What is Eyelid Surgery?
In your late 30s or early 40s, aging around the eyelids becomes visible. Crow’s feet develop in the outer corners of the eyes. Bagginess is evident as structures loosen and the fat that cushions the eyes protrudes. Add some slackness to the skin and possible drop in the eyebrow region, and the result is a tired, puffy look. Following this simple eyelid procedure, both men and women report receiving compliments on their increased alertness and more youthful appearance.
Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Most patients who have wrinkling or sagging on the eyelids are good candidates for a blepharoplasty. You may also be a good candidate if your sagging eyelids begin to impair your vision due to skin that blocks your field of view. During a consultation, Dr. Maxwell can evaluate your eyelids to determine if this surgery would be a good solution for you. She will also review your health history and any medications you take to determine whether blepharoplasty is a safe option for you. In many cases, you will be asked to undergo an examination with an ophthalmologist who can approve you for eyelid surgery. Certain health conditions may impair your healing, such as bleeding disorders. This is also true of smoking, so Dr. Maxwell will suggest that if you do smoke you quit in advance of the surgery.
Upper Eyelid Procedure
Dr. Maxwell makes an incision in a normal crease of the eyelid and removes excess skin and fatty deposits. The incision is closed with a fine thread that is removed in about five days.
Typical recovery time is five to ten days. Some puffiness and swelling can persist longer, but most bruising is undetectable, even soon after surgery.
Lower Eyelid Procedure
The lower eyelid is a more complicated structure. An incision is made underneath the eyelid crease to remove fat, skin, and/or muscle and to tighten the outside corner of the eye.
This tightening restores the crispness and youthful almond shape to the eye.
Alternative Lower Eyelid Approach
Alternatively, a small incision may be made on the inside surface of the eyelid to remove fatty deposits. This approach is ideal when fatty deposits are the problem and when skin tightening with a laser will also be involved.
Consultation and Discussion
Dr. Maxwell will thoroughly discuss these procedures with you during your consultation.
Recovery and Results from Eyelid Surgery
After blepharoplasty, you can expect side effects like sensitivity to light, blurred vision due to ointment, numbness in the eyelids, some discomfort, and swelling or bruising. It can be helpful to wear dark sunglasses, especially on the ride home immediately after surgery. Dr. Maxwell will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable through the healing process. Most patients are ready to return to their normal routines within about a week of their blepharoplasty, but it can take up to 2-3 weeks for all bruising to subside. Swelling will gradually subside over the course of several months, but a majority will not be noticeable after the first week or two. Dr. Maxwell will monitor your healing process during post-operative appointments.