Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty or eye lift, is an aesthetic procedure that reduces puffiness beneath the lower eyelids, as well as removing any excess skin there may be in the upper eyelid region.
Bags beneath the eyes and skin that droops above them can make you look tired, angry or older than you are. An eye lift can address these problems, helping you to look younger and feel more confident.
It can also improve the vision of those whose upper eyelids may inhibit their sight. Continue reading to learn more about eyelid surgery and what it can do for you.
Are You a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
First, you should be in overall good physical health. It’s also important that you have realistic expectations for the surgery.
Because saggy, droopy eyelids are usually attributed to age, most patients are about 35 or older. However, genetic traits can cause younger people to seek the procedure.
You should be aware that eyelid surgery doesn’t stop the aging process and that alterations made to the upper lids usually last for a period of approximately five to seven years. Lower lids usually retain their results without need to repeat the procedure.
Preparing for Your Surgery
This is an outpatient procedure. It is imperative that you have someone available to drive you home after the surgery.
In addition, you should not be left alone for the first night. You’ll need several days off of work to rest and recuperate while your eyelids begin to heal. Also, use items like ice packs and gauze pads during the recovery process.
What to Expect
Local anesthesia injected into the area surrounding the eye, along with an oral sedative, is usually administered for eyelid surgery.
Both top and bottom lids take an average of two hours to complete. The top lids are first, with the surgeon cutting along the natural path of the lids. Excess fat, skin and muscle will be removed through these cuts.
The cuts are then closed with small sutures.
Lower lid surgery can be performed in a few different ways. A cut can be made inside the lower lid to remove fat or it can be made along the eyelash margin.
Stitches will take about a week to dissolve. Eyelid surgery is a great option if you’re looking to improve the look of saggy or drooping lids and get a more energized, youthful appearance. Contact Hanemann Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.