Eyelid blepharoplasty surgery is a popular procedure for eliminating sagging of the skin around the eyes and reducing the all too common appearance of bags under the eyes. The result is a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. Patients who opt to undergo blepharoplasty often feel the excess skin and fat deposits around their eyes make them look angry, tired, or aged beyond their years. The procedure provides natural-looking results and can make the eyes appear wider and more youthful. Based on the patient’s circumstances, blepharoplasty can be used to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
Recovery: How to Protect Your Eyes After the Procedure
To prevent infection, it is important to protect the eyes from bacteria, dust, and other contaminates during the initial recovery period. It is important to follow post-surgical instructions regarding the proper way to cleanse the eye area. It is also a good idea to wear some form of covering to shield the eyes from foreign debris. The eyes will be more sensitive to light following the procedure, so it is important to wear sunglasses when going outdoors. When the healing and recover process are over, enjoy the rejuvenated appearance of tighter looking skin around the eyes. After all, the eyes are the windows to the soul.
Potential Side-Effects of Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery
The initial recovery following eyelid surgery can take 7 to 10 days. During this time, the most common side effects include mild to moderate pain, bruising, and swelling. Some patients experience difficulty closing their eyes, corneal irritation, temporary vision changes, insufficient or excessive tearing, and droopy eyelids. Side effects typically subside within a week at which time most patients are able to return to the majority of their regular daily activities.
There are steps that patients can take to prevent or alleviate post-procedure side effects and discomfort. This includes taking prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers, using cold compresses, and elevating the head while sleeping to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising. It is important to follow the post-surgical instructions provided by the cosmetic surgeon in order to ensure proper healing.
Any surgical procedure involves potential risks. Although complications following eyelid surgery are rare, risks include the possibility of bleeding, infection, changes in vision, dry eyes, and the inability to close the eyes.