Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Many people are uncomfortable with the appearance of their eyes, especially the sagging or loose skin that can come along with age. Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a form of plastic surgery that can tighten the loose skin above the eyes, address the appearance of tired eyes or reduce bags under the eyes. This procedure helps to dramatically improve the appearance of the eyelids and the eyes, minimizing the impact of age and helping to rejuvenate the entire face.
Blepharoplasty helps to produce a more refreshed, alert and rested look and minimize signs of aging such as bagging or sagging around the eyes. The plastic surgeons at Cold Spring Plastic Surgery can help to address issues of concern with the appearance of your eyelids.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is most commonly chosen by people 30 and older, although it is suitable for any adult. This type of eyelid surgery is also referred to as an eyelid lift and primarily works to counteract the effects of aging on the appearance of the eyelids. Aging can help to produce an appearance of saggy, drooping eyelids or bags beneath the eyes, leading to an impression of tiredness or exhaustion.
Good candidates for blepharoplasty are men and women who are in otherwise good health, but who want to improve the look and aesthetic appearance of their eyelids and the surrounding tissue. This procedure is also best suited for people who do not have serious medical conditions associated with their eyes.
If you have medical conditions like glaucoma, a detached retina, diabetes, thyroid disorders or cardiovascular disease, you can discuss these concerns with your Huntington plastic surgeon at Cold Spring Plastic Surgery. Your surgeon will work with you to develop a plan to enhance the aesthetics of your eyelids.
What Can You Expect at an Eyelid Surgery Consultation?
When you come to Cold Spring Plastic Surgery for a consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you in detail your goals for the appearance of your eyelids. They will present before-and-after photos to help you visualize the realistic aesthetic changes that you can expect to achieve with this procedure. Your surgeon will be present to answer all of your questions about the procedure, including discussing the surgery itself, risks to keep in mind and the recovery process.
At Cold Spring Plastic Surgery, our Long Island plastic surgeons are dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic vision. Your blepharoplasty will be customized to help meet your goals for your appearance. The surgeon will go over detailed expectations for the outcomes that you can expect to achieve when you choose eyelid surgery.
What is Eyelid Surgery Like?
The procedure is usually conducted under conscious sedation, also known as twilight sedation. In total, the procedure takes approximately two hours to complete. Depending on the areas of concern around your eyelids, you can opt for blepharoplasty on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both at the same time.
In upper eyelid surgery, your surgeon will make incisions in the upper lid’s natural crease. This helps to ensure that any scars will be well-hidden. The surgeon will work to remove excess skin and fat from the area before closing the incision.
The upper eyelid procedure takes around 45 minutes to one hour to complete. You may also consider combining this procedure with an eyebrow lift for maximum results and rejuvenation.
In lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon will make an incision just below the lower lash line before removing excess skin from the lower eyelid area through this incision. Alternative approaches depending on your goals for the outcome of the surgery can include a hidden incision or a transconjunctival incision to help remove excess fat from the area. This procedure can also be used to tighten the lower lid area in addition to removal of excess fat and loose skin.
What is Recovery from Eyelid Surgery Like?
Following your procedure, you can expect to see the final results of your blepharoplasty to become fully visible within several weeks. Eyelid surgery cannot permanently prevent your eyes from aging, but the procedure is long lasting and durable; you can expect a lifetime of results and the procedure is rarely repeated. Sun protection can help to ensure the longevity of your results over the years.
Immediately after the procedure, your eyes will be covered with gauze and ointment and cold compresses applied in order to ease irritation and pain. As this is an outpatient procedure, it can be important to plan for someone to accompany you home following the surgery. For the first one to two weeks after your blepharoplasty, you may feel swelling, irritation, dry eyes and bruising. As your surgery heals, you can help to protect the area by using high-SPF sunscreen and dark sunglasses to fully protect the area when outside until your recovery is complete.
Arrange a Blepharoplasty Consultation
The skilled plastic surgeons at Cold Springs Plastic Surgery will be happy to discuss your thoughts about eyelid surgery and how this procedure can work for you. Call us or use our online form to make an appointment at our convenient Huntington office in Suffolk County on Long Island. We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve all of your aesthetic goals.