By Do you have droopy, saggy, or puffy eyelids that make you look tired, sad, or older than you feel? Do you have excess skin or fat on your upper or lower eyelids that interfere with your vision or your appearance? If so, you might be a good candidate for eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty.
Eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper and lower eyelids. It can improve the shape and contour of your eyelids, enhance your eyes, and give you a more youthful and refreshed look. Eyelid surgery can also correct functional problems, such as impaired vision caused by drooping upper eyelids.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about eyelid surgery, including:
- What are the benefits and risks of eyelid surgery?
- Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
- How much does eyelid surgery cost?
- How to prepare for eyelid surgery?
- What to expect during and after eyelid surgery?
- How long does it take to recover from eyelid surgery?
- How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?
- What are some alternatives to eyelid surgery?
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery can offer many benefits for both your appearance and your health. Some of the benefits of eyelid surgery are:
- It can improve the shape and position of your eyelids, making them more symmetrical and balanced.
- It can remove excess skin and fat from your upper and lower eyelids, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, bags, and puffiness.
- It can lift sagging upper eyelids that may obstruct your vision or make you look sleepy or angry.
- It can smooth out the creases and folds on your lower eyelids, making them look firmer and younger.
- It can enhance the shape and size of your eyes, making them look more open and alert.
- It can improve your self-confidence and self-esteem by making you look more attractive and youthful.
Risks of Eyelid Surgery
As with any surgery, eyelid surgery has some potential risks and complications that you should be aware of before deciding to undergo the procedure. Some of the risks of eyelid surgery are:
- Infection and bleeding
- Dryness, irritation, or sensitivity of the eyes
- Difficulty closing or opening the eyes
- Scarring or asymmetry of the eyelids
- Injury to the eye muscles or nerves
- Changes in vision or eye color
- Blindness (very rare)
Most of these risks are rare and can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon, following the preoperative and postoperative instructions carefully, and reporting any signs of problems to your doctor as soon as possible.
Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is suitable for men and women who are in good general health, have realistic expectations, and want to improve the appearance or function of their eyelids. You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Excess skin or fat on your upper or lower eyelids that make them look heavy, droopy, or puffy
- Sagging upper eyelids that impair your vision or make you look tired or angry
- Wrinkles, creases, or bags on your lower eyelids that make you look older or sad
- Dark circles under your eyes that are caused by shadows from bulging lower eyelids
You may not be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Serious eye diseases or disorders, such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, thyroid eye disease, or detached retina
- Chronic medical conditions that affect your healing ability, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or bleeding disorders
- Smoking habits that increase your risk of infection and complications
- Unrealistic expectations about what eyelid surgery can achieve
To determine if you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial cosmetic procedures. The surgeon will evaluate your medical history, examine your eyes and eyelids, discuss your goals and expectations, and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Cost of Eyelid Surgery
The cost of eyelid surgery varies depending on several factors, such as:
- The type and extent of the procedure (upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both)
- The surgeon’s experience and reputation
- The geographic location of the clinic
- The anesthesia fees
- The facility fees
- The medication fees
- The postoperative care fees
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery in 2020 was $3,282 for upper blepharoplasty and $3,156 for lower blepharoplasty. However, these figures do not include the additional fees mentioned above, so the total cost may be higher.
Eyelid surgery is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, which means that it is not covered by most health insurance plans. However, if your eyelid surgery is performed to correct a functional problem, such as impaired vision caused by sagging upper eyelids, you may be able to get some or all of the cost covered by your insurance. You should check with your insurance provider before scheduling your surgery to find out what your policy covers and what you need to do to qualify for reimbursement.
Preparation for Eyelid Surgery
Before undergoing eyelid surgery, you will need to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the procedure. Some of the steps you should take to prepare for eyelid surgery are:
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before and after the surgery, as smoking can impair your healing and increase your risk of complications.
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, and other medications that can thin your blood and increase your risk of bleeding. Your surgeon will advise you on what medications you can take or stop taking before the surgery.
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery and stay with you for the first night after the surgery, as you will not be able to drive or care for yourself immediately after the procedure.
- Fill your prescriptions for painkillers, antibiotics, eye drops, and other medications that your surgeon may prescribe for you after the surgery.
- Prepare a comfortable and clean recovery area at home, with plenty of pillows, ice packs, gauze pads, cotton swabs, and other supplies that you may need after the surgery.
- Follow any specific instructions that your surgeon may give you regarding eating, drinking, bathing, and other activities before the surgery.
Procedure for Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the type and extent of the surgery. The steps involved in eyelid surgery are:
- The surgeon will mark the incision lines on your eyelids, following the natural creases and contours of your eyes.
- The surgeon will administer anesthesia to numb your eyelids and make you comfortable during the surgery.
- The surgeon will make small incisions on your upper or lower eyelids or both, depending on the type of surgery you are having.
- The surgeon will remove excess skin, muscle, and fat from your eyelids and reposition or redistribute them as needed to create a smoother and more youthful appearance.
- The surgeon will close the incisions with fine sutures or surgical tape and apply sterile dressings to protect them from infection and swelling.
- The surgeon will monitor your vital signs and apply cold compresses to your eyes to reduce bruising and inflammation.
Recovery from Eyelid Surgery
After eyelid surgery, you will need to follow some postoperative care instructions to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. Some of the tips for recovering from eyelid surgery are:
- Rest with your head elevated on several pillows for the first few days after the surgery to minimize swelling and bleeding.
- Apply cold compresses or ice packs to your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day for the first 48 hours after the surgery to reduce bruising and inflammation.
