Age is a factor that defies our expectations. We have no control over it, so we try to do everything we can to appear youthful. One of the telltale signs of aging is drooping eyelids. With time, our skin succumbs to the effects of gravity, and for some people, even the eyelids are not spared from this situation. Others have drooping or puffy eyelids from a very young age. Sagging upper eyelids can even cause vision problems.
To correct this issue, plastic surgery offers an effective solution: blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty is essentially a procedure that is used to address aging issues with the eyelids, rejuvenating the lids to impart a more youthful appearance to the face.
Your Blepharoplasty Consultation
Prior to the procedure, your surgeon will ask you for a detailed medical history in order to rule out any complications. You will be asked to refrain from smoking and taking painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which are blood thinners. Blood thinners can cause increased bleeding during or after the surgery.
Your surgeon will walk you through the blepharoplasty procedure, including the different anesthesia options.
Blepharoplasty Surgery
The eyelid lift procedure can take anywhere from one to two hours depending upon the complexity of the procedure. At the beginning of the procedure, anesthesia is administered so that every patient is comfortable.
During the surgery, an incision is made in the eyelid. Its exact location will depend on the specifics of the procedure and the patient. If the upper eyelids are being revitalized, the incision will be made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. The surgeon then removes excess fat and skin from the eyelids, tightens sagging muscle tissue, and closes the incisions.
If the lower eyelids are also being revitalized, the surgeon creates an incision at the lash line or inside the lid. The technique used on the lower eyelids determines if the lower eyelids need stitches or not. Excess fat is then repositioned or removed as needed, and excess skin may be removed.
Recovery
Once you return home from blepharoplasty, your recovery process will begin. You will notice some slight swelling and bruising around the area where the surgery has been performed. This is normal, and using an ice pack can help bring down the swelling.
Stitches will be removed during a follow-up appointment usually about one week after surgery. It is advised that you refrain from any physical activities up until the time of complete recovery. Make sure to keep your eyes clean after the surgery to avoid infections.
You will be required to protect your eyes from bright lights, and it is recommended that you limit the amount of time in the sun until complete healing has taken place.
The natural-looking results of the surgery will be apparent once the swelling from the surgery has subsided. You will notice that your eyes appear more alert and awake instead of constantly tired.
Tighten Sagging Eyelids
If you’re unhappy with your sagging lids, contact our office for a consultation. Dr. Matthew Richardson and Dr. Jordan Cain are both expertly-trained facial plastic surgeons who specialize in facial aesthetic procedures and are happy to help you look your best.