Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure usually administered for cosmetic reasons to those with either sagging upper eyelids or excess bagginess on the lower eyelids. It may also be performed to improve the vision of older people whose eyelids begin to encroach the line of sight.
As we age, our eyelids lose their elasticity and stretch while the muscles supporting them weaken. This can lead to excess fat forming, which in turn causes sagging upper eyelids or bags below the eye. In removing excess skin, muscle and fat, blepharoplasty is effective in rejuvenating the area around the eyes. This in turn makes the patient look younger and more alert.
While blepharoplasty is a relatively minor procedure that can give a large boost to the patient’s self-esteem, the decision to go ahead with the surgery should not be taken lightly.
Knowing who can benefit from blepharoplasty, how to find a surgeon you can trust, and the expected recovery time are all factors that have to be considered.
Who is blepharoplasty eyelid surgery for?
Blepharoplasty is most commonly performed on those from 40 years and over who wish to eliminate signs of aging around the eyes, although it is possible for younger people to undergo the surgery if they feel it is necessary.
The patient should generally be in good health and be able to receive anesthesia without any complications, and should also have realistic expectations of what the surgery will achieve.
It can be difficult for the individual to know whether blepharoplasty is right for them, but an appointment with your eye doctor can help you to decide the best course of action. Your doctor may test you for possible problems such as dry eyes, diabetes, and thyroid eye disease.
Depending on what may be found, any existing conditions may mean blepharoplasty surgery isn’t possible for the individual.
How to find your blepharoplasty surgeon
As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, doing your due diligence before deciding on who to entrust with your facial features is highly advised.
Your surgeon should be board certified, experienced, and be able to show you a full resume of successful procedures previously carried out. Word of mouth is another way to gauge whether a particular surgeon is right for you. Research by browsing internet forums and joining patient support groups for personal accounts and recommendations.
Be wary also of surgeons who offer the procedure at discount rates. While the lower price may be tempting, the results may leave you disappointed. Good cosmetic surgery practitioners know their worth and charge for their expertise.
More often than not, we get what we pay for. When it is your own physical wellness in question, taking the cheap option is a risk that should be considered very carefully indeed.
How long does it take to recover from blepharoplasty?
When recovering from blepharoplasty eyelid surgery the patient may experience swelling and bruising for anything up to two weeks. Any dryness, stickiness or itchiness can be treated with eye-drops, while dark glasses are recommended to protect the area around the eyes from direct sunlight and other weather conditions.
After ten days to two weeks, normal activity may be resumed, although the patient should wait at least three weeks before more physical activities or sport are tackled.
While it may take up to six months to fully recover from blepharoplasty, it won’t be too long before you are back on your feet and living life as you were before the surgery.
Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is a relatively simple procedure that can provide dramatic results. If you’re considering this surgery, it’s vital to consult with a board certified and experienced surgeon to ensure you fully understand the procedure and get qualified advice on how to proceed.
