As you grow older, the muscles supporting your eyelids can weaken. Unfortunately, this might cause excess fat and skin to gather below and above your eyelids. As a result, you will have sagging and droopy eyelids that will make you look older and more tired than you actually are. Unfortunately, this might hurt your self-confidence and affect your peripheral vision. The good news is that this facial imperfection can be corrected through eyelid surgery. But what exactly is eyelid surgery, and what does it involve? Here is everything you need to know about this cosmetic surgical procedure.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery can be understood as is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed with the aim of improving the appearance of aging eyelids. It can be performed on the upper eyelids or lower eyelids or both. In addition to rejuvenating the area around the eyes, the procedure can go a long way in improving a patient’s peripheral vision. Therefore, eyelid surgery has both cosmetic and functional benefits.
Ideal Candidate for Eyelid Surgery
Like with any other surgical procedure, not everyone who needs to improve the appearance of their eyelid qualifies for eyelid surgery. A good candidate for the procedure should:
- Be a non-smoker since smoking might cause poor healing
- Be in good physical health without any serious eye conditions or medical issues that might compromise the healing process
- Have a positive outlook and accept that the results are going to be unique and fairly unpredictable
Your cosmetic surgeon will conduct a physical exam and do some tests to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and advise you accordingly.
What the Procedure Involves
The procedure is usually performed under anesthesia. Therefore, it will start with your plastic surgeon helping you choose the right anesthesia. Your choices will include general anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
Once the administered anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make the necessary incisions, depending on whether you need the procedure performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. This will allow the surgeon to remove or redistribute the underlying fat deposits, tighten the eyelid muscles, and remove the excess skin. The incisions will then be closed with sutures or skin adhesives.
Eyelid Surgery Cost
There is no standard charge for eyelid surgery. Indeed, the cost varies from one practice to another and on a case-to-case basis. But on average, eyelid surgery cost in the United States is about $4120. But of course, it might cost you more or less depending on the plastic surgeon your pick.
Benefits and Risks of Eyelid Surgery
If your sagging or droopy eyelids are bothering you, getting eyelid surgery will be helpful in several ways. Some of the benefits you can expect from the procedure include:
- Get a more youthful facial appearance
- Boost your self-confidence
- Correct visual impairments like poor peripheral vision
Therefore, in addition to rejuvenating the area around your face and improving your overall appearance, the procedure can have an actual medical benefit.
However, it is important to note that eyelid surgery, like any other surgical procedure, is not without some potential risks. Some of the risks associated with the procedure include:
- Poor healing
- Blood clots
- Excessive pain and bleeding
- Poor aesthetic results
- Unfavorable scarring
- Anesthesia risks
- Swelling and bruising
- Temporary or even permanent change in vision
- Infection
- Numbness and other changes in skin sensation
Before the procedure, your plastic surgeon will explain these risks to help you make an informed decision.
FAQs About Eyelid Surgery
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Eyelid surgery is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, and therefore, you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, you may experience some discomfort during the early days of the recovery period. However, you don’t have to worry about this since your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage pain.
How long does eyelid surgery take?
Eyelid surgery usually takes about one or two hours. If you want only upper blepharoplasty or lower blepharoplasty, the procedure should last about one hour. However, if you want the procedure performed on both the upper and lower eyelids, it is going to take about two hours. However, it is important to note that there will be some time spent on preoperative and postoperative procedures, and therefore, you should not be in a hurry.
How long is recovery after eyelid surgery?
For the first three weeks after eyelid surgery, your eyes might look swollen and bruised. The appearance of your eyelids will continue improving for about three months. Your vision may also be blurry for the first couple of weeks. However, in most cases, patients are ready to go back to work after 14 days. Therefore, if you are planning to get eyelid surgery, you need to consider the fact that you will need at least two weeks off from work or school.