Reasons Why You Need a Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty: What is it?

Blepharoplasty or plastic surgery of the eye is a common surgical operation, which is done to improve the appearance of your eyelids. It is a procedure used to modify the configuration and contour of both the upper and lower eyelids. It is, therefore, done for cosmetic purposes or to correct one's vision.

The main reasons why a blepharoplasty is performed include:

• the removal of bags under the eyes
• get rid of wrinkles
• eliminate puffiness of the eyelids
• removal of the sagging skin that impairs vision
• removal of the excess eyelid skin

An upper eyelid blepharoplasty is usually done to correct the sagging skin hanging over the upper lid. During the operation, most of the excess fat and skin are removed. An upper eyelid crease can also be added. On the other hand, a lower blepharoplasty is carried out to eliminate the bags and loose skin that form beneath the eye, resulting in a younger appearance.

Reasons for Blepharoplasty

1. Vision Impairment

From a purely aesthetic angle, droopy eyelids are not pleasing to the eye. However, genuine concerns about vision might also lead to an eyelid surgery. Droopy eyelids may block your field of vision. Having droopy eyelids may be as a result of damage to the nerve, loose skin, or muscle weakness. These conditions may arise due to disease, aging process, injury, or genetic reasons. A droopy eyelid will, therefore, need correcting to get your regular sight, as it blocks your vision. Blepharoplasty has been generally successful in dealing with this kind of problem.

2. Double Eyelid

In our world today, blepharoplasty is very common to the Asian population. No other population has the rate of blepharoplasty-related operations as high as the Asian population. They usually prefer the double eyelid surgery. Having an eyelid crease is a standard of beauty, which most people consider as ideal. However, the natural occurrence of the crease is only limited to a few groups of people in the Asian population. Therefore, blepharoplasty provides the answer to their desired youthful and more vibrant look. To some, it is a way of boosting their self-confidence.

Being satisfied with one's looks is the ultimate goal of most blepharoplasty patients. Regardless of their reasons, most people who have undergone an eyelid surgery feel different than before. Even if it is only eye correction you seek, getting it done will give you a sense of aesthetic satisfaction.

3. The Restoration of One’s Youth

One might opt for a blepharoplasty due to a sagging skin. People will always want to look young, and blepharoplasty provides the most efficient solution to saggy eyelids. The operation will solve a number of aging issues ranging from sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.

4. Puffy Eyes

This is a situation where the eyes swell. Puffy eyes are usually caused by allergies, stress, hormonal changes, and fluid retention, among others. Other causes of puffy eyes may include the normal aging process, malfunction of the tear glands, diet, allergies, conjunctivitis, eye infections, styes, blepharitis, and other skin disorders. Through blepharoplasty, the appearance of puffy eyes can be eliminated. The operation will be performed depending on which eyelids have been affected. Usually, fat deposits from the eyelids are removed, and the skin is tightened to achieve a less puffy look.

A quick operation

The procedure doesn’t take long. After two hours, you are done. The procedure is also done with minimal discomfort. Furthermore, due to the minimally invasive nature of the process, a quick recovery is guaranteed with minimal pain medications.

Is it safe?

The chances of a successful operation and quick recovery are high. If done by an expert, the level of risk is close to none. The surgeon typically discusses with you the potential risks involved before proceeding with the operation.

An inexpensive procedure

The process comes at a reasonably affordable price with almost guaranteed satisfaction.

Preparing for the Operation

It suggested that you do not take medications that contain aspirin for two weeks before the operation. Discuss with your doctor about your current and previous health status. Knowing your history will help your doctor decide whether you are fit for surgery or not. Your doctor will also be in a position to identify the type of allergy that you might have. 

What should you expect before surgery?

Before the operation, you will be examined to see whether you are a qualified candidate for the procedure. The issues that you may want the procedure to address will be discussed during a meeting with your doctor. Knowing such issues will assist your doctor in preparing for the procedure as well as the drugs that will be prescribed. It will also be an opportunity for your doctor to communicate with you the potential risks that are associated with the operation.

A day before your surgery, the hospital will call and inform you of your scheduled operation. You can ask any questions that you might have at this point. You will also be instructed on what to eat or drink before the surgery and be reminded about the medications that you should or should not take.

During Surgery

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper, lower, or both eyelids. When each eyelid is done separately, the process can take 30 minutes to an hour. If both eyelids are done together, it might take up to two hours.

When performing the surgery, a cut is made in your eyelid area. These cuts should be in line with your creases to hide the scarring of the eyelid. The surgeon will then proceed to remove or add fat. Some skin will also be stripped. The incisions will then be closed by stitches, which can either be self-absorbing or permanent.

Permanent stitches will be removed on the first follow-up appointment, while the self-absorbing ones will not be removed as it will dissolve after some time.

What will be the expectations after the surgery?

Post-operative instructions will be given. Depending on the type of operation, you might be required to go back for a follow-up checkup, where your stitches might be removed. If you notice any symptoms of complication, you must immediately report them to your doctor.

You will also be required to avoid doing strenuous exercises. Pain medications will also be prescribed to you by your doctor. Other medications with aspirin will be resumed at a later date. The reason is that most pain medications with aspirin content might cause the feeling of nausea. Antibiotic ointments will also be prescribed. It is highly recommended that you follow your doctor’s instructions to achieve a fast and better recovery.

Are there any possible complications related to blepharoplasty?

Short-term swelling and bruising are most likely expected after the procedure. Other complications such as scarring, eye dryness, and difficulty in closing the eyes can also be experienced. Serious complications such as bleeding, infections, and loss of vision are usually rare.

Ensure that you keep the incision area clean to avoid infection. You can also put ice packs to help reduce the swelling.