As the old saying goes, the eyes are the window to the soul. And as it turns out, they’re also a window into the aging process. Our eyes tend to show signs of aging faster than other areas of our body, and for many, this can lead to you looking older than you actually are. If you’re not ready to make peace with sagging eyelids and puffy under eyes, though, there’s another option. Enter blepharoplasty or eyelid rejuvenation surgery.
This quick, low-downtime procedure is quickly gaining popularity for its ability to reverse the clock. Instead of living with sagging skin that masks our true beauty, blepharoplasty makes it possible to have youthful-looking eyes again. Keep reading to learn even more about this popular anti-aging procedure.
What Causes Droopy Eyelids?
Droopy eyelids, also known as ptosis, occur when the upper eyelid sags lower than its normal position. This condition can affect one or both eyes and may range from mild to severe, potentially obstructing vision. Droopy eyelids can result from aging, where the muscles that support the eyelids weaken, or from congenital issues, nerve damage, or injury. In some cases, ptosis can give the face a tired or aged appearance, making it both a functional and aesthetic concern.
What is blepharoplasty?
Sometimes called eyelid rejuvenation or droopy eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that involves repairing signs of aging around the eyes. For many, this means the removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle around the eyelids that accumulate as we age.
The aging process isn’t kind, especially to our eyes. Over time, extra skin and muscle can cause sagging on the upper eyelid and brow area, bringing those features down. Additionally, extra fat underneath the eyes can cause puffiness and deep, heavy lines that accentuate the eyes (and not in a good way). For some people, all this sagging can actually lead to vision problems. This plastic surgery helps eliminate all that, revealing more youthful, bright, and rejuvenated eyes underneath.
If all this sounds amazing, just wait till you see the countless before-and-afters of those who have had their droopy eyelids corrected. It’s like night and day.
What to expect
As with any invasive procedure, there are a few things your plastic surgeon may recommend doing in order to prepare. After your initial consultation, your surgeon will likely order vision and tear tests to check the condition of your eyes. They’ll also take pictures of your eyes to assist with the surgery. These will be the pictures you can compare with your post-op look!
Before surgery, you’ll be asked to stop taking any medication that increases bleeding risk, like ibuprofen. You’ll also be asked to stop smoking for at least 3 weeks before your procedure to make sure your eyes are in tip-top shape.
The procedure itself
So you’ve decided to go ahead with the procedure—awesome! You’re one step closer to younger-looking eyes. Before stepping into the operating room, it can be helpful to know exactly what happens during this eyelid surgery.
Your plastic surgeon will numb your eyelids before making any incisions. Depending on your level of pain tolerance and your specific surgeon, you may also be administered general anesthesia.
Once the blepharoplasty starts, your surgeon will move toward your upper eyelids. Small cuts will help remove excess skin, muscle, and fat. If necessary, some tissues may be moved around as well before the incisions are closed again. After working on your upper eyelids, your surgeon will move to your under-eye area. Often, this is where the majority of excess fat is concentrated, which leads to that puffy appearance. To remove this fat, an incision will be made either on the inside of the eyelid or on the outside of your lid underneath your lower lashes.
Depending on the structure of your face, your lower eyelid may also be tightened. After securing your eyelid to the bone, your surgeon will complete the procedure by closing each incision, and you’ll be good to go.
You’ll want to have someone available to drive you home after the procedure, as your eyes will be swollen and your vision potentially impaired. While recovering, you should use ice packs to reduce swelling and avoid strenuous activity. Take it easy on yourself and avoid those aforementioned medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding. Your recovery period should last no longer than a week, at which point any swelling or bruising should be healed.
Are there risks?
Blepharoplasty is a fairly common procedure and doesn’t carry many risks. The most common ‘risk’ associated with this surgery is an asymmetry or otherwise irregular outcome. This is why it’s so important to communicate your goals clearly with your plastic surgeon before undergoing the procedure. Once you’ve made the change, it’s hard to go back and fix it.
More uncommon risks include scarring, bleeding, excessive bruising, skin infection, and dry eye. However, by properly vetting your plastic surgeon beforehand, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of experiencing any of these unpleasant side effects.
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