The eyes are the first things we see when we talk to someone. And, there is nothing that can show the signs of aging more than tired eyes and/or bags under them. An eyelid lift surgery will correct the excess fat, wrinkles, and drooping eyelids contribute to a tired and aged face.
Patients who get an eyelid lift surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can achieve a more rejuvenated and youthful appearance.
The first step towards getting this procedure is a consultation with the Plastic Surgeon. Here are some questions to ask during an eyelid lift consultation:
1. Am I a good candidate for an eyelid lift surgery?
This procedure is usually recommended for mature patients, but nowadays it is popular even among people in their early 40s. Several considerations are taken into account when planning a blepharoplasty.
Generally, it is performed for either aesthetic or functional purposes or both. The excessive skin on the eyelids can trigger functional problems, as well as some aesthetic ones. The eyes are the focus of the face and the first signs of aging usually appear around them, therefore, a blepharoplasty helps to rejuvenate the entire face.
2. What is the functional role of a blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure performed at the level of the eyelids. It aims at eliminating the extra skin that occurs as a result of the natural aging process.
Due to this excess skin and fat in the eyelids, the patient can get a sensation of tired eyes as well as a superior visual field defect.
3. How is an eye lift performed?
During this procedure, the patient is under local or general anesthesia. After administering the anesthesia, the Plastic Surgeon will proceed to do an excision at the level of the superior eyelid. He or she will then remove the surplus of the skin according to the markings he did in advance. After removing the excess skin, the Plastic Surgeon will also correct other imperfections in the area, if necessary. After suturing the skin, the Plastic Surgeon will apply dressings to cover the incisions.
When it comes to the inferior eyelids, the Plastic Surgeon will address a different area with different needs (wrinkles, bags…). The incisions to remove excess skin and fat will be just below the lower lash line.
4. How long is the recovery period?
The recovery period is about one week. Patients can resume normal activities after the Plastic Surgeon will remove the sutures.
Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation, dry eyes and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses, and ointment. These effects usually subside within ten to fourteen days.
Keep in mind that the eyelids are extremely well vascularized, so they will react immediately after the surgery and the swelling and bruising are normal.
The discomfort after the eyelid lift surgery is mild, and the patient can drive and perform normal day to day activities after this procedure without major restrictions.
However, the patient must practice sun protection and use sunglasses until the healing process is complete.
5. How long will the results of an eye lift last?
An eyelid lift surgery can erase up to ten years off the face and, in theory, there is no need to have it done again. In other words, once you get it once, the results will possibly last a lifetime.
6. What should I do after this procedure?
After the eyelid lift surgery, the Plastic Surgeon will have post-operative instructions such as putting ice packs on the eyes intermittently for the first 24 to 48 hours. This will help reduce the swelling that naturally occurs afterward. Avoiding smoking and rubbing the eyes are other important instructions that patients will receive. Using contact lenses will need to wait for about two to three weeks. Finally, the patient should wear sunglasses to protect the delicate skin of the eyelids from the sun and wind.
Final Thoughts
Before undergoing the eyelid lift surgery, it is important for patients to book a consultation with a Plastic Surgeon to discuss their medical history, as well as goals and expectations from the surgery. If the patient is seeking to correct functional issues, the Plastic Surgeon will request a visit with an ophthalmologist to test the visual field.
About Dr. Rosso and Peninsula Plastic Surgery
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Rosso is one of the leading Plastic Surgeons in the South Bay and performs a large number of breast lift, breast augmentation, and breast reduction surgeries, in his state-of-the-art Surgery Center or at the local Torrance and Little Company of Mary Hospitals.
Dr. Rosso has been voted 2018 Daily Breeze South Bay’s Favorite; 2017 and 2018 Best of the Beach; and the Peninsula Plastic Surgery doctors and staff have been awarded the 2018 Spectrum Award for Customer Service Excellence. At the end of 2018, he has also received an Award from the ER Doctors and Medical staff at Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance for his great work and commitment to patients.
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