What Should You Know about Blepharoplasty? (Updated 2022)
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects and reshapes the appearance of your eyelids. The procedure can be performed on either or both eyes, depending on your goal. This article will help you understand what Blepharoplasty is, who is a good candidate for the procedure, how it’s performed, and what the recovery time is. When done correctly, Blepharoplasty can give your face a youthful lift by reducing excess skin around the eyes and smoothing out any creases or folds.
Blepharoplasty isn’t just for older people who have saggy eyelids from aging. It’s one of the most popular procedures among millennials! At New Look Vision Center, we see a lot of younger patients who are more interested in Blepharoplasty because they want to look refreshed and feel more confident when they meet new people or go out on a date. And why not?
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery performed on the eyelids to correct any defects or signs of aging. The procedure is often performed on the upper and lower lids to improve the appearance of the eye area.
There are many different reasons to have Blepharoplasty done, including removing excess skin, reducing the appearance of bags under the eyes, lifting droopy eyelids, and correcting a condition called “entropion,” in which the eyelids roll inward and the edges turn outward.
Blepharoplasty Procedure
The surgical procedure is done under general anesthesia in a clinic or an Ophthalmologist’s office. The procedure typically takes an hour or two, depending on the treated areas. Before the procedure begins, the surgeon will secure your eyelids with special stitches to help reduce bleeding and swelling after surgery. The following steps will happen during the procedure:
- The surgeon will make incisions to remove excess skin and fat from the eyelids. For example, suppose the surgeon decides to remove extra skin from the upper lids. In that case, they will make an incision beside the eyelashes, above the eyelids, and behind the eyelids.
- The surgeon may use lasers to improve the eyelids’ appearance and reduce future wrinkles.
- If you have droopy eyelids, the surgeon will use surgical threads to lift them back up. The surgeon can also use a small plastic implant to lift the lids.
Before Blepharoplasty
Before undergoing the procedure, you should consult a cosmetic surgeon. The surgeon will discuss your expectations, examine the area and suggest a suitable treatment plan. It’s important to be completely honest with your surgeon so they can recommend the best treatment plan for you.
You will have to undergo a few tests to check your medical history and ensure that you are suitable for the procedure. The following tests may be required:
A dermatologist exam: This exam evaluates the condition of your eyelids and surrounding skin.
A medical history exam: This exam is to see if you have any medical conditions that would affect the procedure’s outcome.
A blood test: This test determines if you have any pre-existing blood disorders.
After Blepharoplasty
The surgeon will apply eye patches to reduce swelling. You will also receive temporary eyeliner and eye makeup to cover any visible incisions. Following the surgeon’s instructions, it is important to reduce the risk of infection and complications. The following tips can help you during the recovery period:
- Avoid direct sunlight and UV rays until the incisions are completely healed. The doctor may apply a bandage or an ointment on the incisions, but these are insufficient to protect you from sun damage.
- Avoid strenuous exercise to reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Avoid taking painkillers to reduce the risk of liver damage.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Use a cold compress on the incisions to reduce swelling and pain.
- Protect the incisions from getting dirty by wearing a surgical mask.
- Cleanse the incisions with a block of mild soap and water.
- Change the dressing on the incisions regularly.
- Follow a healthy diet.
- Get enough sleep.
- Visit the doctor regularly for follow-up examinations.
Blepharoplasty Risks
The most common risks of Blepharoplasty include infection, excessive bleeding and swelling, eyelid drooping, blurred vision, and asymmetry. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pain in the first few days after the procedure. Paralysis of the facial muscles may also occur in some patients, causing the eyelids to droop.
This side effect usually improves over time but may require surgery to correct it. In some cases, damage to blood vessels may occur, causing bleeding under the skin. If bleeding occurs, your doctor may have to apply pressure or use a scalpel to stop the bleeding.
How is Blepharoplasty Performed?
The following steps will happen during the procedure:
- The surgeon will make incisions to remove excess skin and fat from the eyelids. For example, suppose the surgeon decides to remove extra skin from the upper lids.
- In that case, they will make an incision beside the eyelashes, above the eyelids, and behind the eyelids.
- The surgeon may use lasers to improve the eyelids’ appearance and reduce future wrinkles.
- If you have droopy eyelids, the surgeon will use surgical threads to lift them back up. The surgeon can also use a small plastic implant to lift the lids.
Recovery Time after Blepharoplasty
You can expect to take a few days off work to recover from the procedure. The surgeon may also recommend you take antibiotics or other medications to reduce the risk of infection. After the procedure, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and light sensitivity. The surgeon will clean the incisions and apply ointment on them. You should avoid washing your face for the next 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection.
Following a healthy diet and taking plenty of rest is critical to speed up the healing process. While there is no definite timeline for recovery after Blepharoplasty, most patients can resume their regular activities after a few weeks. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions to reduce the risk of complications.
Final Words: Complications of Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure performed on the eyelids to improve the appearance of the eye area. The procedure can be performed on either or both eyes, depending on your goal. Blepharoplasty is a safe procedure that can significantly improve the appearance of the eyes. It can be done with other cosmetic procedures like face, brow, and neck lifts.
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