When Should I Consider Eyelid Surgery?
The need for eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can arise at any age. Most people tend to assume that eyelid surgery is only for older patients who feel that their eyelids have sagged and are affecting their appearance or their ability to see properly. However, genetic traits such as hooded eyelids and undereye puffiness can also be corrected with this surgery.
Hooded eyelids can make applying makeup more difficult, so many young people request this procedure as a way to lift the eyelids and create space for eyeshadow. Other people may look tired all the time due to the darkening and swelling of the under-eye area. This swelling creates bags under the eyes that do not go away on their own. In order to look refreshed and well-rested, eyelid surgery can tighten the skin below the eyes to reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes. It is a surgery that is acceptable for both cosmetic and medical reasons.
ABOUT THE PROCEDURE
Eyelid surgery is a relatively simple procedure and many patients are eligible, regardless of their age. It is important to keep in mind that this procedure will vastly improve the appearance of the eyelids and bags under the eyes, but it will not remove crows feet or drastically change your face. As a patient, you can decide if you would like to have surgery on the eyelids only, under the eyes only, or both areas. Discussing your options with your surgeon is the best way to make sure that you are going to get the results that you want and expect. Once the surgery is completed, you can expect the appearance of your eyelids and/or under-eye area to look their best for around five to seven years.
Depending on your age and the type of skin you have, the skin may stretch again over time, but this does not happen to everyone the same way. Your eyelids are tightened and lifted by removing both skin and fat from the upper eyelid. The scar will be in the natural fold of your eyelid so that it is not noticeable. If you are having surgery on the lower eyelids to lessen bags under the eyes, there are two methods that can be used for surgery. For one method, the cut will be on the outside of the eyelid along the lash line. For the second method, the surgery is performed inside the lower part of the eyelid.
TECHNIQUE AND RECOVERY
For the best final appearance, most surgeons will recommend either removing fat, displacing fat or removing skin from the eyelid area. Combinations of these options are also common and will depend on your specific case. When bagginess under the eyes is a problem, displacing the fat is almost always necessary so that your skin lays flat under the eyes instead of bulging or sagging. For advanced cases of eyelid sagging or if you have already had eyelid surgery in the past, your surgeon may recommend tightening other areas of your face to help tighten the eyelids. A brow lift is a common suggestion with excellent results. As for recovery time, most patients feel that their eyes are dry, but the pain is minimal and swelling goes down after about 7 days or a few weeks. If you feel that dryness or irritation is bothersome, you can request treatment with eyedrops through your surgeon.
MEDICALLY NECESSARY?
Although eyelid surgery does improve your appearance and makes people look more alert and youthful, it is not simply a cosmetic procedure for a number of patients. Some people are born with drooping eyelids and have learned to live with the condition, but later realize that certain problems with their eyes can be blamed on sagging eyelids. Older adults who develop droopy eyelids over time do not always notice that the condition is beginning to interfere with daily life. For example, sagging eyelids can make driving difficult, as your field of vision can become narrowed. Headaches and sore foreheads are also common when facial muscles are being strained to keep eyelids away from the eyes. Glasses and contact lenses can also be difficult to wear properly and consistently when the upper or lower eyelids are problematic. Skin conditions due to eyelid skin rubbing together are also common and uncomfortable. If any of these situations apply to you, eyelid surgery may be more necessary than cosmetics. Speak with your surgeon today.
Overall, improving the appearance of eyelids has many benefits. Not only do patients look more rested and youthful, but they can also get relief from medical problems caused by their sagging eyelids such as reduced field of vision, eyelid irritation, strained facial muscles and difficulty wearing glasses or contacts. Since the procedure does not affect the skin of the entire face, only the eye area is improved but additional procedures such as a brow lift can help provide the entire face with a rejuvenated appearance. Side effects are minimal and many healthy people of all ages are great candidates for this surgery. If your eyelids have been bothering you, there is no need to put off experiencing life with a fresh face.
