What is blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery? Well, it isn’t just about leaving droopy eyelids, sagging eyelid skin, dark circles, and puffiness behind. It’s about unveiling a brighter, more youthful appearance for your eyes that you can feel confident about without the bags under the eyes.
Let’s take a few minutes to understand what types of eyelid surgeries there are, and find out some of the things we should know before and after an eyelid surgery takes place.
Types Of Eyelid Surgery
First of all, blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure with various techniques that address different areas of our eyes.
Here is a list and short description of a few of the most common types of blepharoplasty surgery:
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery rejuvenates the upper lids and will remove excess skin and fat, addressing drooping eyelids and improving obstructed vision.
This outpatient procedure enhances eyelid contour and symmetry. Minimal downtime and long-lasting results make it a popular choice for eyelid rejuvenation.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags and puffiness by repositioning or removing excess fat deposits and tightening sagging skin.
This procedure refreshes the lower eyelids, resulting in a smoother lower lid and more youthful appearance. Improved eye contour and reduced puffiness enhance overall facial harmony, boosting confidence and rejuvenating the eyes.
Eyelid Ptosis Repair
Ptosis surgery corrects drooping upper eyelids caused by weakened or stretched muscles, improving eyelid symmetry and vision.
Via surgical procedure, the eyelids are elevated to their appropriate position, enhancing the appearance and functionality of the eyes. This eyelid lift procedure restores a more youthful and alert appearance to the eyes.
Asian Eyelid Surgery
Asian eyelid surgery, also known as double eyelid surgery, creates a natural crease in the eyelid for those without a defined fold.
The goal of this procedure is to enhance eye definition and symmetry while achieving your desired aesthetic goals and respecting ethnic diversity and preferences.
Canthoplasty
A surgical intervention aimed at addressing droopy or sagging eyelids. This procedure involves tightening the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues at the eye’s outer corner to reshape it.
Apart from aesthetic enhancement, it can also widen the field of vision. It is safe, effective, and offers lasting results that gives both functional and cosmetic benefits.
Ectropion Repair
Ectropion repair corrects outward-turning lower eyelids, preventing eye irritation and exposure. The eyelids are repositioned to their natural alignment, restoring proper eyelid function and protecting the eye’s surface. This procedure enhances eye comfort and aesthetics, while promoting eye health and facial symmetry.
How Do I Prepare For My Blepharoplasty?
Now that you know what types of surgical procedures can be performed by plastic surgeons, let’s get ready to prepare for cosmetic surgery to remove excess eyelid skin or tighten the muscles of that droopy eyelid.
The first step is going to be scheduling your personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will want to review your medical history and see results from a complete eye exam including a visual field test.
If you have undergone previous nonsurgical procedures to address your issues, this would be a great time to share this information. The more information your surgeon has the better they can assess what needs to be done moving forward.
Your cosmetic surgeon with provide you with a list of specific instructions that you should follow prior to surgery. This will usually include things such as to stop taking herbal supplements or certain medications that will increase bleeding and swelling after eyelid surgery.
Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol in the weeks leading up to your procedure is often recommended as well.
Be sure to have taken some time off work, set up childcare, and arranged for transportation to and from the surgical facility. Your vision will be impaired after surgery somewhat.
Also, local anesthesia may not have been enough and you could have needed to be put under general anesthesia, which will take some time to fully wear off.
Planning for your recovery can not be overlooked. Prepare your home for a comfortable recovery by stocking up on essentials such as ice packs, gauze pads, and prescribed medications. Have healthy snacks and easy meals prepared in advance to make your recovery time less busy and less stressful.
What Should I Expect During Recovery?
As all surgical procedures are not the same, the blepharoplasty recovery timeline will not be 100% the same either. However, it will be very close and we are able to give you an idea for what to expect. Here is a brief list of expectations:
- Swelling and Bruising: Bruising and swelling around the eyes are common but typically subside within a few weeks
- Discomfort: Mild discomfort or tightness around the eyes may occur, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.
- Limited Activities: Avoid strenuous activities, bending, and heavy lifting during the initial recovery period to minimize swelling and promote healing.
- Eye Irritation: Temporary dry eye, tear production, or sensitivity to light may occur, but these symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.
- Gradual Improvement: While initial results may be visible soon after surgery, final results may take several weeks to months as swelling subsides and tissues settle.
- Scar Care: Follow your surgeon’s instructions for scar care to minimize scarring and promote optimal healing.
Overall, eyelid surgery recovery varies from person to person, but most individuals can expect to return to normal activities within a few weeks, with noticeable improvements in eyelid appearance and function.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
How Can I Pay For An Eyelid Surgery?
Many people wonder will insurance pay for eyelid surgery. In some medically deemed cases your insurance coverage will help you out. If the surgery is for strictly cosmetic reasons though, you will need to arrange other methods such as personal savings, personal loans, medical credit cards, etc.
How long does a blepharoplasty procedure take?
An upper eyelid procedure typically takes around 45 minutes to one hour to complete. If both upper and lower eyelids are addressed simultaneously, the procedure may extend to about two hours. Factors such as fat repositioning or additional work can influence the duration.
When can I wear contact lenses after eye surgery?
Patients can usually resume wearing contact lenses within one to two weeks post-surgery. Following upper blepharoplasty, wait one week before wearing lenses; for lower blepharoplasty, wait two weeks. Adhering to these timelines ensures proper healing and reduces the risk of complications.
Is a brow lift the same as eyelid surgery?
A brow lift is actually a forehead lift that will lift sagging eyebrows and reduces forehead wrinkles but doesn’t actually involve the eyelids. These two types of procedures are sometimes performed simultaneously along with skin resurfacing.
How long will my upper eyelid surgery results last?
The results of this cosmetic procedure can last anywhere from five years to an entire lifetime, lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be done more than once.
Contact Us To Arrange Your Blepharoplasty Consultation
If you are interested to learn more about procedures that address upper and lower eyelids, please reach out to our office at Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills.
Dr. Charles Galanis is a board certified plastic surgeon who can educate you on the finer points of these procedures and how they apply to you. Let’s get started right away.
References
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24828-canthoplasty
