As you age, your eyelids are likely to stretch. Moreover, the muscles supporting your eyes weaken. The stretched eyelids and weakened muscles result in sagging eyebrows, droopy upper eyelids, and bags beneath your eyes. This makes you look older, tired, sleepy, and upset and, in some cases, affects your vision. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), also known as eye lift surgery, comes in handy in such situations, especially if you have tried non-surgical options with little or no success. Following the procedure, you may need Scarsdale post-blepharoplasty repair to realize better results.
The common eyelid surgery procedures are:
- Upper blepharoplasty: Removes the excess fat and skin from the upper eyelid
- Lower blepharoplasty: Removes fat pads under your eyes, eliminating the under-eye bags
You can also combine both following your situation. The procedure could be solely for cosmetic purposes or functionality. This is because droopy eyelids can obscure your peripheral vision besides affecting your looks. In such cases, managing your daily activities, for example, driving or reading, becomes more challenging. You may even develop persistent brow aches due to the constant use of the forehead muscles as you raise the eyelids.
A good eyelids surgery candidate
Blepharoplasty helps restore your striking looks, improve your confidence, and improve your vision if medically required. But is the surgery right for you? Under an experienced surgeon’s hands, the procedure is safe and effective. Anyone with puffy or droopy upper eyelids, wrinkles, or bags beneath the eyes and is of good physical health is a good blepharoplasty candidate.
Besides being healthy, you also have to be a non-smoker or commit to quitting before the surgery. Smoking increases risks and complications in any surgery, hence the need to top before and after to facilitate a smooth procedure and recovery process.
You also need to be mentally prepared for the surgery. Realistic expectations, for example, are essential since you might not get the best results after the procedure. If you are mentally ready and have realistic expectations, it will be easier to collaborate with the doctor, especially if post-blepharoplasty repair is necessary.
Mental readiness also ensures you understand the potential risks and can follow the doctor’s guidelines to facilitate a smooth recovery. While the minimally invasive surgery is safe, you can expect side effects such as:
- Numbness
- Swelling or bruising around your eyes
- Discomfort and/or pain
- Watering eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Light sensitivity
Your doctor may recommend ice or to keep the swelling at a minimum. They may also prescribe ointments for better recovery. You also will typically be asked to avoid strenuous activities for a set period. Wearing protective gear such as sunglasses is recommended. It ensures that the delicate healing skin is not exposed to elements like wind or sun. You should also avoid rubbing the eyes since it can irritate the healing skin. Following your doctor’s recommendations helps prevent considerable risks such as:
- Noticeable scarring
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Temporary eyesight loss
- Damage to the eye muscles
Such considerations emphasize the need to be mentally ready for the procedure.
Blepharoplasty is right for anyone looking for a refreshed, open-eyed look following saggy or droopy eyes that comes with aging. The procedure offers cosmetic and functional value and is ideal for virtually anyone. Call Robert M. Schwarcz, MD, today to learn more about eyelid surgery, post-blepharoplasty repair, and how the approach can help improve your looks, confidence, and vision.
