When you want to look younger and more vital, the eyes have it, as the saying goes.
Are people asking you if you’re tired when you’re not? Do co-workers think you’re frowning when you’re smiling? Are you offered a senior discount even though you’re only 45? Perhaps it’s time to consider blepharoplasty, aka eyelid surgery, in 2022.
This surgical procedure has a long history of success. That being said, there are some things to consider as you create your plan with your surgeon.
Surgery Jitters are Totally Normal
Facial cosmetic surgery can often feel like a double-edged sword. There’s the excitement over the results you expect, of course. At the same time, however, you may have lingering doubts over everything from having anaesthesia, to side effects and unexpected outcomes. This is normal, but we don’t want you to let anxious thoughts deter you from your goal. How? Meditation, breathing techniques, and mindfulness may also be useful in calming your mind.
Furthermore, when you put in the time to find a doctor and team you trust, it will go a long way towards allaying your fears. Their experience can bolster your confidence and put your mind at ease. Plus, they can talk you through anything you don’t understand and give you facts to combat your fearful feelings.
You Will Need to Kick Nicotine
Eye surgery can change your face for the better and be motivation to change your life for the better too by giving up tobacco. Substances in tobacco smoke cause capillaries throughout the body to constrict. The decreased blood flow affects everything from your heart to the incisions around your eyes. This can increase the likelihood of complications during surgery and wound healing afterwards.
The general guidelines regarding the use of nicotine-releasing products (cigarettes, cigars, vapes, etc.) are:
- Stop smoking 10–14 days before surgery
- Do not resume smoking for 10–14 days after surgery
Team Costhetics recommends you give up smoking completely if you can.
Eyelid Surgery Requires Time Off
As with many facial surgeries, blepharoplasty requires some down time. You should look at your calendar and schedule your eyelid surgery for a time when you can. Most patients can return to work within 10 to 14 days of their surgery.
Which Eyelid Surgery is Right for You?
In a trio of complex but effective procedures, surgeons can remove excessive skin from the eyelid area, as well as shape fat around the eyes to create the most appealing contours:
- Upper eyelid surgery
- Lower eyelid surgery
- Double eyelid surgery
Your doctor will examine your eyes and discuss your objectives during your consultation. Together, you will decide which of the above procedures will serve you best in your facial rejuvenation efforts.
Eyelid Surgery Is Fast, but Healing Can Be Slow
Eyelid skin is very thin and delicate, making it an excellent target for facial ageing problems. In less than two hours, blepharoplasty patients can:
- Improve vision with the removal of sagging skin
- Reduce upper eyelid puffiness
- Reduce excess skin on lower eyelids
- Raise drooping lower eyelids
- Alleviate bags and under-eye circles
Eyelid surgery benefits reveal themselves slowly over time. It often takes months for swelling to subside fully and for surgical scars to heal. The final results will begin to show themselves at about the six-month mark, with full healing complete after a year.
Eyelid Surgery Has Rewards and Risks
Eyelid surgery techniques have improved magnificently through the years in a multitude of ways. Anaesthesia is safer. More tools are available to perform incisions. We know more than ever before about how the human body works. As with any surgery, however, there is always a risk of temporary minor side effects including:
- Scarring
- Small bumps along the incision
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Temporary vision disruption (blurred vision, double vision)
The problems above are due to the healing process itself and generally resolve in a matter of days. More serious and possibly permanent complications include:
- Dry eyes
- Asymmetry of eye shape
- Difficulty closing eyes
A skilled surgeon and support team are your best insurance against problems.
#1 Fact about Eyelid Surgery
In an age of minimally and non-invasive procedures, facial cosmetic surgery continues to provide positive, long-lasting results for ageing skin. It is considered safe and effective, but it is a surgical procedure. For this reason, the most important fact you should know about blepharoplasty is this: your surgeon’s skill is paramount.
Costhetics can help you find eyelid surgeons near you. You can schedule consults with more than one doctor to help you decide who is the best fit for your needs.