What are the benefits of getting eyelid surgery?

To restore the natural contour of the upper eyelids and give them a youthful definition, eyelid surgery eliminates superfluous skin. You’ll come off as more rested. Eyelid surgery removes fat deposits above and below the eyelids that give them a puffy appearance, as well as bags and dark circles under the eyes.

In this guide, we review

• What are the benefits of getting eyelid surgery
• The Process of How to Qualify for Eyelid Surgery
• How to Prepare Before Surgery
• Are you a candidate for eyelid surgery?
• Is Eyelid Surgery Safe?

What are the benefits of getting eyelid surgery

If you’re sick of people asking if you’re tired when they see you, talk to your doctor about eyelid appearance. Eyelid surgery—also known as blepharoplasty—is a popular procedure to help you look more rejuvenated and even improve vision for some patients. Here are some of the biggest benefits to getting it done:

1. You will look more youthful. Eyelid surgery removes excess skin that disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelids and provides a youthful definition.
2. You will appear more rested.  Eyelid surgery removes fatty deposits above and below the eyelids that make them appear puffy and eliminates bags and dark circles under the eyes.
3. Your vision may improve.  While many people elect to have eyelid surgery for aesthetic reasons, others have functional reasons for the procedure. Aging causes the muscles that lift the upper eyelid to slowly become weak. Tightening the muscle and ligament can help improve vision. Even patients who have elected surgery for cosmetic reasons may notice improved vision.
4. It helps with wrinkles and lines under the eyes.  Lower eyelid surgery removes excess skin and treats fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid.
5. It can improve dark, sunken-looking eyes.  You can perform a fat transfer to the “hollowed out” areas surrounding your eyes.
6. It can help reduce headaches.  Having to lift sagging skin to see more clearly often strains the muscles in your upper eyelids, leading to headaches.
7. There are no visible scars after the procedure.  Tiny incisions are made in the natural crease of the eyelid for upper eyelid surgery, while incisions are made just below the lash line or on the inside of the lower lid for lower eyelid surgery.
8. Pain is minimal.  Surgery typically causes little pain, and the moment the procedure is complete, the eyelid tissue starts to heal. It will take a couple of weeks for swelling and bruising to subside.
9. The results are long-lasting.  Eyelid surgery can correct certain conditions permanently, and most patients won’t need additional eyelid surgeries. Sun protection will help you maintain results.

How to Prepare Before Surgery

Wash your face and cleanse it of all makeup and skincare products before your surgery

Once you’ve qualified for eyelid surgery, you’ll need to prepare yourself before the procedure. The first step in preparing for eyelid surgery is to discuss with your doctor any potential medications or herbal supplements that could interfere with the procedure. This category includes vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, and prescription medications. Your doctor or surgeon will then advise you on which medications to stop taking before the surgery.

It’s also important to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours  Before and after the eyelid surgery, eat a light meal to aid in your recovery and minimize nausea during anesthesia.

Before undergoing surgery, clean your eye area and remove any makeup or skincare products from your face. Washing your face with mild soap and water helps remove dirt and oil from your skin, which increases the risk of infection after the eyelid surgery. 

Post-surgery Care

After eyelid surgery, the skin around the treated area can get slightly irritated

After your eyelid surgery, it’s important to expect some degree of discomfort. The recovery period usually includes a few days of swelling, bruising and soreness around and Underneath the eyes. the surgeon will recommend options, such as medications and ointments, to alleviate these surgical side effects.

One of the side effects you could get after the surgery is temporary blurry vision. The surgery causes inflammation of the eyes, which lasts for a few days. Doctors can prescribe eye drops and other ointments to protect and lubricate the eyes during this period. You should also avoid makeup and any activities that increase eye strain until advised otherwise by your doctor or surgeon.

Another common side effect after surgery is the sensation of dry or sticky eyes. This side effect may persist for several weeks, and the most effective methods to alleviate it are through blinking exercises and eye drops. If your eye irritation persists for more than two weeks, it’s crucial to contact your doctor or surgeon for further evaluation. 

Are you a candidate for eyelid surgery?

Most people who seek eyelid surgery are looking for a more youthful appearance. If you have sagging skin above or below your eyes, puffy-looking or baggy eyelids, or excess skin or wrinkles around your eyes, you may consider blepharoplasty. Others seek the procedure because the excess skin around their eyes is obstructing their vision.

If this is the case, your insurance may cover the surgery. Check with your health insurer; most insurance does not cover blepharoplasty.

All cosmetic procedures require good candidates to have realistic expectations. It’s crucial to understand the expected results of the procedure.

You will also have a physical examination and a thorough health history before being considered for blepharoplasty. Certain eye conditions may make you ineligible for the procedure.

You should have an eye exam before having eyelid surgery to test your vision and screen for other eye conditions.

Is Eyelid Surgery Safe?

Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery is not without its risks. Complications may arise, even though surgeons generally believe the procedure to be safe.

Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, and patients may experience some of the following symptoms in the hours and days following surgery: swelling and bruising, watery eyes, dry eyes, or light sensitivity.

Unexpected symptoms, also known as complications, may arise. Risks include a reaction to the anesthetic used, infection, bleeding, eyelid discoloration, or irritated eyes.

Severe complications could include difficulty with eyelid function (opening or closing your eyes), temporary blurry vision, damage to the muscles near the eye, unexpected Although the procedure is typically elective, it’s crucial to discuss your personal risks with your eye doctor and surgeon before deciding to undergo blepharoplasty.

You may have underlying conditions that increase the likelihood of complications. Before any elective procedure, it is crucial to discuss these conditions and their potential to increase your risk of various adverse outcomes.

Conclusion

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a common procedure. Most doctors consider eyelid surgery, which is among the top five most common cosmetic surgeries performed each year in the United States, to be safe. Yet there are risks.

Patients often experience temporary side effects, such as bruising and swelling. More commonly, patients may experience complications such as impaired eyelid function or loss of vision.

Determining your risks and balancing them against potential benefits is a crucial aspect of your pre-surgical consultation. Making an informed choice is a vital first step in any cosmetic surgery.