Aging may cause multiple dysfunctions in the body. Loose, sagging skin not only deteriorates confidence but is also a barrier for many activities.
One such effect of aging is droopy eyelids. Both the upper and lower eyelids stretch as the muscles loosen. These make the person look older. The sagging skin may also become a barrier to vision. Patients are not able to view clearly due to this condition. Medical science has a remedy called blepharoplasty to rectify this and help patients.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Your eyelids may stretch with aging—the reason being the loosening of the supporting muscles. Accumulation of unwanted fat is also one of the reasons for sagging eyelids.
The phenomenon may occur on both the upper and lower eyelids.
In such a condition, doctors recommend performing blepharoplasty. It is an invasive procedure to remove stretched skin, muscles, and fat with a cut in the creases. The procedure helps:
- Repair droopy eyelids
- Remove excess skin from the eyelids
- Repair the saggy bags under your eyes
- Removes stretched muscles and fat from the eyelids.
After a blepharoplasty, one may look younger and experience improved vision. If you feel blepharoplasty is best for you, consult the doctor.
Do You Qualify for Blepharoplasty?
If a person wants to have eyelid lift surgery, they must be in good health. Most patients opting for blepharoplasty are 35 years and above in age. However, eyelid drooping may affect you at an earlier stage of life due to genetics or some other reason.
The sagging, stretched eyelids and muscles can drastically affect the confidence of a person.
However, one must remember that the surgery may sometimes alter the facial structure. To avoid such problems, always have a detailed discussion with your surgeon before the procedure.
Why Do You Need a Blepharoplasty?
Greying of hair, wrinkled skin, drooping eyelids, etc., are visible signs of aging. For most people, it can lead to low confidence. Most of them tend to refrain from socializing or opt for bogus products that make false promises.
If you’re facing self-esteem issues due to a sagging eyelids, blepharoplasty can help. Rather than going to a beauty parlor or buying tightening products, visit a cosmetic surgeon who will understand your condition and recommend the proper treatment.
However, be aware that blepharoplasty cannot remove dark circles, crow’s feet, or wrinkles from the face. You can opt for laser resurfacing along with blepharoplasty for the same.
To know more:
Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment
What Should You Expect During a Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Once you visit the doctor, they will provide a detailed analysis of the condition and brief you about the surgery. It is typically an outpatient surgery, i.e., the patient can leave for home the same day.
Before the surgery, the doctor will inject a numbing and intravenous medication into your eyelids to help you relax.
The surgeon starts by fixing the upper eyelid. An incision helps the doctor to remove extra fat, muscles, and skin from the eyelid. After that, the area is closed.
Later the doctor proceeds to conduct the same in the lower eyelids too. Sometimes, the upper eyelids droop excessively and reach the pupils. In such circumstances, doctors also perform a procedure called ptosis repair along with blepharoplasty. It aids in rendering additional support to the eyelids.
What Happens After a Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure. You may leave for home on the same day. However, doctors suggest staying for a few hours to monitor the patient. Usually, patients experience:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- Puffy eyes and blurred vision
All the above are normal and will eventually vanish on following the doctor’s instructions.
How Long Does it Take to Heal after a Blepharoplasty?
The doctors provide aftercare rituals for blepharoplasty. These may require you to:
- Protect your eyes from the sun
- Not use contact lenses
- Gently clean the eyes
- Apply ointments suggested by the surgeon
- Resist the temptation to rub
- Do not strain your eyes
- Use an ice pack four to five times a day to soothe the eyes and reduce swelling.
In normal conditions, your eyelids will be fine within a week or two. However, it is crucial to adhere to all the instructions diligently for a quick recovery.
You can contact your doctor to know more about blepharoplasty surgery and the recovery period.
What Are the Benefits of Blepharoplasty?
Once the bruising and swelling subsides, patients have confirmed experiencing youthful eyes with toned muscles. They experience increased confidence and self-esteem.
For most people, droopy or sagging eyelids do not recur in their lifetime. In contrast, others encounter the same condition much later in their life.
Are There Any Complications Associated With Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a safe procedure for most patients that help them reverse the ageing process and regain confidence. However, some have experienced the following complications.
Possible risks of eyelid surgery include:
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Infection and bleeding
- Difficulty closing eyes or other eyelid problems
- Injury to eye muscles
- Noticeable scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Temporary blurred vision or, rarely, loss of eyesight
- Need for follow-up surgery
- Risks linked to surgery in general, such as reaction to anesthesia and blood clots
Your doctor may most likely suggest you to take the following steps after the surgery:
- Use ice packs on the eyes for 10 minutes every hour the night after the surgery. The next day, use ice packs on the eyes four to five times throughout the day.
- Gently clean the eyelids and use prescribed ointments or eye drops
- Avoid strenuous activities, including jogging and aerobics, for a week
- Avoid heavy lifting straining and swimming for one week
- Avoid rubbing eyes
- Avoid smoking
- If you use contact lenses, do not put them in for about two weeks after the surgery
- Wear dark tinted sunglasses to protect the skin of the eyelids from wind wind and sun
- Apply cool compresses to reduce the swelling
- Sleep with your head raised higher than your chest for a few days
- After some days, return to your doctor to get your stitches removed, if required
Conclusion
Blepharoplasty is a blessing for people with body image issues caused by aging. It helps them gain their lost confidence and return with an extra zeal towards life. It’s a relatively safe procedure with less downtime. If you too want to opt for the procedure, consider consulting a doctor soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How much time is required for the blepharoplasty procedure?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient surgery. The exact time for the procedure may be less than two hours but takes a bit long in some cases. However, the doctor may ask you to stay in the hospital for some time after the surgery.
- Is there an age limit for blepharoplasty surgery?
Most people performing the surgery are in their forties or fifties. Though there is no age limit for patients, a severe eye disease may bar you from having the surgery.
- Will I have to live with scars after the surgery?
The incisions for blepharoplasty are in the creases. Hence, after healing, they may be slightly visible but will fade with time.
- Do I need someone to take me back home after the blepharoplasty?
It is advisable to have someone drive you home.
- When can I perform normal activities after blepharoplasty?
Doctors recommend staying away from strenuous activities until the wound heals. However, you can read a newspaper or watch TV within a week.
