Blepharoplasty is a common type of cosmetic surgery, otherwise known as eyelid surgery. As a person gets older, their skin loses the elasticity it once had, causing it to droop and even cause wrinkles. While a common part of aging, it can really change the way a person feels about their once perky appearance. Seeing a plastic surgeon to get this type of procedure done will remove the excess bags and skin from their eyelids, making them appear younger.

While the vast majority of eyelifts are done for cosmetic reasons, there are a few instances in which it is medically necessary. Saggy skin can inhibit or obstruct a person’s vision. By removing the skin, it can help someone see better and more clearly without the obstacles in the way. This type of procedure isn’t done to remove wrinkles, crow’s feet, or other signs of aging.

Eyelifts are just for excess skin. You can accomplish the other cosmetic fixes and reduce the appearance of age by taking advantage of other types of procedures. For example, forehead lifts, laser resurfacing, and filler injections can help remove wrinkles, spots, and other aging problems that develop over time.

The Aging Process

As already touched on, when a person ages, their skin loses elasticity. It’s not as tight or firm as it once was. Gravity also plays a role in constantly pulling skin downward. So, if you have excess skin that’s not keeping the firmness it once had, the skin can begin to droop and collect between the upper and lower eyelids. The lower eyelids themselves can cause additional wrinkles and bulges as it collects, impeding vision.

It’s not just skin, either. Fat deposits that help cushion the eyes can begin to bulge as the skin warps and sags. There’s usually a thin membrane that keeps the fat in its place, but again, as we age, these membranes also begin to weaken and fail to keep the fat in its place. It works almost like a hernia, but around your eyes instead.

Are You A Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid Surgery

If you’re looking to get eyelid surgery, is important that you be in good health and have realistic expectations of the procedure. Most people who get an eyelift are older than 35. Yet, there are plenty of younger people who get it if droopy eyelids are part of their family genes. This is certainly a genetic issue some people wish were not passed down to them. Of course, being younger, the odds are better that you are in good shape and would be a good candidate.

If you’re older and looking to an eyelift to help you look younger, it can certainly help improve your confidence in yourself. The problem is, getting and I left may not give you the look that you want. It may alter your facial structure in a way that is not pleasing to you. You will not go back to looking like you’re 20 years old again, but it does help in different ways. This is why you should have a consultation with your surgeon before jumping in.

Is the Eyelift Permanent?

The simple answer to this question is no. You will continue to age even after your eyelift. The more you age, the more your skin will droop and the less elasticity it will have. Your upper eyelids can sustain its appearance for about seven years. Your lower eyelids will do a bit better and often times don’t need to be done a second time. The second time around, you might decide to get a forehead lift rather than another eyelift procedure.

After the surgery is complete, you should not drive home alone. You should arrange for a ride and also to have someone stay with you that night. You should also be sure to limit any activity you have for the next several days while you heal. It is not uncommon for people who have had an eyelift to have dry eyes for at least two weeks after the surgery. If it does last longer than that, you should reach out to your doctor.

You should also be prepared for taking care of your eyes after the surgery. Ice cubes and/or ice packs, cause pads, eye drops, washcloths and towels, and a few over-the-counter pain relievers or items you should have on hand at your home. It’s important to remember to avoid aspirin due to its increased bleeding risk.

How Are Eyelift Surgeries Done?

It’s not a really long procedure. With usually only a couple of hours for both upper and lower eyelids if they’re done together. The surgeon will most likely use local anesthesia to numb the area around the eyes before the surgery begins. You also might be given an IV sedation depending on where you go for your surgery.

Skilled Plastic Surgeon

This type of cosmetic surgery often focuses on the upper eyelids first. The incision will start on long the natural lines of your eyelids to help avoid any unsightly scarring. From there, the excess fat and skin will be separated from the tissue. When the surgeons done, they will be closed with very tiny stitching which will remain between three and six days. Lower eyelids mostly don’t require any type of stitches.

Recovery After the Surgery

Once the surgery is complete, you’ll have the stitches in place for about a week. You will deal with a little bit of swelling and some bruising, but none of it lasts very long. You should be fully recovered and looking good as new in no more than two weeks. It’s rare for complications to ensue, but it does happen.

Patients have dealt with infection, dry eyes, leading, abnormal eyelid skin folds, the inability to close their eyes fully, and even the loss of vision. Again, the side effects of surgery are rare. Your surgeon will run down everything you need to know about getting an eyelift.