Your eyes are the "window to your soul", as they say, because they reveal so much about you. Unfortunately, your eyes can also be deceiving if signs of aging have altered them. Instead of looking rested, alert and in-charge you may appear to be tired, run-down, angry or unhappy due to drooping eyelids or puffy bags under the eyes. If you feel that your eyes make you look older, sad or fatigued, you may want to consider cosmetic eyelid surgery, also called Blepharoplasty.
How Is This Eyelid Procedure Performed?
Depending on your features and the recommendation of your physician, you may have cosmetic eyelid enhancement on either the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Through a strategically placed incision, the upper eyelid procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue. Because it is placed in the natural contour of the upper eyelid, the incision is camouflaged upon healing. Lower eyelid procedures also involve the removal of excess skin and fat. The incision may be made just under the lower lash line or inside the lower lid. Through a personal consultation, your surgeon will decide the best approach for revitalizing your eyelids.
What Will I Look And Feel Like Afterward?
Because every individual patient varies in degree of bruising and healing, there is no exact answer. However, we can offer a general outline of expectations:
If bruising or swelling appear, it will usually occur within the first few days. Resting with the head elevated and applying cold compresses will help to alleviate these conditions.
Within the first week, the stitches will dissolve or be removed; cosmetics can be used to cover any temporary residual discoloration. You may also resume any normal activities considered non-strenuous.
After a few weeks, you may resume vigorous exercise and wearing contact lenses.
Over the next few months, you may experience a reduction of swelling and the final results will begin to take shape.
Will I Have To Be In The Hospital?
Cosmetic eyelid procedures can be done in a hospital, in an outpatient surgery center, or in your physician's office-based surgical suite. Blepharoplasty is considered an outpatient procedure; therefore, you will most likely return to the comfort of your home the same day. The anesthesia for this procedure is most commonly local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. However, you and your surgeon may decide that general anesthesia may be the best choice for you. Both methods will insure your ultimate comfort during the process.
What Kind Of Risks Are Involved?
Eyelid surgery is a safe procedure that has been performed for over 75 years. Thousands of men and women experience this surgery every year with no major complications. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks. Your surgeon can detail these for you in a personal consultation.
How Long Will It Last?
Your eyes, and consequently, your entire expression will look younger. Discuss with your physician the best way to maintain your results.
What Kind Of Follow-up Care Will I Need?
You will return to your surgeon's office for a postoperative visit almost immediately and then periodically to monitor your progress. The postoperative time is crucial for the long-term effectiveness of your procedure.
If you feel you would like to enhance your facial features, schedule a consultation and discover how this procedure can benefit you.
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