Eyelid surgery is also called an eye lift, and the medical term for the procedure is blepharoplasty. It is used to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids.
How Eyelids Age
Sagging of the upper and lower eyelids is caused by gravity and the passage of time. These factors (along with genetics), can lead to your skin losing elasticity and becoming baggy or puff. This bagginess leads to wrinkles and bags on the lower eyelids.
On the upper eyelids, the sagging skin can protrude over the eyelashes, causing vision issues. Loss of elasticity also allows the fat around the eye bone to shift, exacerbating the bagginess and bulging of the upper and lower lids.
Eyelid surgery can correct the bulging, bagginess, sagging, and wrinkles caused by aging and gravity.
Preparing for the Procedure
Many people who are considering eyelid surgery or any other procedure want to know details about the preparatory requirements. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
You will also need to have various items ready for you at home, including ice packs and artificial tears. If your doctor plans to prescribe you any medication for discomfort after the procedure, try to fill it beforehand so it is waiting for you when you get home.
Recovery From Eyelid Surgery
Along with preparatory steps, possible candidates for eyelid surgery may want to know what the recovery is like.
You will probably have stitches that last seven to ten days. There may be some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around your eyes that you can manage with ice and medications from your surgeon. You will probably be able to resume wearing eye makeup within one to two weeks, return to work within two weeks, and resume physical activity within four weeks. Of course, these timelines are general and your doctor should be consulted before you take any steps to return to life as usual after surgery.
Candidates For Eyelid Surgery
While you can have eyelid surgery at any age, most patients are 35 years or older. You must have healthy facial tissues. Our Eyelids page describes the ideal candidate as one who has healthy and realistic expectations of the procedure- this means that you are getting the procedure for your own benefit (as opposed to for the happiness of someone else).
Having realistic expectations also means that you do not expect the procedure to completely alter your life- just the appearance of your eyelids.
Visit our eyelid surgery page and view an eyelid surgery animation and eyelid surgery before and after photos.
If you’re interested in coming into NOVA Plastic Surgery in Virginia for a consultation, call (703) 574-2588 or click here to set up a consultation.
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More Information About Eyelid Surgery
Schedule a ConsultationPosted April 30, 2012 in News