Blepharoplasty - Myths, Recovery Time, and Cost Revealed

Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift surgery is the procedure of rejuvenating the eyelids' look. Through this surgery, expert surgeons remove the excessive fatty deposits or skin in the lower and upper eyelids. It is suitable for people who have drooping or tired-looking eyes or have excessive skin or bags under their eyes.

The surgery is among the most widely practiced cosmetic procedures among patients with a 90%-95% success rate. No wonder, getting rid of those eye bags and making your face adorable is a coveted wish of all and sundry. Still, several misconceptions or myths often prevent people from considering this option. 

The need is hence to break free from those myths and choose the right path. This is possible only if you know the facts associated with this procedure. This guide will reveal the popular myths about eyelid lift surgery. Besides, it will also discuss valuable information about the healing time and the associated cost.

Common myths regarding blepharoplasty

As the popularity of Blepharoplasty increases, the myths also spread like wildfire. Therefore, people are rethinking the decision to get this surgery. To separate fact from fiction, here we will discuss some common misconceptions regarding eyelid lift surgery or Blepharoplasty.

Myth 1: Only older people can go for blepharoplasty

According to a common myth, Blepharoplasty is all about making your skin look younger. Therefore, it is only beneficial for older people. While age-related issues mostly cause bagginess under the eyes, many other reasons might also make your eyes look droopy and dull. This condition can happen to both young and older people. It would hence be wrong to consider blepharoplasty as a cosmetic treatment for the elderly only.  It is equally advantageous for younger patients with significant puffiness or hooded eyelids.

Myth 2: Blepharoplasty is nothing but a cosmetic enhancement

There is no denial to the fact that people consider Blepharoplasty to enhance their facial appeal. At times, it can also solve functional issues or perform for medical reasons. For example, people suffering from ptosis have droopy eyelids, which make it difficult for them to do daily tasks. 

The problem doubles when it affects both their eyes. In such situations, people opt for Blepharoplasty as a medical treatment. Owing to its medical benefits, considering eyelid surgery as a mere cosmetic treatment to enhance one’s appearance would be unfair.

Myth 3: Blepharoplasty can leave you with chronic dry eyes

Experiencing dry eyes is one of the rare risks associated with Blepharoplasty. But it can only happen when your plastic surgeon removes an extra layer of skin from your eyelids. Therefore, you need to research well to find the best surgeon. When searching, you must check if the surgeon holds adequate experience to perform the surgery with a successful record of accomplishment. 

Connect with the patients who got treatment from the same surgeon to know if their healing period was flawless or accompanied by post-surgery risks. This will ensure that you don’t have to face the hassle of dry eyes. As you can infer by now, the risk of chronic dry eyes can happen due to the selection of a less experienced surgeon instead of the surgery itself.

Myth 4: Blepharoplasty can change your facial expression

Many people take a step back after realizing that the eyelid surgery will change their facial expression. In reality, nothing happens like that. Your surgeon will take care of everything and ensure that after surgery, you do not face any difficulty moving your eyes or any part of your face. With advanced surgical techniques, the expert will preserve your natural facial structure.

Myth 5: Recovery from Blepharoplasty is time-taking and painful

Many people think that it takes a lot of time to recover from Blepharoplasty. Moreover, the surgery leaves you with intolerable pain for a long time. Be aware that this is only a myth. Since you will recover within 10 to 14 days of surgery, the healing time is bearable. There will be no pain after surgery either, bursting the myth regarding post-op pain. In some instances, the patient may experience discomfort, bruising, swelling, etc. It will subside with prescribed medicines and post-operative care.

Myth 6: The Results of Blepharoplasty look unnatural

As a common misconception regarding Blepharoplasty, the results of this surgery look unnatural. People can easily detect that the patients have undergone the surgery. This is again a myth. An experienced and well-qualified surgeon increases the chances of a natural-looking face. 

It will also leave you with the least visible scars. The surgeons prefer to use tailored surgical techniques and precise planning to maintain a perfect balance on your face. As a result, your face will only improve its appearance, without leaving you with an unfamiliar look.

Myth 7: Blepharoplasty will take care of crow’s feet

With time, wrinkles or crow’s feet start forming around the eyes. Due to thin skin close to the eyes, wrinkles can turn up in this area at an early age. Reduced skin elasticity and persistent use of muscles also contribute to this condition. As per a common myth, eyelid surgery can help people get away with crow’s feet. 

The truth is that the surgery can eliminate unwanted skin and fat from the area around the eyelid that otherwise can cause bags. The procedure cannot stop the eyelid muscles from contracting or prevent the occurrence of crow’s feet. This condition can still prevail despite the eyelid surgery.

Myth 8: Eyelid surgery can cure only the upper eyelids

People often believe that eyelid surgery can treat only the upper lids. In reality, it also addresses myriad cosmetic problems caused in the lower eyelids such as excess fat, sagging skin, and under-eye bags. You can opt for an upper or a lower eyelid lift or both of them. Often, doctors recommend their patients combine eyelid surgery with other procedures like a brow lift or a facelift for better results.

The approximate cost of Blepharoplasty

The overall expense of the eyelid lift surgery or Blepharoplasty depends on the complexity of the entire procedure performed, its type, and several other factors. The country where you opt to undergo the surgery also matters in deciding the cost. 

For example, the expenses of eyelid surgery with insurance in the USA, UK, Canada, and Europe may range between USD 2000 to USD 4000. In India, the treatment is likely to cost you under USD1000. In addition, you will get upscale medical facilities depending on the clinic or the healthcare center you select for the procedure.   

Often, clinics do not include the expense of the operating room facilities, anesthetic, prescriptions, medicines, etc. If you have any insurance, it may cover full or half of the cost of Blepharoplasty. Hence, it will be best if you talk to your insurance provider to know everything before you take any step further. Inquiring with the concerned clinic about the cost they ask for the surgery is equally essential.

Healing time after blepharoplasty surgery

Right after the surgery, the healthcare expert will take you to a recovery room, where you will wake up from the anesthetic. Here are some of the initial reactions of your body after undergoing the surgery: 

• Feeling sleepy and often nauseated
• Having trouble in vision for the first few days
• Swelling, bruising, and blurry vision  

The surgeon will ask the patient to follow several specific aftercare instructions. Here are the prominent ones:

• Daily incision cleaning
• Using an ice pack on the eyes
• Wearing sunglasses
• Avoiding rigorous exercises
• No contact lenses or makeup on the eyes
• Avoid driving when on medication
• Avoiding getting your face wet or swimming

After abiding by the surgeon’s instructions, the individual will start to heal in 10 to 14 days. For complete recovery, it may take a few months. During the recovery period, you may experience several changes one after another. For instance, swelling and bruising will subside at first. Next, the problem regarding vision will also vanish.

Most people get back to their normal life in 10 days if they follow the instructions properly. After recovery, you will however need to take care of your skin and follow the skincare regime to make your surgery results last longer.

Conclusion

Blepharoplasty is a versatile surgical procedure suitable for both young and old. It offers functional benefits and enhances your eyelids' appearance. However, now that you are aware of the myths regarding eyelid surgery and the reality associated with them, it will be easier for you to make the right decision. 

Consulting with your doctor will be a recommended move to help you get better clarity about the surgery and bust the myths. Inquiring about the associated surgery cost and the recovery time will also be advisable. After gaining relevant information from your surgeon, you can go for the surgery without any apprehensions in mind.