Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty, more often known as eyelid surgery, removes sagging skin and fat deposits from the area surrounding the eyes for cosmetic purposes. Puffiness, bags, or drooping eyelids can occur due to aging changes to the skin and muscles around the eyes. By removing extra tissue from the upper or lower eyelids (or both), blepharoplasty helps patients look younger and more rested.

Excess skin that causes the eyelids to droop over the eyelashes is removed during the surgery, which, in some situations, can improve vision. Outpatient blepharoplasty can take one to two hours, depending on the patient's case. It is routinely done to help people look younger and more refreshed.

Who is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?

People with sagging or puffy eyelids due to excess skin and fat deposits in that area are good candidates for blepharoplasty. Loss of skin elasticity due to advancing age is the most typical cause. Good candidates are generally in otherwise good condition and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved. The technique treats fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes more effectively than deeper creases and folds. Blepharoplasty may also help those whose eyesight is impaired by a herniated fat pad or by hooding of the top eyelids.

Why is it Done?

Blepharoplasty is most commonly done to make the eyes look younger and more alert. Excess skin, bags, and drooping eyelids result from the gradual sagging and loosening of the skin and muscles around the eyes that come with advancing age. It might make people look tired or melancholy even when they are well-rested. 

The extra skin and fat around the eyes are surgically removed in blepharoplasty. The technique is also occasionally performed to enhance eyesight. Lower eyelid bags and upper eyelid droop that excess skin or elasticity issues can cause obscure vision. 

Besides, functional concerns, such as eyelid hooding that results in glare or sensitivity to light, may also be treated with blepharoplasty. The surgery serves a dual purpose by providing a more lifted, rejuvenated appearance and enhancing one's vision.

Risks / Benefits

Here are some risks and benefits associated with blepharoplasty:

Risks

• Possible side effects include ocular edema, bruising, and bleeding. It is usually minimal and resolves within 1-2 weeks.
• Unbalanced eyelid contour after oculoplastic surgery. Further corrective measures may be required.
• Infection, however, is unlikely if sterile procedures are followed. It would require antibiotics.
• Problems with the anesthetic if the procedure is under general anesthesia.
• Eyelid numbness or brow tingling/changed sensation.

Benefits

• The removal of fat and skin from around the eyes gives the patient a younger, more rested appearance.
• If the skin has sagged over the eyelashes or caused lower lid bags, it could be removed to improve visibility.
• If eyelid hooding was present, glare and light sensitivity were diminished.
• The lifted, revitalized appearance conveys a more awake and attentive appearance.
• Possibility of gaining self-respect and assurance due to looking younger and refreshed.
• The procedure is minimally invasive; patients typically feel well enough to return to regular routines within a week or two.
• Results that endure for an average of 5-10 years before aging signs return. If necessary, adjustments can be made.

How Should I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?

Here's how you can prepare for eyelid surgery before and after: 

Before the Procedure

• Preoperatively, you should make plans for a ride home from a friend or family member, as you may be under the effect of anesthesia following surgery.
• Blood thinners, such as aspirin, should be avoided for at least a week before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bruising and bleeding.
• Make sure any medical issues are under control and discussed with your surgeon.
• Quit smoking 2-3 weeks before the surgery week.
• Rest up for the following procedure at least a day or two in advance.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight before the surgery day. 

During the Procedure

• Anesthesia, either general or local, with sedation, will be administered to you throughout the procedure.
• Excess tissue around the eyes will be cleansed and marked for removal.
• Minimal scarring will result from incisions placed in the skin's natural creases.
• After removing the fatty pads and any extra skin, the remaining skin edges will be sewn together.
• Steri-strips or tiny sutures are utilized to close the incisions.
• Depending on the severity, the process can take one to two hours.

After the Procedure

• After surgery, you'll have bandages or dressings over the closed incisions; these will come off in a day or two.
• For the first 24 to 48 hours, try using ice packs to help with the swelling. Avoid direct pressure on the eyes.
• Antibiotics and pain relievers are commonly given drugs; take them as directed.
• Reduce swelling by resting for two to three days with your head elevated.
• For the first two weeks, rest and don't lift anything heavy.
• Follow-up visits with your surgeon will help you monitor your recovery and identify any problems early on.
• Complete recovery of swelling and bruising takes 7-10 days, although benefits are usually noticeable within a few weeks.

Results

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and fat around the eyes to make them look younger and more alert. Bruising and swelling are common after-effects of surgery, although they go away after approximately a week. Results after blepharoplasty often persist between 5 and 10 years before the reemergence of the telltale symptoms of aging around the eyes. 

Refinements can be performed at a later period if necessary. Most people who get blepharoplasty done by a qualified plastic surgeon report feeling more confident and happier with their appearance.

Wrapping up, 

Eyelid surgery is one of the cosmetic procedures that can help you regain your youth and restore the lost glow due to aging. Besides being a cosmetic procedure, it can also be performed to improve vision because sagging or droopy eyelids can block eyesight. Blepharoplasty is of two types: upper blepharoplasty, which includes the excision of drooping eyelid skin, repair of the muscle that opens the eye, and removal of excess fat, and lower blepharoplasty, which includes correcting under eye bags and sagging lower lids.

Apollo Spectra, one of the leading multispecialty hospitals, has access to a world-class plastic surgery department with board-certified doctors and plastic surgeons to perform all types of cosmetic surgeries. Schedule an appointment today for eyelid surgery to get back your youth or restore your vision.