Do you often get told that you look tired? Do you have heavy upper eyelids even when you aren’t sleepy? These are common reasons given by patients that are considering a cosmetic surgery procedure known as blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery.
When it comes to signs of ageing, virtually no other part of our body betrays our advancing years as much as our eyes do.
Wrinkled excess skin, hooded upper eyelids, dark circles, lower eyelid bags, and droopy upper eyelids are all par for the course as we get older. However, for a small number of patients, these are also hereditary features that creep in much earlier than we would like to think.
Eyelid surgery may be more common in patients over 40, but it is certainly not unheard of in patients still in their 30s and even 20s.
However, as with all types of cosmetic surgery, it is important that you consider all of the facts before and after eyelid surgery. Here are some of the most important things you should know before opting for upper and lower eyelid surgery.
What Is A Blepharoplasty Procedure?
So what is a blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the eyelids. It involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids to address sagging skin, puffiness, and wrinkles.
The surgery can help improve vision by removing overhanging upper eyelid skin that obstructs the field of view. In addition to this, it can enhance overall facial aesthetics by restoring a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the eyes.
Blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation and can significantly enhance self-confidence and quality of life for individuals bothered by eyelid aging signs. Here are a few of the different types of eyelid procedures to know about as you consider your options.
Upper Blepharoplasty
An upper blepharoplasty procedure targets the upper eyelids. This procedure involves the removal of excess upper eyelid skin, muscle, and fat to address drooping eyelids and provide a more refreshed appearance.
The cosmetic surgeon will make incisions along the natural creases of the upper eyelids to minimize scarring. An upper blepharoplasty can rejuvenate the eyes, improve vision if obstructed by excess skin, and enhance overall facial aesthetics with minimal downtime.
Lower Blepharoplasty
A lower blepharoplasty procedure focuses on the lower eyelids. It targets under-eye bags, puffiness, and wrinkles by working to remove excess skin and fat or redistributing fat through fat grafting/fat repositioning to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Surgeons typically make incisions either inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach) or along the lower lash line (subciliary approach). Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can result rejuvenated eyes and improved facial harmony.
Upper Eyelid Ptosis Repair
Upper eyelid ptosis repair is a procedure used to fix drooping of the upper eyelid. The surgeon tightens the levator muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid, often by shortening or reattaching it to the eyelid’s tarsal plate.
Incisions are typically made within the natural crease of the upper eyelid to reducing the visibility of any scarring that could occur. Ptosis repair can improve vision obstructed by the drooping eyelid and gift you a more vibrant alert look.
Asian Eyelid Surgery
Asian eyelid surgery, or double eyelid surgery, creates a defined upper eyelid crease for people with a monolid or less defined crease. This technique involves making incisions along the desired crease line with fat and skin removal if necessary.
This surgery aims to enhance the appearance of the eyes, providing a more defined eyelid contour and potentially widening the eyes, while still respecting individual ethnic features and aesthetics.
Finding The Right Surgeon
While there are undoubtedly dozens or more surgeons in your state that can perform a blepharoplasty, it is very unlikely that they will all have the same training, level of skill and experience.
Since the results of your procedure hinge on the ability of your surgeon, we strongly recommend that you spend plenty of time researching and meeting with professionals until you find one that you are happy with. Remember, the cheapest and the best are rarely ever the same thing. Choose the finest surgeon that you can afford.
Consider these factors:
- Experience and Credentials
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials
- Communication and Trust
- Facility Accreditation
- Personal Comfort
- Cost, Financing Options, and Insurance Coverage
- Before and After Photos
The Importance of Before And After Photos
Upper eyelid surgery before and after pictures or lower eyelid surgery before and after photos are really important when choosing a surgeon. These images provide visual evidence of their skill and expertise.
By reviewing these images, you can assess the surgeon’s aesthetic style, consistency of results, and ability to address various concerns.
As an example, you could see photos of a patients who underwent upper blepharoplasty, a left upper eyelid adjustment, a bilateral upper blepharoplasty, etc. and get the real look at the outcomes.
These photos offer priceless insight into what you can realistically expect from the procedure and help ensure that the surgeon’s outcomes align with your aesthetic goals. They should instill confidence and trust in the surgeon’s capabilities, allowing you some comfort towards a successful and satisfying experience.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
Your blepharoplasty recovery will involve temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the eyes. Patients may experience dry eyes and sensitivity to light initially. Most of your discomfort will back off within a week, with swelling after eyelid surgery gradually diminishing over a few weeks.
Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow post-operative care instructions diligently to promote optimal healing. Full recovery may take a few weeks to months, during which time the final results of the procedure will become apparent.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
Can Men Have Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Surgeries?
Cosmetic surgery is still very much thought of as being a female endeavor. Nevertheless, there is absolutely no reason that men can’t reap the benefits of various surgical procedures, including a male upper blepharoplasty, too.
All surgeries are performed sympathetically, ensuring that you retain and enhance your physical features rather than changing them.
How Long Till I Notice My Blepharoplasty Results?
Many patients expect to be able to see an entirely transformed reflection in the mirror the same day as their surgery. It is better to be prepared than disappointed, and therefore we feel that it is essential to know that the early results of your blepharoplasty probably won’t be visible until at least a few weeks after surgery.
It is also important to point out that your face will continue to change over time and the final results of your procedure won’t be visible until at least 6 months after your eyelid surgery.
When Can I Wear Cosmetics After My Eye Procedure?
If the thought of leaving your home without a face full of cosmetics makes you shudder, then you should be prepared for the fact that when you have eyelid surgery, you will need to avoid cosmetics, brow grooming and even contact lenses for at least the first few weeks after your surgery.
This will give your eyelids time to heal without interference and lower the risk of complications such as post-surgical infection.
Will I Need To Have A Brow Lift As Well?
If you have a heavy forehead/brow then the effects of only eyelid surgery may not be as pronounced as you would like. In many instances, patients who have a sagging brow may be recommended to have a brow lift in addition to blepharoplasty.
Contact Us To Arrange Your Initial Consultation
If you are ready to learn more about Blepharoplasty, please contact our helpful team at Galanis Plastic Surgery and set up your personal consultation with Dr. Charles Galanis. Our experienced and discreet cosmetic surgery team is ready to help you get started.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174
