When people think of eye surgery, they may think of LASIK. While LASIK is an important procedure that improves eyesight, the world of eye surgery is quite a bit larger than that.
In fact, eye surgery covers not only medical needs, but also includes cosmetic improvements. One of the best examples of this is a blepharoplasty.
A blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that targets your eyelids and the area above or below your eyelids. This is specifically areas that are heavy, droopy, or otherwise sagging.
Eyelids sag when the skin loses elasticity, becoming more susceptible to gravity. Excess skin begins to accumulate and deposits of fat can begin to grow.
This causes permanent puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. This generally occurs due to aging, which makes blepharoplasty an excellent solution if you want to look younger.
Blepharoplasty can also treat conditions like ptosis. This occurs when the eyelid loses muscle strength due to certain tissue disconnecting inside the eyelid.
Both ptosis and saggy eyelids can even affect your vision if the affected area hangs low enough to block eyesight. Keep reading to learn more about blepharoplasty!
What Happens During a Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, so you will be in and out when you come in for your procedure. Before it starts, you’ll have your eyelids numbed and you’ll receive a mild sedative.
If you are having both your upper and lower eyelids done at the same time, your surgeon will usually begin with the upper eyelids. To maximize cosmetic value, they will hide the incision by cutting into the eyelid along the fold.
This hides the scarring. After creating the incision, your surgeon will then remove some of the accumulated fat, extra skin, and may reattach some muscle tissue.
The lower lid follows much of the same pattern, except the incision is either made right below the lash line or inside the lower lid. For ptosis, muscles may need to be reattached and supported in the eyebrow. After completing the work, it only takes a few stitches to close the incisions!
Recovering after a Blepharoplasty
Recovering from blepharoplasty is not as terrible as you may think. You will likely experience symptoms like watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and swelling and bruising. You may also feel some moderate pain or discomfort.
You will need to avoid things like physical exertion, smoking, wearing contacts, and rubbing your eyes. You should also remember to use ice packs to reduce swelling.
Do your best to remember to sleep with your head raised up for several days. It sounds uncomfortable, but it can make a world of difference!
After the stitches have been removed, you may return to the office to have your stitches removed. You’ll still need to refrain from taking certain medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can increase bleeding.
Why should you consider blepharoplasty now? The results can be amazing, and the sooner you get it, the longer you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits!
Ready to look and feel younger? Schedule an appointment at Frantz EyeCare in Fort Myers, FL, and feel like yourself again!
