People say that the eyes are the windows to the soul – but if you suffer from drooping, tired eyelids, yours might not be conveying the right message.
It’s time to open your eyes to a new option.
An eyelid lift, known as blepharoplasty, can improve the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids by removing sagging skin and muscle. It’s an excellent solution for fatty eyelid deposits or those under-eye bags – you know, the ones that say “I haven’t slept in days.”
In many cases, this technique is performed in conjunction with other aesthetic surgeries – such as a face or brow lift.
But eyelid lifts aren’t just an aesthetic fix. Excess skin around the eye can impair one’s peripheral vision, making everyday activities dangerous. It can also impede the use of contact lenses or glasses.
If you’re interested in this surgery, you may want to check with your insurance company to learn what is covered. Procedures conducted strictly for cosmetic reasons, such as a lower lid blepharoplasty, may not be included in your medical plan. But a condition that poses a health risk requires what is considered a functional surgery and may at least be partially covered by insurance. Visual field testing and photographs may be required as proof.
Recovery offers some good news: eyelid lifts have a swift healing period. Imagine strolling into work just 10 days after surgery, looking fresh, rested, and more youthful.
Keep plenty of cold compresses on hand during your recuperation period; cold is extremely beneficial for reducing bruising around the eyes and face.
Stitches are required, but likely are the temporary kind – designed to dissolve on their own in about one week.
Your physician will require that you cease taking any aspirin or naproxen medications before and after the surgery, as they may exacerbate bleeding. Instead, use acetaminophen to minimize any post-surgical discomfort.
Eyelid lifts are convenient: it’s conducted as an outpatient procedure, so you’ll most likely be back in your own bed the very same day. However, you’ll need to keep your eyes on the prize once you return home. This means following the doctor’s orders to ensure the most favorable results. You’ll want to sleep with your head elevated for several days to ease swelling. When you do venture out, make sure to wear darkly colored, protective sunglasses, which can prevent excess tearing and help with any heightened sensitivity to light.
As with any medical procedure, you’ll want to ask your surgeon plenty of questions prior to going under the knife. Discuss what results you are hoping to achieve; it’s easier to manage expectations that way.
The board-certified surgeons at Atlantic Center of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery are highly trained in cosmetic surgeries of the face and neck and know exactly how to provide the optimal outcome you’re seeking. You’ll hardly believe your eyes! For a consultation, contact the office at (954) 983-1899 now.
