What Is Blepharoplasty?
Aging is an inevitable process but you can take steps to mitigate the effects of aging. One effective approach to reverse the effects of aging is blepharoplasty.
It is a cosmetic surgical procedure for correcting deformities, defects and disfiguration of the eyelids to aesthetically improve the eye region of the face.
It is a type of surgery that inverses the phenomenon of droopy eyelids by removing excess skin, muscle and fat. Because with age the muscles supporting your eyelids get weak causing them to droop.
When Should I Get Blepharoplasty Performed?
Well, the answer to that question is simple. Beside the factor of age, the role of genes is also at work in some cases. Some people undergo this procedure during their 40’s and 50’s.
But if you have it running in your family, you are more prone to it at a quite young age, probably in your 30’s.
According to the recent statistical data;
- Majority of the patients who underwent this surgery in the recent past years – 49% of them were in the age of 55 and above
- 42% of them were between the ages of 40 and 54
- 9% of them were between the ages of 30 to 39
How Many People Undergo This Surgery?
Perhaps you will be surprised to learn that a whopping number of people, all across the globe undergo this procedure.
Blepharoplasty is among the 2nd most popular cosmetic surgeries performed in the whole wide world.
Not only women but men can also go for this procedure, regardless of their age and gender – depending on the signs of aging which develop at different rates in different people.
When Should I Consider This Procedure?
Blepharoplasty may be an option if you have;
- Excess skin on the upper eyelid that actually interferes with your vision. (Removal of the extra tissue can improve your vision).
- Excess skin on the lower eyelids
- Baggy upper eyelids
- Bags under your eyes
Eyelid surgery by tightening the skin along the upper and lower lids minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, undereye bags and overhanging of the upper lids. Giving you a more youthful appearance.
How Can I Prepare For The Procedure?
Before scheduling blepharoplasty, you will meet your plastic surgeon to discuss;
- Your expectations: it is the most important part, since it allows your surgeon to tailor the procedure according to your expectations and to determine if the procedure is likely to work well for you.
- Your medical history: your doctor will ask you about your previous surgeries, your current conditions and medications that you are taking.
- A physical exam: it involves various tests
- A vision exam: your eye doctor tests your vision
- Eyelid photography: for a medical record to compare the results.
How The Procedure Is Like?
- It is usually done in an outpatient setting.
- It all starts with a numbing medication being injected into your eyelids.
- Next on the upper eyelid – the surgeon gives an incision along the fold of the eyelid, removes all the excess fat and skin and then closes the cut.
- On the lower eyelid he gives an incision just below the lashes inside the lower lid. Removes the excess fat and skin or may even redistributes it and closes the cut.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
No, not really. Like all the other surgeries, this surgery too comes along with certain hitches that are temporary and disappear in a matter of days.
Right after your surgery you may temporarily experience;
- Double vision
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- Numbness in your eyelids
- Swelling and bruising
- Pain or discomfort
How To Get Rid Of The Post-Surgery Hitches?
- Use ice packs for 10 mins every hour after the surgery
- Refrain from rubbing your eyes
- Avoid swimming
- Avoid smoking
- Stop using contact lenses for at least a week after surgery
- Use the prescribed medications
- Sleep with your head higher than your chest
- Wear sunglasses to avoid UV rays and wind
When Will My Stitches Be Taken Out?
You will get your stitches removed within 3 to 5 days after your surgery.
Is There Much Scarring With A Blepharoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, scaring is to be expected to some extent. But the best part is – scarring with a blepharoplasty is minimal and practically fades away after a few months. So, there is no need to worry about.
You can have the idea about the safety of this procedure by its popularity among masses all across the globe.
When Will I Be Able To See The Results?
You will be able to see the results after the bruising and swelling goes down. Which probably takes 10 to 14 days. And the results may even last for a lifetime in some cases.