Blepharoplasty, another term for eyelid surgery, is a common procedure that repairs drooping eyelids. It removes excess fat, muscle and skin around the eyes. Whether patients want to improve their appearance or repair functional problems, surgery can rejuvenate the eyes.
Who Needs Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery?
As people age, the muscles that support their eyelids weaken and the skin stretches. Fatty deposits make the eyes look puffy. This can lead to drooping eyelids, sagging eyebrows and under-the-eye bags. A dermatologist may recommend blepharoplasty to treat these problems.
Excess skin or fat around the eyes can impair vision as well as make people look older. Drooping eyelids can interfere with peripheral or side vision. Blepharoplasty eliminates or reduces vision problems and makes the eyes look young and alert.
What Can Patients Expect From Surgery in Orange County?
Blepharoplasty is usually an outpatient cosmetic surgery procedure. Surgeons numb the eyelids with anesthetics and administer intravenous (IV) medication to help patients relax. On the upper eyelids, they make a cut along the eyelid fold. On the lower eyelids, they cut below the lashes or in the eye’s natural crease. After removing or redistributing excess fat, muscle or skin, they close the cuts.
Blepharoplasty takes less than two hours to complete. After surgery, patients spend time in a recovery room before going home to recuperate. Most patients have blurred vision from lubricating ointment applied after surgery. Some people experience double vision, watering eyes, light sensitivity, puffy eyelids, bruising, or some pain.
Doctors and certified cosmetic surgeons suggest certain steps after surgery to help with recovery. They include gentle cleansing, prescription ointments or eye drops, tinted sunglasses and other post-op care. Patients must avoid contact lenses, cigarettes, strenuous activities and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Cold compresses reduce pain and swelling, and patients can return to work 7-10 days after surgery.
What are the Results of Eyelid Surgery?
Most patients are satisfied with the results of eyelid surgery. Although it takes a few months for surgery scars to fade, blepharoplasty gives people a youthful appearance and more self-confidence.
For some people, the results can last a lifetime. For others, the droops and sags may return. Blepharoplasty patients must take extra care to protect their delicate skin from the elements like wind and sun.