The eyes are the focal point of the face and are often the first thing someone notices about your appearance. Over the years, factors such as genetics, aging, and lifestyle choices can leave their mark on the delicate skin and structures surrounding the eyes, resulting in puffiness, drooping eyelids, and under-eye bags. For many individuals, these changes affect their appearance, ability to see, self-confidence, and quality of life.
To address this issue, surgeons have developed a procedure known as blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid surgery. The procedure aims to rejuvenate the eyes by addressing excess skin, fat deposits, and muscle laxity in the upper and/or lower eyelids.
There are many reasons why someone might choose to have this surgery. Whether you’re considering blepharoplasty to address sagging eyelids, rejuvenate tired-looking eyes, or enhance your overall appearance, this article will provide information to help you make a confident decision about your health.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a facial surgery that removes excess skin from around the eyelids. The goal is generally to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyelids, though eyelid surgery is sometimes done when excess skin interferes with vision. It is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with general anesthesia or sedation, depending on the extent of surgery and patient preference.
It is a popular procedure, with over 325,000 surgeries performed in the United States in 2020. There are two main types of blepharoplasty, though both can be performed in a single operation.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
During upper eyelid blepharoplasty, incisions are made along the natural creases of the upper eyelids. Excess skin and fat are removed and underlying muscles are tightened to create a smoother and more defined eyelid contour.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty involves different techniques, including transconjunctival (inside the lower eyelid) or subciliary (beneath the lower eyelash line) approaches, to address under-eye bags, puffiness, and hollowing.
Reasons for Undergoing Blepharoplasty
There are various reasons why a person might pursue blepharoplasty. If the excess skin around the eyelids is severe, it can interfere with a person’s ability to see.
Most often, however, blepharoplasty is performed as a cosmetic procedure. Some eyelid surgeries are also performed to correct functional issues, such as eyelids that turn inward or obstruct vision. Eyelid surgery can address the following concerns:
- Drooping or sagging upper eyelids
- Puffy or baggy lower eyelids
- Hooding of the upper eyelids
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
- Improving vision obstructed by eyelids
Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
If you are over 30 years old, in good overall health, a non-smoker, and have no other eye diseases or conditions, you are a good candidate for a blepharoplasty.
While preexisting health conditions might not rule you out for the procedure, speaking to your doctor about your health history is essential. Individuals with uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune disorders may not be suitable candidates for surgery due to the increased risk of complications and impaired healing.
Choosing Your Surgeon
If you’ve decided to pursue a blepharoplasty, choosing your healthcare provider is a significant step. It’s important for individuals considering eyelid surgery to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon, who can assess their medical history, current health status, and individual risk factors to determine candidacy for the procedure.
When meeting with your surgeon, you should come prepared with any questions you might have about the procedure, the results you can expect, the surgeon’s experience and qualifications, and what the aftercare and recovery process is like.
It’s also important to discuss your expectations with your doctor before the procedure. While eyelid surgery can improve your appearance, you want to ensure your expectations align with reality.
During your conversation, your surgeon should be attentive and listen carefully to your questions and concerns. If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular surgeon, it’s all right to keep looking until you find one that puts you at ease. You can also ask your eye doctor or primary care doctor to refer you if you’re not sure where to start.
Aftercare and Recovery
Though blepharoplasty is a relatively common, short, and safe procedure, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s after-care instructions to help ensure you have the best outcome.
Caring For Yourself After Surgery
When you first wake up from the anesthesia, you will probably be disoriented and have vision changes. Sunglasses can help with light sensitivity and the blurriness caused by ointment used during the surgery. These symptoms usually go away within 24 hours.
Rest and Relaxation
Getting a lot of rest after your blepharoplasty is essential, especially for the first three or four days of recovery. You should avoid strenuous activity such as heavy lifting or exercise and do not bend over at the waist or lift anything heavier than five pounds. Make sure you talk to your surgeon before resuming your usual activities.
Swelling and Bruising
The main part of your recovery will be from the swelling and bruising caused by the incisions. To help with swelling, you should sleep with your head elevated on two or three pillows for a few weeks after the procedure, and you can also use cold compresses and eye drops.
Potential Complications
While blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, it carries potential risks and complications like any surgical procedure. Some of the potential complications associated with blepharoplasty include the following.
Surgical Complications
Like any surgery, blepharoplasty can have complications, including bleeding, infection, or a reaction to anesthetic. It’s important to follow after-care instructions and follow up with your provider if you suspect something isn’t right.
Visual Changes
Although rare, complications such as blurry vision or double vision may occur following eyelid surgery, particularly if the surgery involves the upper eyelids and affects the position of the eyelid margin.
Numbness or Altered Sensation
After blepharoplasty, temporary numbness or altered sensation in the eyelids or surrounding areas is common. In most cases, sensation gradually returns to normal over time, but persistent changes may occur in rare instances.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you experience any of the following after your surgery, you should get in touch with your doctor.
- A fever of 100.4 or higher
- Nausea, shaking, chills, or vomiting
- Increased pain, swelling, pus, or redness at the surgical sites, which could indicate infection
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
New Vision Eye Center Can Help You Reach Your Aesthetic Goals
There are many factors to consider when deciding if blepharoplasty is the correct procedure for you. The professionals at New Vision Eye Center are here to help you navigate this important decision, whether your goals are an aesthetic change to your appearance or to improve your vision.
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries potential risks and considerations, underscoring the importance of thorough consultation, informed decision-making, and diligent post-operative care. By partnering with the board-certified plastic surgeons and oculoplastic specialists at New Vision Eye Center, you can be confident in the care and results you will receive.
Contact us to set up a consultation today.