What is Blepharoplasty, and it Worth it?
Are people constantly asking you if you’re tired or sad? Do your sagging eyelids make you appear older than you actually are?
You’re not alone. A blepharoplasty could be just what the doctor ordered to help you look refreshed.
If you’re wondering how much does blepharoplasty cost or if you would make a good candidate for the procedure, keep reading to find out.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is an eye rejuvenation technique via a surgical eyelid lift. The procedure removes excess skin from above the eyelids and removes fatty tissue from the lower lids.
The procedure can take years off your face. It can also improve your eyesight if excess skin is preventing you from fully opening your eyes.
Who Should Have a Blepharoplasty?
As they age men and women may begin to notice extra tissue above and below their eyes. The upper eyelid may begin to droop while the fatty tissue below the eye causes the area to become puffy and protrude.
Extra tissue above the eye that affects the eyelid is called dermatochalasis.
The skin above the eyelid can become loose enough that it sits on top of the eyelid. This makes it harder for you to keep your eyes open. Eventually, you may have to use your forehead muscles raise your eyelids.
The excess skin can impair your vision which requires blepharoplasty.
Others just want to make the eye area look more appealing, so they opt for blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons. When eye creams and serums seem to help to reduce undereye bulges, surgical rejuvenation can be the best solution.
Most people who have a blepharoplasty are 35 years of age or older. However, if dermatochalasis is a family trait, younger patients might opt to have to the procedure.
The best candidates for this procedure are nonsmokers who don’t have any history of medical conditions that might impact healing and recovery. You shouldn’t have any serious eye conditions that could be affected by a surgical eye lift. People with conditions like glaucoma and detached retina are unsuitable candidates for blepharoplasty.
You should also have realistic expectations and a positive attitude.
Your doctor will determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure during your consultation.
What Happens Before the Surgery
Before eyelid surgery, your doctor will run a series of tests to make sure you’re in good health.
At that time, the surgeon will discuss the potential outcomes and risks and answer any questions you have.
He will also give you preoperative instructions. The day before the procedure you should follow the instructions to the letter.
Pick any post-op prescriptions and comfort accessories you may need, like gel packs or gauze.
The doctor may also take pictures of what you look like before the procedure. These pictures can be used to see how much of a difference the procedure made.
What Are the Risks of Blepharoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. They include:
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Scarring
- Pain (chronic or persistent)
- Infection
- Inability to close your eyes
- Need for revision surgery
- Dry eyes
Be sure to discuss your concerns about any potential risks with your surgeon.
What Happens During The Procedure?
The traditional method is to make incisions using a scalpel.
Before the procedure, an anesthetist will give you a sedative or general anesthesia. Your doctor will determine which is appropriate for your particular needs.
Next, the doctor decides where the incisions will be placed so any scars will be concealed naturally in your lid crease.
The bottom lid surgery uses an incision just below the lower lash line to allow the surgeon to remove excess fat. The surgeon doesn’t remove any skin with this technique and sutures are hidden among the eyelashes.
The sutures are hidden among the eyelashes.
What Should I Expect After Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery usually has a quick recovery period.
You can expect some soreness, bruising and swelling. The recommended treatment for swelling is to put a cold compress on the area.
The surgeon might use dissolving stitches, in which case you won’t have to return to have them removed. If not, he will remove them after several days.
You’ll be required to put certain activities on hold, like workouts and heavy lifting. Usually, you can get back to normal activities in about two weeks.
Conclusion
Patients considering a surgical eyelift have tons of questions.
Do I need a surgical eyelift? What if I have surgery and I have negative side effects?
These are common questions that can be answered by your doctor.
But, don’t forget about your eye health. If your vision is being affected by something other than excess skin above or beneath your eyes, you should have it checked out.
It might be something that’s easily correctable or it could require serious intervention.
Good eye health is important for a number of reasons.
Your eye health is important to us at Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun. Whether you’re dealing with dry, sensitive eyes or need a vision correction procedure, we can help.
Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can help.