Eyelid Surgery: What You Should Know
It is natural for the skin around your eyes to begin to change as you age. Around the age of 40, it's extremely common to see your eyelids start losing elasticity. This usually results in excess folds of skin that hang down over the edge of the upper eyelid.
Is Eyelid Surgery Right for You?
The natural aging process can become very uncomfortable if your eyelids begin feeling heavy, sit on your lashes or decrease peripheral vision. It is normal and acceptable to want to remedy this issue.
The muscles responsible for lifting the upper lids and firming the lower lids get weaker as you age. If you’re seeing bags under your lower lids as the result of this weakening, blepharoplasty can help you.
The weakened muscles can also create a perpetually tired, sleepy or sad look. This is because they create fine wrinkle lines and creases in the skin around your eyes. Since these changes detract from the natural beauty of your eyes, considering eyelid surgery can benefit the overall quality of your life.
If the idea of undergoing a full facelift is frightening, eyelid surgery could be perfect for you. The procedure corrects droopy upper lids and puffy bags under lids by removing excess fat, skin and muscle. The minimal cost, risk and recovery time make it an attractive option to restore a youthful appearance.
The Facts
In 2012, blepharoplasty was the third most common cosmetic procedure performed by surgeons. Between 2011 and 2012, the number of people having corrective eyelid procedures increased by 4 percent.
An person’s genes have a significant impact on how the skin around the eyes ages. Your chances of having saggy eyelids increases exponentially if one or both parents have a similar condition.
Other Conditions Eyelid Surgery Can Treat
Puffiness in upper lids caused by extra fat deposits
Sagging skin that disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid that can impair vision
Excess skin that creates folds and fine wrinkles
Bags under the eyes
Droopiness in the lower lids
Ideal Candidates
Non smokers
Adult men and women with healthy facial tissue and muscles
People without life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions
People with a positive and realistic disposition
Surgery and Recovery
If droopy eyelids are your primary concern, a physical exam must be done to determine what is causing the droopy lid. This is to ensure the problem can be corrected by blepharoplasty.
Because of the nature of eyelid surgery, it is a relatively low cost procedure with a short recovery time. Under normal conditions, you are able to return to the normal flow of your life within seven to ten days.
You may experience some post surgery discomfort like swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eyes. Fortunately, all of these can be managed with cold compresses, medication and ointments.
To ensure your proper care and positive experience, choose Dr. Franks. He is a board certified Des Moines plastic surgeon, and his many years of professional experience ensures you'll be in good hands. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Franks, contact 515.421.4299.