The Facts Behind Eyelid Surgery

Because the skin around the eyes tends to be the most tender skin on the face, it is the first facial skin that becomes prone to sagging, wrinkling, or bags. Many who have suffered the effects of aging have pursued eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty. Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that can reduce bags from under the eyes and remove excess skin from the upper eyelids. Not only is excess skin removed, but the surgeon may also need to remove some muscle and underlying fatty tissue. The result is a smoother eye area without the appearance of crow's feet, laugh lines, bags, or wrinkles.

You must be in excellent physical and mental health before attempting eyelid surgery. It is important that you have realistic expectations from the surgical procedure. Most candidates are over thirty-five years of age, though some younger patients with genetic bagginess or droopiness in the eye area may elect to have the surgery sooner. Remember that improving the eye area may call attention to other aging areas of the face, so it is important that you and your doctor discuss the realistic outcomes of the surgery. One thing that you can count on, though, is that the results will be long lasting, if not permanent. If you do notice future sagging, then the proper procedure at that point is probably a forehead lift.

You must remember that eye surgery is a major procedure. There will be incisions and muscle manipulation. You will be put under by a general anesthesia, so there must be someone available to drive you home after the surgery is complete. Having plenty of ice, gauze, clean towels, and eye drops at the ready for your arrival after surgery is a good idea. The surgery itself can take around two hours. You will require stitches for the incisions, and there may be bruising and puffiness, but your eyes will appear normal after about two weeks.

As with any surgery, there are several complications that can arise. You must be prepared for them, however rare they may be. Some of the problems you might encounter include bleeding, infection, dry eyes, abnormal skin discoloration, inability to close the eyes, and possible loss of vision. Your doctor should adequately prepare you for any of these complications, but remember that they are rare.

Unless this surgery is for reconstructive reasons or to improve vision, the procedure is considered purely cosmetic. For cosmetic surgeries, your insurance will not cover it. You should discuss all possible costs with your physician before committing, and get everything in writing. There could be surprises that include follow-up appointments and anesthesia costs, so you will need to be sure that you have accounted for all possible costs. Remember, too, that there may be treatments needed to smooth out any skin that is damaged by the surgery, so you should be sure to account for that as well.

The Facts Behind Eyelid Surgery

Anti Aging & Beauty Info

The best online guide to the beauty & cosmetic industries.