Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, will remove excess skin from the upper eyelids and/or lower eyelids. This procedure also may involve contouring or removing excess fat from around the eyes for a younger, more rested, and fresher appearance.
Las Vegas eyelid surgery is a serious cosmetic procedure, so it’s important to review everything about it before you make your decision. Below is more information.
Upper or Lower Eyelid Surgery
A blepharoplasty can be done on the upper and lower eyelids, or both at the same time:
- Upper eyelids: For patients who have excess skin over the eyes that make them look older than they are.
- Lower eyelids: For patients who have dark circles and puffy bags under the eyes that make them look tired and older.
Your surgeon will check your eyes and face and recommend which procedure may be best for you. Some surgeons may recommend a brow lift, as well.
Every Eyelid Surgery Is Different
Remember that your eyes are different from everyone else’s, so no two of these surgeries are identical. Your surgeon will craft your eyelid surgery according to your goals and eye structure for optimal results.
For the surgical procedure to be successful, your eye surgeon needs to understand what the ‘ideal eye’ is, but this varies based on ethnicity and gender. Also, your surgeon needs to know how the eyelid functions and its structure. That’s why it’s so important to select a skilled plastic surgeon for your eyelid surgery.
How Eyelid Surgery Works
Upper eyelid surgery or lower eyelid surgery can be done in your surgeon’s office or operating room. Most patients have mild sedation or local anesthesia.
Before the upper eyelid procedure, your surgeon will make the eyelid crease and measure and outline how much skin to remove. After administering a local anesthetic, he will remove the skin carefully with a scalpel and electrocautery.
Your surgeon will take off enough skin so that you have a youthful and natural look, but not too much so that it makes the eyelid close.
With your lower eyelids, the surgeon makes small incisions to remove or change the position of excess fat so you have a more natural contour under your eyelids. If you have sagging skin under the eyes, it will be removed. The surgeon also may tighten the lower eyelid muscles.
After ensuring your eyes are symmetrical, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures that dissolve after a few weeks.
Results To Expect
Every patient is different, but you should see brighter, tighter, and more open eyes within two weeks of the procedure. The results are subtle but noticeable. You’ll look younger, more alert, and rested. It’s the type of cosmetic procedure that makes people say ‘you look different,’ but they don’t know why.
You may see an improvement in your eyelids right after surgery. But you will have bruising and swelling, so you may need to wait a few weeks to see the final results.
Surgeon Can Use Laser Or Scalpel
Your surgeon may use a scalpel or laser. The results of the procedure can be outstanding whichever instrument the surgeon uses. What matters most is the skill of the plastic surgeon.
Many plastic surgeons use a traditional fine scalpel and electrocautery to eliminate bleeding.
Risks To Eyelids Surgery
Eyelid surgery is safe and effective, but all surgeries have risks. Some minor issues you could experience temporarily are:
- Temporary blurred or double visions
- Temporary swelling and bruising around the upper eye
- Small bumps around the incisions
These side effects are part of your healing process after the surgery and should go away in a few days. More serious complications include:
- Dry eyes
- Asymmetry
- Difficulty closing the eyes
Recovery From Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery recovery time is usually straightforward. You may have some bruising and swelling, but significant pain is rare. You can alleviate these issues with ice packs and by keeping your head raised while sleeping.
Remember to only engage in light activity for two weeks after the surgery, and don’t lift anything heavy. But you can go back to work within two or three days.
Vision After Surgery
After surgery, you’ll have blurred vision temporarily from corneal swelling. But your vision should be normal after two or three days. No patches over your eyes are needed after eyelid surgery.
Scarring
Scarring is minor with eyelid surgery; it only requires tiny incisions in the eyelid creases. Eyelid surgery scars are hardly noticeable after you heal. Some may have redness near the incisions, but this goes away after several days.
Results For A Lifetime
The results of eyelid surgery last many years. However, as you age, expect the elasticity of your skin and the quality of the facial muscles to change. You can protect the skin around the eyes with good sunscreen and moisturizer to preserve your results.
This surgery is an excellent option if you want to look better rested and younger around your eyes. You’ll find the results are subtle but dramatic, and recovery only takes a few days.
Some patients also have a facelift or rhinoplasty with this procedure to save time and money. Plus, you can get your recovery done all at once.
Questions and Answers
What should I know about eyelid surgery?
Before undergoing a blepharoplasty eyelid surgery, it’s important to be aware that experiencing some swelling and bruising for approximately two weeks after this cosmetic surgery is normal. During the consultation, it’s crucial to inform the surgeon of your medical history. Individuals with conditions such as dry eye, diabetes, high blood pressure, circulatory disorders, and glaucoma may not be deemed suitable candidates for eyelid surgery. This disclosure ensures a comprehensive assessment of your health and helps the surgeon make informed decisions regarding your eligibility for the procedure.
Is it worth getting blapharoplasty eyelid surgery?
In certain instances, the presence of wrinkles, puffiness, or droopy eyelids can give the impression of an older age than reality. Today, both men and women are recognizing the transformative impact of eye lift surgery on their appearance. This procedure has the potential to subtract years from one’s look, revitalizing self-confidence in the process.
How long does it take to heal from surgery to upper and lower eyelids?
Swelling and bruising of the eyelid are common in the initial 1 to 3 weeks post-surgery, with ongoing improvement in the eye’s appearance for 1 to 3 months. Typically, individuals feel comfortable returning to public activities and work within 10 to 14 days, though this timeline can vary based on the nature of your job and your comfort level with others being aware of your recent surgery.
Will I look younger after blepharoplasty eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty offers the unique advantage of not only rejuvenating the eyes but also lifting the veil of age from the entire face with the absence of excess skin. Instead of relying on creams, consider embracing your forties with blepharoplasty. The mirror might reveal a refreshed and more youthful version of yourself.
What is the difference between a brow lift and blepharoplasty?
The primary distinction between these two cosmetic procedures lies in the facial area they address: A brow lift concentrates on the skin and soft tissue in the forehead, while a blepharoplasty focuses on the removal of excess skin and fat from the eyelids, both upper eyelids and lower.
Request An Eyelid Surgery Consultation Today
Interested in a Las Vegas eyelid surgery? Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Rachel Mason today! She will review the options with you about eyelid surgery, your goals and help determine if you’re an ideal candidate for this procedure.
References
- 8 Things To Know About Eyelid Surgery. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/eyelid-surgery-blepharoplasty/8-things-to-know-about-eyelid-surgery