Eyelid Surgery: Everything You Need To Know About Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to give a patient a fresher more rejuvenated by removing bags or excess skin from under the eyelids.

As a person ages, the eyelid muscles become weaker and the eyelids themselves begin to stretch. As a result, excess fat deposits can form above and below the eyes. These fat deposits can cause bags under the eyes, drooping upper eyelids, and sagging eyebrows. These symptoms can cause a person to look older, and many people do not like that. The symptoms can also damage a person’s peripheral vision, making it harder for the patient to see above or to the sides of themselves. This narrow field of vision can get in the way of people’s lives.

WHAT IS AN EYELID SURGERY?

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty surgery, is a minimally invasive way to combat these negative effects of aging. The incisions used to perform eyelid surgery are small and typically unnoticeable after the procedure is done. The surgeon can perform a blepharoplasty on the upper lids only, lower lids only, or both. Blepharoplasty can also be done in conjunction with other cosmetic facial procedures such a chemical peel, face-lift, or brow lift, in order to give the patient a more complete youthful look.

If getting both upper and lower lids done, the surgeon will do the upper lids first. He/she will cut along the fold of the eyelid and remove excess skin, muscle, or fat and then reseal the incision. For the lower lid, the surgeon makes the incision just below the lashes in the natural crease of the eyelid. The surgeon then removes or redistributes the excess tissue and simply closes the incision. 

The procedure itself typically takes less than two hours. It is an effective and relatively easy procedure for patients who feel that the bags and excess skin above and below their eyes makes them look older, tired, or burned out. If you feel self conscious about the appearance of your eyelids, then this may be the perfect procedure for you. 

AFTER SURGERY

Following the procedure, a patient is typically instructed to apply lubricating ointment and cold compresses to his/her eyes in order to aid the recovery process and combat swelling. It is normal for a patient to experience some bruising, swelling, dry eyes, or minor pain after the procedure, but these symptoms usually subside quickly. In some cases, a physician may recommend that gauze be applied to the eyes for a short amount of time following the surgery.

Recovery times are determined on a case by case basis, but it is extremely important to follow all of your physician’s instructions regarding recovery and maintenance of the incisions. Many doctors recommend that a patient avoid smoking, rubbing his/her eyes, applying contact lenses, swimming, and strenuous activity after a blepharoplasty. If you have any questions regarding the dos and don’ts of your recovery, then you should always ask your surgeon. Some patients have found it helpful to wear dark sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun and wind.

EYELID SURGERY ORLANDO

If you are sick and tired of the negative effects of your drooping or sagging eyelids, then you can visit Vado Plastic Surgery and talk to Dr. Z about blepharoplasty. He and his staff are highly trained and can surely answer any of your questions regarding eyelid surgery. Ask him about combining blepharoplasty and other cosmetic facial procedures for a full, age-defying makeover.