All About Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery

October 15 2014

Do you feel as though your eyelids are making you look older? Many patients discover that drooping eyelids not only make them feel less attractive, but also make it difficult to apply makeup and can even feel like they are in the way. Changes in the face due to the aging process and the natural effects of gravity are to be expected, but if you are unhappy with the way that your eyelids look, a procedure called blepharoplasty can help you look and feel better. Here’s some information you need to know about the procedure.

What Can Eyelid Surgery Do for Me?

Blepharoplasty can lift your upper eyelids if excess skin is drooping down toward your eyes. It can also tighten up your lower eyelids if you can see the white part of your eye under the iris, or colored part of your eye.

There are other procedures, including a browlift, a facelift or a mini-facelift, that your plastic surgeon might recommend in addition to or instead of blepharoplasty so that you get the results that you are hoping for.

Am I a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Only you and your plastic surgeon can determine whether you are likely to see the results that you want. A detailed consultation appointment will help you to understand what your final result is likely to be.

In general, those who are in good health, don’t have health conditions that can impair the healing process, those who don’t smoke and who don’t have problems with the eyes tend to be good candidates for this procedure. If these don’t apply to you, your surgeon will talk to you about whether other procedures might be more appropriate.

What Type of Recovery Can I Expect?

You will likely be sore and have some eye irritation for up to a week or longer after the surgery. Depending on your specific case, you may need to keep your surgical site lubricated and/or covered for a period of time. You’ll also likely have some swelling and bruising.

It is important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully when it comes to post-surgical care. Take any prescribed medications as directed, and apply cold compresses and topical ointments at the correct intervals. Also, you will need to protect your eyes from the sun with tinted sunglasses until you are done healing.

Talk to your doctor about the risks associated with this type of eyelid surgery. While most patients heal well, there is always the possibility of infection, pain, scarring and other complications. Answer your surgeon’s questions as completely and honestly as possible so he or she can determine whether blepharoplasty is likely to be safe and effective for you.

Call our office to schedule a consultation appointment if you are interested in having eyelid surgery in order to improve your appearance and the way that you feel about yourself!

Categories: Eyelid Surgery