- Use eye drops or ointments as prescribed by your surgeon to lubricate and protect your eyes from dryness and irritation.
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes or eyelids until they are fully healed.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses, makeup, or any other products that may irritate your eyes or eyelids until they are fully healed.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight, wind, dust, smoke, or any other environmental factors that may harm your eyes or eyelids until they are fully healed. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen when going outside to protect your eyes from UV rays and glare.
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise, lifting heavy objects, bending over, or swimming until they are fully healed. Resume your normal activities gradually as instructed by your surgeon.
- Follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids to promote healing and prevent dehydration.
- Take painkillers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications as prescribed by your surgeon to relieve discomfort and prevent infection or complications.
- Keep your follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and remove any stitches or dressings.
Results of Eyelid Surgery
The results of eyelid surgery are usually noticeable within a few weeks after the surgery when most of the swelling and bruising subside. However, it may take several months for the final results to appear as the scars fade and the tissues settle into their new shape.
The results of eyelid surgery are generally long-lasting but not permanent. As you age, your skin will continue to lose elasticity and sag over time. However, you can maintain the results of eyelid surgery by taking good care of your skin, avoiding sun damage, quitting smoking.
Alternatives to Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is not the only option for improving the appearance or function of your eyelids. Depending on your goals and expectations, you may consider some of the following alternatives to eyelid surgery:
- Botox injections: Botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles and creases on your forehead, between your eyebrows, and around your eyes. Botox can smooth out the lines and lift the brows, giving you a more relaxed and refreshed look. Botox injections are quick, minimally invasive, and require no downtime. However, they are not permanent and need to be repeated every three to six months to maintain the results.
- Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are injectable substances that restore volume and plumpness to the skin. Dermal fillers can fill in the hollows and depressions under your eyes, reducing the appearance of dark circles and bags. They can also smooth out the wrinkles and folds on your lower eyelids, making them look firmer and younger. Dermal fillers are quick, minimally invasive, and require no downtime. However, they are not permanent and need to be repeated every six to 12 months to maintain the results.
- Laser resurfacing: Laser resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that uses a beam of light to remove the outer layer of skin and stimulate the growth of new collagen and elastin fibers. Laser resurfacing can improve the texture and tone of your skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, scars, pigmentation, and sun damage. Laser resurfacing can also tighten the skin on your upper and lower eyelids, making them look smoother and more youthful. Laser resurfacing is relatively painless and requires minimal downtime. However, it may cause some redness, swelling, or peeling of the skin for a few days or weeks after the procedure.
- Ultherapy: Ultherapy is a non-surgical procedure that uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin on your face, neck, and chest. Ultherapy can stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity and firmness of your skin. Ultherapy can lift sagging upper eyelids, smooth out wrinkles on lower eyelids, and enhance the shape of your eyes. Ultherapy is painless and requires no downtime. However, it may take several months for the full results to appear as the collagen and elastin fibers regenerate.
Conclusion
Eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance and function of your eyelids. It can remove excess skin, muscle, and fat from your upper and lower eyelids, giving you a more youthful and refreshed look. It can also correct functional problems, such as impaired vision caused by drooping upper eyelids.
Eyelid surgery is suitable for men and women who are in good general health, have realistic expectations, and want to improve their eyelids. Eyelid surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The recovery from eyelid surgery is relatively easy and fast, with most patients returning to their normal activities within a week or two.
Eyelid surgery can offer many benefits for both your appearance and your health. However, it also has some potential risks and complications that you should be aware of before deciding to undergo the procedure. You should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial cosmetic procedures to determine if you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery and what type of surgery would best suit your needs.
Eyelid surgery is not the only option for improving your eyelids. You may also consider some of the alternatives to eyelid surgery, such as Botox injections, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, or Ultherapy. These procedures are non-surgical or minimally invasive and can offer similar or complementary results to eyelid surgery.
If you are interested in learning more about eyelid surgery or any of the alternatives to eyelid surgery, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about eyelid surgery:
- Q: How long does eyelid surgery last?
- A: Eyelid surgery can last for several years or even decades depending on your age, lifestyle, genetics, and skin care habits. However, as you age, your skin will continue to lose elasticity and sag over time. You may need a revision surgery or additional procedures to maintain or enhance your results.
- Q: Will I have scars after eyelid surgery?
- A: Eyelid surgery will leave some scars on your eyelids where the incisions were made. However, these scars are usually very small, well-hidden in the natural creases or contours of your eyes, and fade over time. You can also use scar creams, gels, or silicone sheets to help them heal faster and better.
- Q: Can I wear makeup after eyelid surgery?
- A: You should avoid wearing makeup or any other products that may irritate your eyes or eyelids until they are fully healed. This may take several weeks or months depending on the type and extent of your surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on when you can resume wearing makeup and how to apply it safely and gently.
- Q: Can I exercise after eyelid surgery?
- A: You should avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise, lifting heavy objects, bending over, or swimming until your eyelids are fully healed. This may take several weeks or months depending on the type and extent of your surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on when you can resume your normal activities and how to do them gradually and carefully.
- Q: How can I prevent complications after eyelid surgery?
- A: You can prevent complications after eyelid surgery by choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon, following the preoperative and postoperative instructions carefully, and reporting any signs of problems to your doctor as soon as possible. Some of the signs of complications after eyelid surgery are:
- Severe pain, swelling, or bleeding
- Infection, fever, or pus
- Difficulty closing or opening the eyes
- Changes in vision or eye color
- Blindness (very rare)