Some people say that the eyes are the window to the soul. Whether or not this is the case, one thing is for sure, our eyes are probably our most notable facial feature. When you speak to someone, eye contact shows that you are hearing them and are interested in what they are saying. However, the skin around our eyes is some of the thinnest on our bodies and this makes it delicate and prone to damage. As we get older, it dries and thins further, causing sagging, wrinkling, bulges, and puffiness that can make us look older than we really are. When this happens below the eye it is known as forming bags. When it happens to the upper eyelid, the excess fat, skin, and muscle can interfere with our eyesight as well as contributing towards a general dissatisfaction with the way that our eyes look.
If you are affected by excess skin and fat around your eyes that is causing you to look older than you really are, you might be a good candidate for an eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty. Our experienced cosmetic surgery team would be delighted to help you transform the appearance of your eyes.
What is involved in an eyelid lift?
An eyelid lift is a surgery that targets removing excess fat, muscle and skin around the eyes that is compromising their function and/or appearance. Blepharoplasty can be performed under a local anesthetic with sedation, although some patients still prefer for a general anesthetic to be used. You can choose to have surgery on the upper or lower eyelids, or both, depending on how you are affected.
Surgery on the upper eyelids involves making an incision along the natural skin fold of the lid, pulling the eyelid tighter to enable any excess skin, fat and other tissues to be removed, and then the incision is closed using either suture strips or actual sutures. Although some scarring is possible, this is usually hidden in the natural crease of the eyes.
Surgery on the lower eyelids involves an incision being made just below the lower eyelashes, or in some cases, on the inside of the eyelid. Any excess bulges of fat can then be removed, usually along with a small amount of skin. In some instances, it may be necessary to add support to the muscles and tendons serving the eyelid to help preserve your appearance. This will also reduce the appearance of puffiness and bags under the eyes, giving you a more rejuvenated appearance. The incision can then be closed in the same way as an upper eyelid lift.
How long will I need to take off work for an eyelid lift?
In most instances, it is advisable to schedule around a week away from work after an eyelid lift. You will need to rest, and you won’t be able to drive for at least a few days. Bruising, redness and swelling are to be expected and you will be prescribed pain relief to help.
Your cosmetic surgeon will give you specific advice to follow during your recovery period. This will typically include the following:
Cleaning your eyelids as directed, using a prescribed ointment
Sleeping with your head propped up for a number of days
Using ice therapy to reduce the swelling you experience
Avoiding swimming and strenuous activity for us to a week
Information about when you can start to wear glasses and contact lenses again
The importance of wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the elements in the days and weeks after your surgery
If you would like to eliminate the puffiness and bulges from around your eyes and would like to learn more about blepharoplasty, we would be delighted to assist you. Please contact our plastic surgery offices in Boca Raton, FL to schedule your consultation appointment.
