Take a moment to look in the mirror. Focus on your eyes. If you see …
· Puffiness or swelling on the upper and lower eyelids,
· Excess skin that droops from the upper eyelids,
· A full and heavy creased appearance below your eyebrow margin, or
· Your peripheral vision is compromised by your sagging eyelids …
Then it might be time to consider blepharoplasty. It’s a procedure that involves the surgical removal of skin and fat pockets that accumulate around the upper and lower eyelids – what we commonly refer to as “bags.” Blepharoplasty is ideal for both men and women who not only want to improve their appearance but also their peripheral vision. Here is a primer on eyelid surgery.
How Eyelid Surgery Works
During upper eyelid surgery, microscopic incisions are made that follow the natural crease line of the upper lid. With lower eyelid surgery, a microscopic incision is made just below the lower lash line.
However, there is also another advance procedure for lower eyelid surgery known as transconjunctival blepharoplasty. It doesn’t involve external excisions and, when performed expertly, your eyes look completely natural without any visible scars or an “over-pulled” look. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is often used for younger patients who only require the removal of fatty deposits from the inside of the lower eyelid, extracted from beneath the lower eye area. Under normal conditions, eyelid surgery can take as little as 45 minutes to one and a half hour to perform.
Post-Op Recovery
After the procedure is completed, you may experience some soreness or tightness in your eyelids, along with bruising and swelling; this is normal and only lasts for about two weeks. During the recovery time, you should remain mobile and upright as much as possible to help reduce swelling and bruising. Your doctor may recommend periodic lightweight cold compresses to relieve swelling and prescribe antibiotic eye drops are generally to prevent infection, while pain medication may be provided for any lingering discomfort. As far as your appearance is concerned, hairline scars may remain slightly pink for a couple of months, but will eventually become less visible or disappear.
Long-term Recovery
After the procedure, your doctor will advise you to avoid any activity that might put a strain on the newly operated area, for example, keeping your hands away from the eyes and maintaining strict personal hygiene. Your doctor will also discuss with you in detail when you can resume particular activities, such as applying cosmetics, inserting contact lenses or sunbathing. You’ll also be advised on how much recovery time to take away from work, depending on your job.
It should be noted that eyelid surgery cannot correct crow’s feet and dark circles under your eyes. However, your doctor can recommend other treatments and procedures to reduce the appearance of these wrinkles and conditions, which may be combined with eyelid surgery to meet your aesthetic goals.
With office locations in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Boynton Beach, and Naples, the Atlantic Center of Aesthetics & Reconstructive Surgery can help you reclaim your youth and confidence. Our surgeons are at the top of their fields, both technically and aesthetically, and we will make sure that you get the results you want. For a consultation to discuss your new look, call the Atlantic Center today at (954) 983-1899 or request an appointment online. We also serve patients in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
