Eyelid Surgery: Take Years off your Face.

By Abigail Aaronson

Has anyone you known ever asked you – “Do my eyes look fat?” Probably not. So, why is there eyelid surgery?

Actually, over time, fat does accumulate in that area. There is also a build-up of excess skin and muscle, which creates a droopy and puffy appearance. Fat can also contribute to bags under your eyes, which make you look perpetually sleepy.

Look older or younger

Your eyes are probably the biggest factor in whether you look older or younger than your age. Drooping, bags, and puffiness make you look older than your years, even if you’re just over 30. But, smooth, tight lids can take years off your face, and give you confidence about your appearance.

What eyelid surgery won’t do

Before electing to have this corrective procedure, there are two things that eyelid surgery will not do.

The procedure can reduce droopiness and make you look younger, but it won’t get rid of “crow’s feet.” These wrinkles have a totally different cause, and if you want to get rid of them, you must use a method of wrinkle removal, such as Botox or supplements.

Blepharoplasty

In the medical world, eyelid surgery is called blepharoplasty. Before you decide to have this procedure, here are some basic things you should consider.

Eyelid surgery won’t drastically alter your appearance. It is best for those whose eyes are droopy due to aging, or those for whom baggy eyes run in the family.
Who’s at risk?

If you have thyroid problems or any ocular medical disorders, blepharoplasty may be quite risky. Heart disease or circulation problems may also put you at risk. Be sure to tell your doctor everything during the consultation.

The entire process takes up to three hours but rarely involves a hospital stay. A local anesthetic is usually used.

The first step is your consultation.

This is very important. Tell your doctor exactly what you want done, and discuss with them what you can expect. Most importantly, follow your doctor’s orders about what you can eat, drink or do before the operation.

Smokers

Smokers will have to quit cold turkey for some period of time before the surgery. It is very important that you follow all of your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Incisions

Your doctor will probably perform the blepharoplasty there in the clinic. You will be put under local anesthetic. The doctor will make incisions just above and just below the upper and lower lids (depending on which procedure you are having) in a natural crease so that the scars will not be readily visible.

Most surgeries involve removing extra skin and fat and trimming down the muscles. After this is finished, the doctor will suture the incisions and you will be ready to go.

What to expect after the surgery,

After surgery, you may experience some soreness and swelling around the incision site. For this, your doctor will give you cold compresses and pain medications. You can usually return to normal activity in about ten days.

Within the first few days, you will be able to watch TV and do most things you regularly do, but contact wearers will have to wait longer before putting in lenses.

Eyelid surgery plus

Eyelid surgery is often used in conjunction with other types of plastic surgery, such as a brow lift or a face lift. Through a combination of methods, you can have a totally new facial appearance, and take years off your looks! <<

Abigail Aaronson is an expert on skin care and cosmetic surgery