Blepharoplasty, also commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that allows for an improved appearance of drooping and sagging eyelids. Moreover, it also provides the benefit of resolving any issues caused by excess skin or fat around your eyes. It is a relatively minor surgical procedure; hence, there is no need to be very concerned. The following guide aims to provide you with detailed information regarding eyelid procedures. If you are seeking to get eyelid procedures, you can opt for Jim Brantner, MD. We offer quality surgical procedures for drooping eyelids.

Why Does Someone Need Eyelid Surgery?

It is expected to start having drooping or saggy eyes as you age. Moreover, some people can even experience pockets of excess fat around their eyes, leading to an undesirable appearance. This excess skin may be caused by long-term smoking or excessive smoking. Sometimes, this excess skin and fat even start to hinder your vision, which is when it becomes essential to undergo an eyelid procedure to restore normal vision.

What Goes on During the Eyelid Surgery?

There are two main kinds of eyelid surgeries: upper eyelids and lower eyelids. Both involve your surgeon removing excess skin and fat tissue that makes your eyelids appear droopy. Detailed information regarding what goes on in upper and lower eyelid surgeries is as follows:

Upper Eyelid Procedure

Upper eyelid surgery is a surgical treatment that aims to better the appearance of the upper eyelids by decreasing sagging upper eyelids. It helps to tighten the skin between the eyebrows and the upper eyelashes, minimizing excess skin that can cause the upper eyelids to appear heavy and creased.

During the upper lid procedure, the surgeon will make a cut in the upper eyelid’s natural crease to minimize scarring. Next up, they will remove excess skin, which can be fat, muscle, or skin, causing the heavy eyelids before using small stitches to close the incision. These stitches are designed to dissolve or fall out a few weeks after the surgery. The entire upper eyelid surgery usually takes approximately an hour to complete.

Lower Eyelid Procedure

Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the lower eyelids to correct drooping skin and eye bags between the lower eyelashes and the tops of the cheeks. It can also help to correct darker, crepey skin and puffiness under the eyes. The surgeon will make an incision inside the lower lid or below the lower lash line during the surgery. Then, they will remove the sagging skin and fatty tissue that is making the lower eyelids droop and appear heavy.

After the procedure, you may have dissolvable stitches or suture strips to close the incision. If you have suture strips, your surgical team will remove them around a week later. It’s worth noting that lower eyelid surgery rarely takes less than two hours to complete.

Information Regarding Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

If you’re considering getting plastic surgery for droopy eyelids, you should prepare to experience tenderness, swelling, and bruising around your eyes after the surgery. You’ll be given pain relief medications and eye pads as part of your recovery. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to clean and care for your eyes during the weeks that follow.

Antibiotic cream may also be used to prevent infections. The benefits of a brow lift or eyelid surgery may not be noticeable for up to six months. It’s recommended to take about a week off work and to avoid driving for a few days after the surgery.

Tips For Quicker Recovery

There are certain things that you can do in order to have a faster recovery process. These include keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling, using a cold compress to ease any discomfort, and using wrap-around glasses to avoid irritation in the eyes. If you still have discomfort, you can take painkillers. Moreover, you should always follow your surgeon’s instructions and avoid doing activities that may cause you to sweat for at least a week.

At Jim Brantner MD, our surgeons provide all our patients with a detailed aftercare plan so that they are able to have the optimal healing process. Call us today to learn more about our personalized aftercare programs.

How to Know if You Are the Right Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid lift surgery may be a suitable option for you if you have drooping or sagging eyelid skin which may hinder your vision. Additionally, if you have puffiness, bags, or dark circles under your eyes, or if your eyes show signs of aging, eyelid lift surgery could be a viable solution for you. Please note that drooping can be hereditary and may occur in younger patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I need to know before eyelid surgery?

A: Prior to undergoing this operation, it is advisable to be aware that swelling and bruising can be anticipated for around two weeks following the procedure. After surgery, patients can usually go back to work around five days later. Makeup can be used to cover up any residual bruises or redness.

Q: What should I avoid before eyelid surgery?

A: It is advised that you quit smoking before the surgery. Moreover, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements should be avoided. This is because these things can cause excessive bleeding during the procedure.

Q: How painful is eyelid lift surgery?

A: One of the least painful cosmetic operations is thought to be eyelid surgery. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medicines can usually alleviate any discomfort experienced throughout the healing process.

Q: What is the difference between eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty?

A: In summary, blepharoplasty is a cosmetic operation, and the term “blepharoplasty” refers to any sort of eyelid surgery that is focused on maintaining good vision.

Get Expert Eyelid Surgery at Jim Brantner, MD

At Jim Brantner, we come equipped when it comes to eyelid surgery. We have experienced surgeons with the latest technology to make sure your surgery outcomes are optimal. If you would like to undergo eyelid surgery, we would be happy to help you! Moreover, we also offer other cosmetic procedures to enhance your appearance. These include mommy makeovers, tummy tucks, liposuction, and more. Contact us today, and let us help you unlock your confidence.