Eyelid surgery, the common (and easier to pronounce) name for blepharoplasty, is a form of cosmetic surgery that improves the look of aging eyelids both above and below the eye. It can also be carried out as a medical procedure for anyone, usually older people, whose upper eyelids sag to the extent that they reduce the field of vision. Such surgery is carried out for many reasons, usually aesthetic, including:
- Reduction of wrinkles and bulges that accumulate around the eyes due to a loss of elasticity, a common occurrence of the aging process.
- To remove fat bulges that occur on upper and lower eyelids. Again, this is usually due to age as the membrane surrounding the protective layer of fat around the eye weakens and herniates.
- To create or enhance the crease on the upper eyelid, often referred to as “Asian eyelid surgery” as it creates more westernized features.
- In some cases, fat is added during lower eyelid surgery to improve the contour of the eyelid.
Is It A Permanent Procedure?
It won’t last forever, as the aging process will continue post-surgery. However, there’s rarely a need to repeat lower eyelid procedures. Surgery to the upper eyelids should last for around five to seven years.
Who’s A Good Candidate?
Anyone in good health with realistic expectations can be considered. Most procedures are performed on those over 35 years of age.
How Is It Carried Out?
Small incisions are made around the eye to allow the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat. Sometimes a type of laser will be used to access the lower layers of skin. When all four eyelids are being treated the procedure takes around 2 hours. It can either be carried out under local anesthesia combined with oral sedation or a general anesthetic.
How Long Is The Recovery Time?
Bruising and swelling are at their worst the day following surgery. Stitches usually remain in place for around a week and are often self-dissolving. After a week to 10 days, you should be able to return to normal activity and your eyelids should’ve returned to normal within a couple of weeks.
Is It A Risky Procedure?
As with any surgery, there are always inherent risks. However, these are rare with such a procedure. Possible complications include:
- Infection
- Blurred, double, or loss of vision
- Dry eyes
- Bleeding
- Inability to fully close your eyes
- Abnormal eyelid position
For anyone considering eyelid surgery, it’s essential to consult with a trusted source. Any procedure should be carried out by a professional plastic surgeon with who you feel comfortable and who satisfies the answers to all your queries.
For those looking for eyelid surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Palmer Cosmetic Surgery is a clinic led by its namesake, Dr. Palmer, who’s devoted his life to cosmetic surgery for well over two decades.
Wherever you choose to have a cosmetic procedure such as blepharoplasty carried out it’s not something to be rushed into. Ensuring your chosen provider is qualified is only the first stage, you should also feel happy with the person entrusted to work on your physical appearance and that they fully understand your reasons for undergoing the procedure. That way you stand the highest chance possible of achieving the life-enhancing results you should rightly expect.