Aging impacts the areas of your eyes in several ways. Common signs of aging include fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, under-eye bags, dark circles, drooping eyelids, and thinning skin. These can be exacerbated by poor lifestyle choices. The skin around the eyes is much thinner than the rest of the face. This means they are more susceptible to the signs of aging. Addressing aging around the eyes can be done with surgery. Below, you will find 6 things to know before you have eyelid surgery.
6 Things to Know Before You Have Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also referred to as blepharoplasty, is an effective surgical intervention. It can reduce the signs of aging and take years off of your face. If you notice the signs of aging around your upper and lower eyelids, quad blepharoplasty can transform your look. Consider the following information before you get eyelid surgery.
Optimize Your Results With Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
The signs of aging can impact the upper and lower areas around your eyes. This includes fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, under-eye bags, dark circles, drooping eyelids, and thinning skin. Addressing just the upper or lower areas can leave your eyes looking tired and aged still. Quad blepharoplasty effectively addresses the entirety of your eyes.
Upper eyelid surgery removes the excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper eye area. The levator muscle is also tightened. The levator muscle is responsible for lifting the eyelid. When this is tightened, it leaves your upper eye area smoother and more youthful. Lower eyelid surgery addresses under-eye puffiness and bags. This leaves you with a more awake look that can take years off of your face. Combining both procedures optimizes your results.
There Are Several Candidacy Requirements
It is important to have a skilled surgeon determine if you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery. Good candidates for upper eyelid surgery have excess skin and fat around the upper eyelid. Fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging may also be present. Those who are good candidates for lower eyelid surgery will often have under-eye bags, puffiness, and dark circles.
Candidates should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and not smoke. If you do smoke, it is important to let your surgeon know right away. You will need to quit smoking well before and after your surgery. This is necessary to ensure your results and reduce your risk of complications during and after surgery.
Plan For Your Recovery
Eyelid surgery is done on an outpatient basis. This means you get to go home the same day. However, you need to have someone drive you home. It is also important to have someone stay with you for the first few days to provide support. You should plan on taking two weeks off to focus on healing. It is critical to follow your surgeon’s instructions. The first week is the most difficult as you will need to rest your eyes and your body. You may experience bruising, swelling, tightness, and discomfort around the eyes.
By the second week, you should be more independent but still take it easy. Your symptoms gradually get better as time progresses. It is important to attend all of your follow-up appointments. Your surgeon will assess your recovery and make any necessary adjustments to your aftercare plan. Most patients get back to their daily routine within two weeks. However, you should avoid lifting anything heavy and strenuous exercise for roughly one month.
Long-Lasting Results
Eyelid surgery is an effective surgery that offers long-lasting results. Many patients have maintained their results for well over a decade. Your results depend on the experience and skill of the surgeon you choose. They also depend on your recovery process, so it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions. You should also take great care of your skin and health post-surgery. Eyelid surgery can do wonders for your look, but it cannot stop the aging process.
There are several effective methods to ensure your results last. Sun exposure is damaging to your skin. Wear at least SPF 30 on a daily basis and avoid the sun during peak hours. If you do go outdoors, wear protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for added protection. Follow a good skincare routine that suits your unique needs. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking, as it negatively impacts your skin. Maintain your weight by eating a healthy diet and regularly exercising. Weight fluctuations can wreak havoc on your results.
Minimal to No Scarring
One of the most notable benefits of eyelid surgery is the results. However, a secondary benefit is how well-hidden the scars are. Not only are they minimal, but they are strategically placed to ensure your eyes look natural and beautiful. Taking good care of your skin and using SPF daily can accelerate the healing process.
The incisions for upper eyelid surgery are placed in the natural crease of the eyelid. This makes them invisible when your eyes are open. Lower eyelid surgery involves incisions just below the lash line or inside the eyelids. When performed inside the eyelids, there is no visible scarring after surgery. For the other incisions, you will notice some redness right after surgery. However, the redness and scarring fade and are nearly invisible within six months to one year.
The Process Begins With A Consultation
Losing your confidence from the signs of aging on your face can be brutal. It is important for you to look and feel great. This is especially true if you have fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging around your eyes. The eyes are often the first thing others notice. In fact, improving the signs of aging around the eyes can take a decade off of your look. This can help boost your confidence and feel like yourself again. The investment in yourself will pay off in dividends. The first step in moving forward with eyelid surgery is to schedule a consultation.
If you are unhappy with the look of your eyes, schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Zoumalan today!
