Article At A Glance
- Eyelids can droop over time due to their support muscles weakening.
- A blepharoplasty procedure can eliminate droopy eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle around the eyes.
- Eyelid lift surgery is safe for most people, but some may experience complications or side effects.
Sometimes, people develop visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging skin. Sagging skin around the eyes and eyebrows can create a droopy appearance that can make a person look and feel older than they are. Consider eyelid lift surgery if you want to rejuvenate your appearance with younger-looking skin.
Though lower or upper eyelid lift surgery can transform your appearance and offer several benefits, it’s best to understand its risks before undergoing the procedure. Below, you can learn more about this popular cosmetic procedure to help you decide if it’s the best option to improve your eyes’ appearance.
For more information about popular cosmetic surgeries, contact Dr. Sidle at Northwestern Facial Plastic Surgery in Chicago, Illinois.
What You Should Know About Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
A blepharoplasty or eyelid lift surgery is a procedure in which a healthcare provider removes extra skin from above or below a person’s eyes. The extra, saggy skin could be the result of several factors, including:
- Genetics
- Age
- Gravity
- Loss of skin elasticity
Every eye lift surgery differs because everyone has unique bodies, medical histories, and needs. Yet blepharoplasties typically fall into three categories: upper eyelid lift, lower eyelid lift, and double eyelid surgery.
With an upper eyelid lift, a medical professional will address loose skin and extra fat around the upper eyelid area by carefully cutting out the excess and raising the eyelid. This treatment results in eyes that are more open and rounded. A lower eyelid lift can eliminate wrinkly, loose skin and the appearance of bags under the eyes.
Double eyelid surgery is popular in various parts of Asia. The treatment creates a permanent crease within the upper lids to make the eyes appear wider.
Why Eye Lift Surgery Is So Popular
The popularity of blepharoplasty treatments stems from their ability to alter and improve a person’s facial appearance drastically. Yet, they also have medical benefits, which you can learn more about below.
Vision Improvement
Sometimes, droopy eyelids can impair a person’s vision. Although vision loss is a common sign of aging, having extra skin around your eyes can worsen that condition. Upper eyelid lift surgery can resolve that issue by opening your eyes wider.
Reduction in Eye Puffiness
People often experience a reduction in skin elasticity as they get older, which can cause their skin to sag instead of being taut. As a result of the change in skin elasticity around the undereye region, some may develop puffiness. Removing the excess skin through under eyelid surgery will reduce the puffiness, leaving your face looking smoother and more youthful.
Less Visible Signs of Aging
As you age, you might not want to look more mature or older than you are. Saggy eyelids and puffiness can create dark circles and fine wrinkles around your eyes, which could indicate your age. Blepharoplasty is a popular procedure because it helps aging adults look and feel younger.
Short Recovery Time
Unlike other cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentation, the recovery time for an eyelid lift is relatively short. The procedure’s most common side effects include swelling and bruising, which are usually at their worst within the first 48 hours following the surgery. The inflammation and bruising typically disappear within ten to 14 days, yet people often resume their daily activities within a week.
Additional Read: Opening Your Eyes to the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Ideal Candidates for a Blepharoplasty Procedure
In past years, most recipients of eyelid lift surgery were people in their 40s. However, many people in their 30s embrace this aesthetic procedure to maintain their youthful appearance. Since people within that age range usually don’t have as much sagging skin or excessive under-eye puffiness, the blepharoplasties they get don’t involve much fat or skin removal.
Some people shouldn’t consider this treatment regardless of how their eyes look. For instance, people with overly dry eyes or Graves’ disease aren’t ideal candidates for eyelid lift surgery because the treatment could affect their corneas.
Most Common Risk Factors for Eyelid Surgery Complications
Eyelid surgery is generally safe if a skilled, qualified plastic surgeon performs the cosmetic procedure. The most common risk factors involve preexisting conditions, especially those that could affect your eyes, like glaucoma or a detached retina.
Side Effects of Upper or Lower Eyelid Lifts
Besides swelling and bruising, a blepharoplasty might cause some scarring due to removing extra skin. The incisions from the surgical procedure will be noticeable immediately, and it can take up to a year to completely heal. Fortunately, the scarring typically lies within the folds or creases around the eyelid, making them less visible over time.
Soreness is another likely side effect. As you heal, you might have facial pain or discomfort around your eyes. Over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve it.
More serious yet rarer side effects you could experience temporarily include:
- Difficulty closing your eyes
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
The best way to minimize side effects and complications from the surgery is to rest when your eyes tire. It also helps to wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun and wind.
Additional Read: Rapid Recovery Tips for Blepharoplasty Surgery that Everyone Should Know
Turn to Dr. Sidle at Northwestern Facial Plastic Surgery for a Consultation
Choosing to get eyelid lift surgery is a significant investment into your physical appearance and well-being that you shouldn’t take lightly. Still, the benefits of a blepharoplasty procedure are plentiful, especially if you want to reverse the hands of time and achieve a more youthful appearance and improved vision.
Explore your options for upper or lower eyelid lift surgery by contacting Dr. Douglas M. Sidle, a highly-rated facial plastic surgeon with Northwestern Facial Plastic Surgery in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Sidle specializes in face, nose, skin, and hair cosmetic treatments and actively approaches his patients’ recovery processes—call 312-695-8182 to schedule a consultation.
