The eyes are one of the first areas where the signs of aging show up on the face. Fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and puffiness can impact the upper eyelids. The signs of aging can also impact the lower eyelids. Issues such as hollowness, dark circles, sagging skin, and wrinkles can occur. The signs of aging in these areas can make you look angry, tired, and much older than you are. Many people feel insecure about how they look. There are effective treatment options that treat these exact issues. You may wonder, am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty? Below you will find helpful blepharoplasty info and why eyelid surgery is right for you.
Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Drooping eyelids and persistent under-eye puffiness are among the most common concerns brought to eyelid and face specialists. These changes can cause aesthetic and functional issues. If you are unhappy with the changes around your eyes, blepharoplasty is an effective solution. Consider the following candidacy requirements to see if you are a good fit. This is not a substitute for a consultation with a surgeon. A qualified surgeon can assess your eye structure and skin quality in person.
Excess Upper Eyelid Skin
One of the most common reasons patients undergo eyelid surgery is excess upper eyelid skin. Excess skin that folds over the natural eyelid crease can cause functional and aesthetic issues. In some cases, the excess skin can hang so low that it impacts your vision. This can make daily life extremely difficult. It can also lead to headaches and deep horizontal wrinkles on the forehead. This is because you tilt your head back or raise your eyebrows to see better.
Excess upper eyelid skin can also impact your appearance. It can make it difficult to apply makeup. In fact, makeup can often make it look worse as it draws attention to the area. This can impact your confidence and self-esteem, as you may look much older than you are. Upper eyelid surgery can smooth out the upper eye area, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Excess skin is also removed to give you a more awake and refreshed look.
Persistent Under-Eye Bags
Under-eye bags are a common concern for so many people of all ages. Several factors can cause changes under the eyes. Natural aging, genetics, and poor lifestyle habits. Smoking, excessive drinking, dehydration, and chronic stress can hurt your appearance. In severe cases, under-eye bags can weigh down the area and cause excess tearing.
The signs of aging on the lower eyelids can make you look tired and much older than you are. As with the upper eyelids, it can be very difficult to conceal these issues with makeup. Topical skincare is also ineffective in addressing the root cause of this issue. This is because it is structural and not just an issue on the surface of the skin. Lower eyelid surgery is a highly effective treatment option. It addresses under-eye bags, hollowness, excess skin, and wrinkles. This can refresh your look and leave you looking years younger.
Good Overall Health
Patients must be in good overall health before eyelid surgery. The surgeon will review your medical history and assess your current health. If you have any medical conditions, they must be well-managed before you are cleared for surgery. You should also be a non-smoker. Smoking can impact the healing process and long-term results. If you do smoke, let your surgeon know right away. You will need to stop smoking before and after surgery. Being in good health is necessary to reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery.
Realistic Expectations
Eyelid surgery can offer amazing results that can transform your appearance. However, there are limitations. A qualified candidate understands both the capabilities and limitations of blepharoplasty. The procedure can restore a more refreshed and youthful-looking appearance. However, it does not stop the aging process entirely. Patients need to follow the surgeon’s aftercare instructions. It is also important to take good care of your skin and health to ensure your results last.
What to Expect From Blepharoplasty
Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate, you can move forward with the procedure. It is a fast and smooth procedure. It is often performed under local anesthesia with sedation. However, general anesthesia may be used. This depends on the complexity of the case and how many procedures you are getting at one time. Some patients get upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both.
The surgical time also depends on the complexity of the procedure and whether you combine more than one at a time. It can last between one and two hours. The recovery process is fairly fast and straightforward. Most patients are back to their routine within two weeks. It is important to attend your follow-up appointments. The surgeon can assess your recovery and make any changes to the plan, if necessary. Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions as closely as possible to ensure optimal results.
How to Maintain Your Results After Blepharoplasty
To protect your investment, it is important to care for your skin and health after surgery. The results from eyelid surgery are permanent. However, they do not stop the aging process entirely. It is important to maintain a skincare routine consistently. This includes a gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and sun protection. Use at least SPF 30 daily, even if you do not go outdoors.
Maintaining your weight is also necessary. Weight fluctuations can affect your eyelid surgery results. Be sure to consume a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly. If you struggle with weight management, consult with your primary care provider for support.
Leading Eyelid and Face Specialists
Eyelid surgery can transform your appearance and address functional issues at the same time. If you are interested in refreshing the look of your eyes, contact the team at InFocus Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!