If you have noticed signs of aging affecting your eyes, eyelid surgery can help restore the most expressive feature on your face.
When people look into your eyes, you don’t want them to see drooping eyelids, wrinkles, or bags. Bright, refreshed, and open eyes are the ones that will earn you a second glance.
Because the skin around the eyes is so delicate, this area is often one of the first areas where people notice the effects of getting older.
That’s why it’s important to be proactive and consider your options for restoring that youthful look to your face. Let’s explore how eyelid surgery can help.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure to improve the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids.
It addresses the typical signs of aging that affect the eyes and the skin surrounding the eyes including drooping eyelids, fatty deposits that make eyes look puffy, sagging or bags, and wrinkles under the eyes.
Blepharoplasty tightens up the skin and muscle of the eyelids, reduces excess fat, and lifts the eyelid skin to make eyes appear more open.
There are a few types of eyelid surgery available depending on what areas you would like to address. Patients can choose lower eyelid surgery, upper eyelid surgery, or both.
Upper blepharoplasty surgery uses incisions to remove skin and fat. A thin stitch is then used to bring the skin together to create an eyelid crease.
During lower eyelid surgery your doctor will make cuts in the lower eyelid and then remove excess skin and fat. Then he or she will sew the skin back together to create a smoother, lifted look.
Your surgeon may also recommend fat grafting or injecting fat to hollow areas under the eyes to give them a fuller appearance.
Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Does it always look like you are squinting in photos? Maybe you appear tired no matter how much sleep you got the night before or are constantly bothered by undereye bags or dark circles that never go away.
If you are plagued by these problems and aging has changed the size or shape of your eyes, you are likely a good candidate for eyelid surgery.
Blepharoplasty is for patients who are bothered by drooping eyelid skin, bags and wrinkles under the eyes, and fat deposits that cause them to appear older than their age.
Patients considering eyelid surgery should be in good physical condition and without any serious eye problems.
Choosing a Surgeon for Eyelid Surgery
When meeting with a plastic surgeon, make sure to be clear and realistic with expectations.
Prior to your consultation, it helps to research eyelid surgery before and after photos and bring some examples with you that show the look you desire.
It is best to keep in mind, however, that every patient and surgery is different, and results vary depending on many individual factors.
According to statistics, the average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery is $3,282, this does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.
It can also vary by location and the years of experience of your cosmetic surgeon.
It is always most important to weight other factors along with costs like your doctor’s background, credentials, and appropriate communication and understanding of your goals.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery Tips
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient, same-day procedure. Patients are sent home to recover with detailed instructions and follow up.
Common side effects may include bruising, irritation, swelling, and in some cases, dry eyes. The side effects are usually mild and temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications and ointments.
During the first 48 hours, using cool compresses can help reduce bruising and swelling around the eyes and face. Light activity such as walking will also help speed healing.
Thin bandages are placed over the incision sites and removed in several days, while the stitches can remain in the skin for about a week. Sometimes self-absorbing stitches are used that do not require removal.
Most people return to normal activities after seven to 10 days following blepharoplasty. After two weeks, the majority of the bruising and swelling will resolve.
Patients are seen in the office regularly by their doctor to ensure complete recovery.
When all eyes are on you, make sure you look back at your best. Consider eyelid surgery to take years off your look and improve your most noticeable feature.
To schedule a consultation, call 804-294-1777 or visit the Kitto Plastic Surgery website at KittoPlasticSurgery.com to discover additional information about eyelid surgery and find out if it’s right for you.