Blepharoplasty – What Should You Know Before Undergoing the Surgery

Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery, addresses sagging skin around the eyes and can improve side vision by reducing peripheral vision issues, particularly in the upper and outer visual field. This surgery not only enhances the youthful appearance of eyes but also offers potential medical benefits, such as correcting ptosis that can obstruct vision.

By eliminating unwanted skin and fat, and repositioning muscles, this surgery yields an enhanced look to your eyes and hence your face. While the aesthetic advantages of the surgery are evident, it is important to be aware of its potential risks as well. Consulting a board-certified ophthalmologist can provide deeper insights into the risks and complications involved with the surgery.

A candid discussion with the surgeon will also help you know about the recovery time and the cost associated with the procedure.

Advantages of eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty offers multiple aesthetic and medical benefits depending on their age, health, and other factors:

1. Vision correction

People who are facing vision problems due to aging or because of an accident may find respite with this surgery. Sagging skin around the upper lid of the eyes often causes blurred side vision. The surgeon can lift the upper lids to improve peripheral vision, leaving you with a more alert and youthful appearance.  

2. Gets you rid of tired look

Blepharoplasty takes care of puffiness caused due to excess skin. It also reduces bulges and dark circles that contribute to tired or stressed appearances and enables you to flaunt a rejuvenated look.

3. Refreshed eyelids

The removal of unwanted skin in the thin eyelid area leads to the smoothening of drooping skin and wrinkles in your lower and upper eyelids, to give the area around your eyelids a fresh appearance.

4. Migraine relief

As per a 2014 study, eyelid surgery can also extend relief from migraines. The carefully made incisions help to refrain trigger nerves from causing migraines. This brings down the overall discomfort and decreases the frequency of migraines.

5. Boosts your confidence

A successful Blepharoplasty works effectively in boosting the confidence and self-esteem of patients, as the surgery addresses both health and aesthetic concerns.

Are you a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

You qualify for the eyelid surgery if you fulfill the following conditions.

• You have droopy lower eyelids, resulting in an excess amount of eye-white  
• Your upper eyelid skin is sagging and causing problems in your vision
• Your drooping upper and lower eyelids are affecting your appearance
• Your aging signs are becoming prominent due to sagging eyelids
• The bags under the lower eyelids are hanging too much
• You are at least 30 years old and free from any severe health complication
• You do not smoke or drink alcohol, but if you do then make sure to quit these habits
• You have realistic expectations with the surgery, as the surgery won’t change your facial structure completely

How to prepare for the surgery?

To prepare for Blepharoplasty, your plastic surgeon will recommend certain important points:

• Lab check-up of your health to ensure that your body remains in the best condition during the surgery
• Adjust your existing medications (if any) as per the suggestions of your surgeon
• Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, multivitamins, or blood thinners as they could lead to bleeding risk
• Wear loose-fitting clothes or shirts with buttons. Avoid putting on slip-on clothing.
• Put off your jewelry before entering the surgery room
• Arrange for someone to take you home after the surgery
• Have some to help you at home in your daily chores during the recovery time

Post-operative care

Just like preparation, you need to be careful in your post-operative care as well. The doctor would expect you to do the following.

• Apply iced gauze pads to the eyes and cheek to reduce discoloration and swelling for the first 2 days after the surgery
• To minimize swelling, use a recliner or an added pillow on the bed that keeps your head elevated
• In case of external eyelid incisions, clean them gently as per the instructions of your doctor
• You may start wearing contact lenses around 2-3 weeks after the eyelid surgery
• Do not indulge in any activity that demands extreme physical exertion like athletics, heavy lifting, or sex.  
• It is better to avoid exposure to the sun or tanning beds for around 6 weeks after the surgery to protect your face from swelling  
• The swelling on your eyes may persist for about 2 weeks so do not worry about it. In rare cases, it may extend to 6 months  
• Take medications as prescribed by your surgeon

Recovery Period

The eyelid surgery is painless but there may be the possibility of bruising and swelling around your eyes. Here are some points to take care of:  

The first 24-72 hours are crucial

The recovery period differs from person to person. In the initial 72 hours post eyelid procedure, you may feel exhausted. During this time, it is advisable to rest as much as possible

Do not let your eyes dry

As you get conscious after the surgery, you will observe a blurry vision. This is possible due to the application of an antibiotic ointment on the treated area to protect your eyes from drying. The doctor is likely to recommend the use of this ointment for around one week after surgery.

Removal of stitches

Surgeons mostly used two distinct kinds of stitches. Dissolvable sutures – the first type closes the skin using glue. The other type needs removal after 7-10 days after the surgery or maybe longer depending on the healing of the incision.

Proper resting is the key

After a week, you will feel relaxed and recover significantly from the surgery. Proper resting is still important for complete healing. So sleep to the hilt, and avoid alcohol, smoking, exercising, or exposing yourself to heat. All these activities may increase your blood pressure and delay your recovery period further.

Take leave from the office

For upper lid surgery, the recovery period is around 7-10 days, and for lower lid surgery, you can get back to work in 10-14 days. After discussing with your surgeon, you should apply for leave from your office accordingly.

Watch your diet

Consuming a nutritious diet is extremely crucial to shorten your recovery period. Your skin will need plenty of collagen for incision recovery, which necessitates the intake of vitamin C and amino acids in your diet. Likewise, water-dense food, rich in protein and vitamin C such as broccoli will keep your body hydrated.

Instructions from the surgeon

In addition to suggesting all the aforementioned points for a shortened recovery period, you could also expect your surgeon to provide certain effective instructions regarding:

• Taking proper care of your eyes
• Having timely medicines to reduce infection and facilitate quick healing
• Take special care of the treated area around your eyelids
• Make sure to keep following up with the surgeon as instructed

Cost of Blepharoplasty

There is no fixed cost for the eyelid surgery, as it differs according to the location, the choice of surgeon and clinic, the type of treatment performed, etc. The total cost of the surgery may however include:

• Fees of the surgeon
• Facilities provided in the clinic or hospital
• Fees of administering anesthesia
• Medical tests carried out in the hospital
• Medicines provided during the treatment apart from anesthesia

Do the insurance companies cover Blepharoplasty?

Enquiring about insurance coverage for eyelid surgery from the concerned company would be better. The insurance agencies mostly do not cover surgeries done for cosmetic reasons. You may however claim your money if you undergo Blepharoplasty due to the following reasons:

• To correct faulty vision due to an eye deformity or injury, or
• For reconstructive purposes.

Wrapping up!

Blepharoplasty is an important surgery done to remove fatty eye bags that give a droopy appearance to your upper and lower eyelids. Usually, it takes around 10-14 to overcome the effect of the surgery and get back to work. The initial 24-72 hours are however crucial. You need to avoid drying your eyes during this period by applying some ointment recommended by your surgeon.

While this surgery offers multiple advantages, proper aftercare is essential to avoid any severe complications that could delay the healing period. You could expect the outcome of the surgery to be encouraging but having realistic expectations is always advisable.

Cost is always an important factor to consider before opting for any surgery and the same holds for Blepharoplasty. Alongside, make sure to check with your medical insurance agent if you will get cover for the eyelid surgery.  

As obvious, the selection of the surgeon holds high importance in the success of your surgery. Hence, you must do proper research before approaching an experienced, board-certified, and reputed eyelid surgeon around you.

To find the most feasible surgeon, you can always browse through our website. Depending on your preference, you can choose an experienced doctor in your selected location. For further assistance, feel free to contact us. We will be glad to help in your cause.