As we age, we notice changes in our faces, and eyelids are no exception to this rule. Drooping eyelids are a common cosmetic problem, which leads us to this question – what is blepharoplasty eyelid surgery, and how can it help with the sagginess of your eyelids? To find all the answers you’re looking for, keep reading – we’ve explained all about blepharoplasty in this article.
What Is Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery Exactly?
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that corrects bagginess and hooding from the lower and upper eyelids. As we age, our eyelids stretch more and more – the muscles weaken, and the skin becomes saggy. Blepharoplasty is the perfect solution for saggy eyelids and can give you younger, tighter skin.
Why Is It Done?
While it’s mostly performed strictly for cosmetic reasons, in some cases, blepharoplasty can be used to improve vision in patients whose baggy eyelids can obstruct their sight. Still, even if they don’t affect your vision, drooping eyelids can be quite annoying – you don’t have to wait for a medical reason to fix this problem.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is typically reserved for those who are starting to notice the aging process on their faces, but it can be done on patients as young as 30 years old. The only important requirement is that you are in good overall health and don’t have any eye diseases. If you do, you will have to mention this to your doctor – as well as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and thyroid disorders.
How to Prepare for the Procedure?
In order to undergo this surgery, you will have to go in for a consultation with a plastic surgeon and an ophthalmologist. They will need to go through your medical history and do a physical examination, which includes an eye exam and visual field testing.
You’ll also require eyelid photography – photos will help your doctor plan the surgery and might be valuable for insurance claims if the surgery is done for medical reasons. A couple of weeks before the surgery, you will have to quit smoking and stop taking any blood-thinning medication.
How Does the Procedure Go?
Blepharoplasty is done as an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to go home the same day after your procedure. Patients are put under general anesthesia or given intravenous sedation for the surgery. Your surgeon will make the incisions in places that won’t leave visible scars – they will be hidden in the natural contours of the face.
After making an incision, the surgeon can remove the excess fat tissue and muscle or cut the excess skin. Sometimes, instead of cutting tissue, the surgeon can simply reposition it to achieve the desired look.
What Should You Expect After the Surgery?
After the procedure – which can take about an hour or two – you will go home the same day. Make sure you arrange for someone to drive you home, and take at least a few days off work to recover. You will experience some discomfort during the initial recovery – there will be swelling, bruising, numbness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision (from the ointment applied to your eyes).
How Long Is the Recovery?
The recovery period after blepharoplasty is short – it takes ten to fourteen days to get back to normal activities or a maximum of three weeks after surgery. This is when the swelling, bruising, and the rest of the side effects will go away.
When Are the Results Visible?
Although most patients can see the results as soon as the side effects go away at three weeks post-op, it’s generally considered that the full results of the surgery are visible a couple of months after the procedure. You will look your best after three months.
How Much Does the Surgery Cost?
The cost of blepharoplasty depends from case to case, and how much work the surgeon has to do – of course, you have to consider the doctor’s skill and experience as well. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of this surgery is $4,120, but the number can go up to $7,000.
If You Want to Have a Blepharoplasty, Consult With Your Surgeon in Miami
To find out more about this cosmetic surgery, you can come and talk with one of our excellent doctors at Miami Lakes Cosmetics – they would be happy to help you and answer all your questions. Contact us to book your free first consultation – you can do this by calling our office or filling out an inquiry form on our website.
FAQ
Is Blepharoplasty Procedure Painful?
No, blepharoplasty isn’t painful – thanks to general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. However, you will experience some level of pain and discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. These side effects can last for up to three weeks.
What Is the Difference Between Eyelid Surgery and Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is another name for eyelid surgery – they are essentially the same thing. This procedure removes excess skin or fat from your eyelids, making you look younger.
References
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