How eyelid surgery can help you
There are a number of things that can cause your skin to droop. As you age, the production of collagen and elastin begins to slow, meaning your skin won’t be as “bouncy” as it once was. Without that extra support, it starts to droop and sag.
Other factors that can affect your skin
Age isn’t the only factor involved. Your genetics can be partially to blame. And external elements such as sun and wind damage, pollution and cigarette smoke can cause your skin to lose elastin, as well as making it look dull and lifeless.
The eyes have it
Your eyelids are particularly sensitive to damage because the skin is so delicate and thin. As your eyelids stretch, the muscles supporting them also can become weak, allowing extra fat to gather above and below your eyelids. This can cause sagging eyebrows, droopy upper eyelids, and “bags” under your eyes.
How you look and how you see
Even if you are still chronologically young, drooping eyelids can make you appear much older than you are and give the appearance that you are constantly tired. It can also affect your peripheral vision if the lids start to sag into your line of site, especially at the corners of your eyes.
Eyelid surgery in Richmond, Virginia
There is a procedure called blepharoplasty where a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Inzhili K. Kitto can expertly remove excess skin and fat from your eyelids to make you appear younger and more alert. It can also aid in restoring any lost peripheral vision you may be encountering.
How much does a procedure like that cost?
According to 2019 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average blepharoplasty cost is $3,282. This is a national average, so the cost of your procedure may vary based on the cost of living in your area, your surgeon’s level of expertise, and other factors.
Blepharoplasty before and after
Eye surgery before and after information will help you to better prepare for your surgery and eyelid surgery recovery. For example, you will be directed by your doctor to stop taking all medications associated with excess bleeding.
These medications can include warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), naproxen, and other types of medications or herbal supplements.
Before the procedure
Before the procedure, your surgeon will inject a numbing medication into the area(s) to be treated. You may also be given intravenous medication to help you stay relaxed during the surgery. The procedure can normally be done as outpatient surgery, so you will be able to return home shortly after it has been completed.
After the procedure
You will be monitored in a recovery room to make sure there are no complications. If no complications present, you will be able to leave shortly after to fully recover at home.
You may notice slightly blurred vision if lubricating ointment as applied to your eyes. You may also experience watering eyes, sensitivity to light, double vision, swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to care for your eyes following the surgery, including using ice packs to help with the pain and swelling, wearing sunglasses to help with light sensitivity and avoiding strenuous activities for a week following the surgery.
Getting started
When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Kitto, she will speak with you about your medical history and will listen to what you would like to achieve with your blepharoplasty surgery. She will also perform a medical exam, a vision exam, and will take several pictures of your eyes for reference.
Dr. Kitto will also provide you with feedback on the surgery she would like to perform to help you achieve the results you want. She will gladly address any questions or concerns you have about the surgery itself, what you should do after the surgery for optimal results and when you should be able to return to normal activities.
Schedule your consultation today
You can schedule your consultation by visiting Dr. Kitto’s Contact page. Simply complete and submit the online form and her office will contact you shortly afterward to choose the best date and time for you to come by her office and meet in person.