Blepharoplasty 101: What You Need to Know About Eyelid Surgery
Posted July 18, 2016 in Practice News
We’ve all heard it before: The eyes are the windows to the soul. So what does it say about you if the windows to your soul make you look old and tired?
If you’ve experienced this – people commenting on how your eyes make you look old, tired, even sad – don’t worry; you’re not alone. If you’ve been thinking about getting “your eyes done” to solve the problem, you’re still not alone. In 2015, over 139,000 women and 30,000 men went under the knife for eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty, if you want to use the medical term).
Wait… so how does blepharoplasty work, exactly? What will it do to my appearance? What can I expect? All good questions, and we’re here to answer them.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that corrects the sagging skin that hangs over the upper eyelids and the bulging bags that form underneath the eye. When performed by a Board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial rejuvenation, the results are dramatic: You will look younger, more alert, and more refreshed. It can also help individuals suffering from visual impairment due to the loose skin obstructing their field of vision.
What blepharoplasty doesn’t do is eliminate fine lines and wrinkles or elevate sagging eyebrows. These conditions can be corrected with a brow lift, skin resurfacing, and other cosmetic procedures.
Am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you exhibit any of these conditions:
- You have excess skin hanging down from your upper eyelids
- Your upper and lower eyelids have a puffy appearance
- You have bags under your eyes
- Your upper eyelids have loose skin that hinders or impairs your vision
The ideal candidate is also in good physical health and has realistic expectations of the outcome.
Where and how is blepharoplasty performed?
Eyelid surgery in Reno is performed at a fully accredited surgical facility. Most of my patients are put under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia can also be considered.
During upper eyelid surgery, I make a small incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. The excess skin and fat are removed through this incision. For lower eyelid surgery, the incisions I make are along or just under the eyelashes. The excess skin and fat are trimmed away, and the muscles are tightened. All incisions are closed with very fine sutures.
I make the incisions as inconspicuous as possible. Once they heal, they will be virtually imperceptible.
How long does the procedure take?
Eyelid surgeries generally last one to two hours to complete, depending on the extent of repair that needs to be done, the surgical technique used, and other factors.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Eyelid surgery can be performed safely with other cosmetic surgery procedures like a facelift, necklift, and brow lift.
Are there any risks?
All surgical procedures carry certain risks and the potential for complications. For blepharoplasty, risks and complications include bleeding, difficulty in closing the eyes, double or blurry vision, swelling, and temporary asymmetry. To ensure a good outcome, it is extremely important – and we cannot stress this enough – to choose an experienced and Board-certified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure.
What should I expect post-operatively?
Blepharoplasty is an ambulatory surgery, which means you can return home on the same day of the procedure.
After surgery, your eyes will feel a little swollen and tender; you may also have some slight bruising. Blurry vision may be experienced for the first few days. Some patients report a burning sensation around the eyes, dryness, and sensitivity to light. Sutures are removed three to five days following surgery.
I will provide you with detailed post-op care instructions to make the healing and recovery process as comfortable as possible.
When can I resume my normal routine?
Most patients return to work a week after the procedure. Resuming exercise, however, is another thing. I recommend that my patients wait at least 3 to 4 weeks after their eyelid surgery before returning to exercise or any strenuous activity.
Contact Talbott Plastic Surgery Center
Are you considering getting blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery in Reno? Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. LaDawn Talbott or to learn more about the procedure.
