The human body’s natural aging process leads to skin losing its elasticity slowly over time. This causes sagging and wrinkles, which are most prominently visible on our faces and the back of our hands.
While most people picture crow’s feet, smile lines, and frown lines when thinking about facial wrinkles, another area that shows visible signs of aging is the eyelid. Not only are eyelids susceptible to becoming wrinkled with age, they are also affected by other issues like sagging and undereye bags.
Whether you’re dealing with sagging skin, wrinkles, droopy eyelids, puffiness, or undereye bags, there is a solution: blepharoplasty. This surgery can correct many issues, including sagging eyelids that are either not aesthetically pleasing or are causing impairment to vision. It can be done on both the upper and the lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty effectively gives the eyes and surrounding areas a fresher and more youthful appearance.
WHAT DOES EYELID SURGERY INVOLVE?
Eyelid surgery is done either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation, depending on the recommendation of the doctor. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, unwanted fat deposits may be removed or repositioned, and muscles are tightened.
Incisions for the upper eyelids are made along the natural folds on the eyelids, which makes it easier to conceal any post-surgical marks.
For the lower eyelids, there are two incision methods available. Incisions may be made just below the lash line, allowing excess skin to be removed and excess fat to be removed or repositioned. Another option is the transconjunctival incision. A transconjunctival incision is one that is made inside the lower eyelid. In this technique, no skin is removed; only excess fat may be removed or repositioned, and muscle tissue may be tightened if necessary.
Incisions are closed either with sutures or skin glue, after which a lubricating ointment is applied. Gauze may be used to loosely cover the surgical area, and cold compresses will need to be administered.
RECOVERY AND RESULTS
Sutures are usually removed within one week of the surgery. There will be a minor degree of temporary swelling and bruising, which can be controlled with the help of cold compresses. Any irritation, dryness, or discomfort can be alleviated with the help of medication prescribed by the doctor.
Results of the surgery will be visible after the bruising and swelling have subsided, which could take up to two weeks. Patients should avoid rigorous activity and direct sun exposure during this time.
Final results will take a few months to become fully evident. The results are quite long-lasting. Sun protection and frequent moisturizing are very important to keeping long-lasting quality results.
READY TO MAKE A CHANGE?
If you’ve grown tired of looking constantly fatigued and you want to correct those drooping eyelids once and for all, it’s time to consider eyelid surgery. Contact us to schedule your informative consultation regarding blepharoplasty.
Dr. R. Emerick Salas is a skilled and well-respected board-certified plastic surgeon with numerous satisfied patients. During your consultation with Dr. Salas, you can ask questions and discuss the procedure in greater detail.
