Do you look older than your years? Saggy eyelids, dark circles, or under-eye bags may be to blame. In fact, the first signs of aging are often revealed by the delicate skin around our eyelids. The good news is that upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can help you appear younger and may even improve your peripheral vision.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of upper and/or lower eyelid surgery and whether this type of cosmetic surgery is right for you.
What Can Upper Eyelid Surgery Do?
Thanks to the aging process, the skin around our upper eyes gradually becomes susceptible to sagging, wrinkling, and bunching. During upper eyelid blepharoplasty, we make small incisions in the eyelid’s crease, where the scar will be easily concealed. Your surgeon will tighten your eyelid muscles and remove the excess skin and fat that causes drooping. This lifting and tightening gives you a more youthful and alert appearance that is long-lasting.
What Can Lower Eyelid Surgery Do?
Fatty deposits shift and accumulate as we age, often causing under-eye bags or dark circles. In lower blepharoplasty, incisions are carefully made below the lower eyelash line for excess skin removal, and just inside the lower eyelid to remove or redistribute the fat under the eye. This smooths the area under the eye for a fresher, more vibrant look. These results can last for years.
Which Procedure Should You Choose?
In determining if you need an upper or lower blepharoplasty—or both—we pay particular attention to the following:
- Upper eyelid elasticity
- Amount of fat within the lower eye
- Existing eye symmetry (helps determine whether you need one or both procedures)
The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a blepharoplasty is to arrange a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. In our practice, we leverage years of experience performing this procedure to assess the condition of your eyelids and help you determine the right approach. Sometimes, we find that a combination of upper and lower eyelid surgery is the best solution for rejuvenating the skin around your eyes. In some cases, we recommend pairing your blepharoplasty with a brow lift. The good news is that we can perform both upper and lower eyelid surgery simultaneously without increasing your recovery time.
Blepharoplasty Recovery: What to Expect
The recovery process for eyelid surgery is quite manageable, especially if you follow our protocol and know what to expect. Here’s a general overview of a typical blepharoplasty recovery timeline:
- Eye dryness, blurry vision, and light sensitivity may occur but subsides within days or weeks
- Swelling and bruising peak 2 to 4 days after surgery
- Numbness in the area is common
- Avoid strenuous activity for 10 to 14 days
- Bruising typically subsides in 2 to 3 weeks
- Results are typically achieved after 4 to 6 months
- Residual swelling gradually resolves over several months
A blepharoplasty can help you look more rested, alert, and youthful. That’s why patients who decide to get upper and lower eyelid surgery are usually very pleased with their results for many years. If you have more questions, I encourage you to contact the office to request a consultation or call us at (702) 450-0777 to schedule an appointment.
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