
Some improvement in the appearance of the eyelids can be seen immediately after surgery. However, final results won’t be visible until the swelling and bruising diminish, which usually takes about 2 weeks.
Are You A Good Candidate For Blepharoplasty?
If you have excess upper eyelid skin and/or under-eye bags, you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty. Candidates for blepharoplasty should also be healthy, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
Complementary Procedures
The appearance of the upper eyelids may be affected by the forehead. As a result, blepharoplasty is often combined with a forehead lift/brow lift to achieve optimal eyelid rejuvenation. A brow lift focuses on elevating droopy brows.
Benefits Of Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty improves the definition of the area around the eyelids by removing loose, sagging skin, and tightening the muscles.
The results of eyelid surgery are long-lasting, and patients are generally pleased with the outcome. However, minimizing sun exposure, reducing stress, and not smoking can help to maintain the results.
If you are ready to do something about your tired-looking eyelids, eyelid surgery is an effective way to rejuvenate your eyes and refresh your appearance.