Is excess skin around your eyes causing sagging eyelids, under-eye bags, or other unwanted effects? Blepharoplasty, a popular procedure used to help improve these cosmetic concerns, may be an effective solution.
When the skin in the eye area is not in the proper position, it can impact the way you feel about your appearance. Beyond being an aesthetic concern, it can also impair your vision.
Keep reading to find out if blepharoplasty may be right for you!
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid surgery, is an outpatient surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the eye area. In some cases, muscle and fat are removed too.
Sagging skin is an inevitable part of aging, including around the eyes. Over time, your skin gradually loses elasticity and becomes less firm as a result.
Because of its association with aging, blepharoplasty is most often performed on those who are forty and older. However, some people elect to undergo the procedure at a younger age if they are bothered by the appearance of their eyelids or their vision is impaired.
When patients have blepharoplasty at younger age, it can most often be because of under eye bags. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, but it can also be performed on the lower lids too.
Although it is sometimes recommended due to functional impairment of the eye, blepharoplasty is routinely considered one of the most common cosmetic procedures.
What Happens During the Blepharoplasty Procedure?
Depending on your needs, your oculoplastic surgeon may perform an upper lid blepharoplasty, a lower lid blepharoplasty, or both. Because it is an outpatient procedure, you will not have to go to a hospital to have it done.
Regardless of which type of blepharoplasty you get, the first step is to numb the area. During an upper lid blepharoplasty, a tiny, precise incision is made around the natural crease of your eye. This incision is often made with a laser.
This is an ideal place to make the incision because any scarring will be nearly invisible. The oculoplastic surgeon then removes excess skin and fat as needed.
After the necessary adjustments are made, the incision is sealed with small stitches. The process for a lower lid blepharoplasty is very similar.
There are two places the incision can be made: either inside the eyelid or on the outside, carefully positioned just below the eyelids. The oculoplastic surgeon then removes the fat and adjusts its distribution.
Finally, stitches are placed. Some patients opt to have laser resurfacing in conjunction with lower lid blepharoplasty.
This tightens skin below the eyes, smoothing out the texture as well.
What Is Recovery Like After the Blepharoplasty Procedure?
After your blepharoplasty is complete, your oculoplastic surgeon will ask you to stay for a little while so they can keep an eye out for any possible adverse effects. Then, you will be able to go home.
You may experience some blurry vision, light sensitivity, or discomfort after your procedure. You should also expect some degree of bruising and swelling around your eyes.
Most people are able to resume their normal schedules in about two weeks. Your timeline will depend on several factors and will depend on your healing.
Your oculoplastic surgeon may prescribe medication, such as eye drops or ointment, to help with healing. They will also schedule an appointment to remove your stitches.
Ice packs can help significantly to keep swelling down and discomfort to a minimum. You should refrain from intensive activities like strenuous exercise and swimming until your oculoplastic surgeon gives you the okay.
You should also not wear contact lenses until your eye doctor tells you that it is okay.
How Do I Know If I Am a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
If the skin around your eyes is bothering you, whether for a cosmetic reason, functional reason, or both, blepharoplasty is a great option. It’s an effective way to address your concerns through a relatively simple procedure.
Excess skin can manifest in several ways. If you have any of the following, you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty:
- Drooping upper eyelids that impair your vision
- Puffiness under your eyes
- Wrinkling or sagging of your upper or lower lids
- A hooded appearance of your eyelids
Before blepharoplasty, you may feel that you constantly look tired because of your eyelids. Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate your appearance, for a younger and more refreshed version of you.
It can also restore a full field of vision if drooping skin is blocking your sight. The only way to find out whether you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty is to visit your oculofacial plastic surgeon at Revive MedSpa for a consultation.
If you’re interested in blepharoplasty, a consultation allows your oculoplastic surgeon to evaluate your eyelids and discuss your desired results as well as the best route to achieve them.
Are you ready to address your eyelid concerns? Schedule a blepharoplasty consultation today at Revive MedSpa in Scranton or Wilkes-Barre and find out if this procedure is right for you!
