Your eyes say a lot about you. They can project a look of energy and vitality, or they can tell people you’re tired and rundown. Sometimes your eyes don’t reflect how you really feel at all. This is especially true as the effects of age begin to show around your eyes in the form of droopy upper and lower eyelids and fatty deposits around the eyes. And unfortunately, because your eyes are front and center on your face, aging eyes are impossible to hide – unless you want to wear sunglasses everywhere you go.
However, the good news is that droopy eyelids can be corrected with a surgical procedure called a blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery. This procedure is very effective in treating:
- Droopy upper eyelids
- Eyelid puffiness caused by fatty deposits
- Droopy lower eyelids
- Wrinkles/excess skin around lower eyelid
Cosmetic looks aside; any of the above conditions can diminish your vision, causing serious quality-of-life issues and can even be dangerous during everyday activities (like driving).
Who are good candidates for cosmetic eye surgery?
If your eyelids are unnaturally droopy or look puffy around the lower eyelids, then chances are you are a good candidate. If eyelid problems are interfering with your vision, then you should call us right away
That said, this is surgery so candidates must be screened carefully. When you meet with the surgeon, he’ll examine your eyes and get your medical history. Certain conditions like glaucoma, high blood pressure, diabetes and other disorders may disqualify you from having a blepharoplasty.
Generally, if you are in good health then you should be cleared for the procedure. Please be honest with the surgeon to prevent any complications during the procedure.
What can I expect during surgery?
A blepharoplasty is very straightforward. Depending on what you and the surgeon decide, you will be given either local or general anesthetic to keep you comfortable (though general anesthetic seems to be the popular choice) during surgery. This is an outpatient procedure so you’ll be able to go home the same day. It’s extremely important you have someone with you to drive you home.
While every patient is different, incisions are made in areas that will leave very little, if any, visible scarring. Once your eyes have healed, no one will even know you had cosmetic surgery.
What is the recovery like?
You can expect the recovery process to take a few weeks. However, you’ll be able to slowly start returning to your usual activities within that time. The surgeon will give you specific instructions to keep the eyes clean and lubricated during your recovery. You’ll also use cold compresses to reduce swelling. The first 48-hours after surgery are the most critical, so it’s important to follow the surgeons directions carefully until you’re fully recovered.
I’m interested in a blepharoplasty, can you help?
Of course, we can! Call our office and we can set up an appointment for you. We can have your eyes looking great in no time.
