Blepharoplasty is a popular procedure designed to address cosmetic or functional issues related to the eyelids. Both upper and lower blepharoplasty enhance the appearance of your eyes by addressing droopiness, under-eye bags, excess skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Male blepharoplasty is catered to enhance the look of the eyes while preserving a masculine appearance. Below, you will find a helpful guide to male blepharoplasty.
Guide to Male Blepharoplasty
Male blepharoplasty is a procedure designed to refresh and rejuvenate the eyelids. Upper and lower blepharoplasty can address the signs of aging and the impacts of poor lifestyle habits. Patients may get one or both of the procedures depending on their unique needs.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty addresses eyelid drooping and sagging. Sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles around your upper eyelid can make you look tired and much older than you are. During upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon removes the excess skin and fat from the eyelids and repositions the remaining fat to create a more wakeful eye appearance. The surgeon will also tighten the muscle above the eye so the skin is taut and the patient appears younger.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty addresses bags beneath your eyes. Under-eye bags and dark circles can make you look constantly tired and worn out. Lower blepharoplasty involves the removal and repositioning of excess skin and fat from underneath your eyes to smooth out the under-eye area. The result is a reduction in the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles to create a more refreshed and youthful look for the patient.
Combination of Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Some patients opt for both upper and lower blepharoplasty. Combining these procedures is beneficial for those who have fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging both above and below their eyes. Your surgeon can assess if you are a good candidate for both procedures at your initial consultation. Patients who combine the upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures report an increase in self-confidence due to the results.
Candidates for Male Blepharoplasty
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyelids, blepharoplasty is a highly effective procedure. The first step in moving forward involves a consultation with a skilled eyelid surgeon. The consultation is a great place to ask questions and share your expectations. The surgeon will examine your facial structure and assess your medical history. Consider the following candidacy requirements if you are interested in male blepharoplasty.
Good Overall Health
Patients should be in good overall health. Good health prior to surgery will ensure a smooth recovery and reduce your risk of complications during the procedure. Certain medical conditions can endanger the success of the procedure and recovery process. You should share your medical history and current conditions with your surgeon during your pre-surgical consultation. You should also let them know what medications and supplements you currently take.
Nonsmoker
Candidates for any major surgery should not smoke. If you smoke, you will need to quit at least four weeks before the procedure. Smoking impacts your circulation and slows down the healing process. This can increase the risk of complications during surgery and unnecessarily extend the recovery process.
Be honest with your surgeon about how much and how often you smoke. They can only provide the best care if they know the most accurate details about your health status.
Realistic Expectations
Eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of your eyes and result in a patient’s younger and more refreshed appearance. Despite the positive reviews for the procedure, prospective patients need to have realistic expectations about the procedure. Realistic expectations will ensure your satisfaction post-surgery. Be sure to ask your eyelid surgeon any questions before the procedure so you know exactly what to expect. Patients who have realistic expectations report an increase in self-confidence after surgery.
Male Blepharoplasty Procedure
The blepharoplasty procedure is short and usually has a smooth recovery process. Upper and lower blepharoplasty takes roughly 45 minutes each. Depending on surgeon approval, patients can opt for upper, lower, or both upper and lower blepharoplasty. Below is a brief overview of what will occur on the day of your procedure.
Anesthesia and Sedation
Your surgeon will discuss a plan for your post-surgery pain management before surgery. They will usually cover this during your consultation so you are fully prepared. The two most common options for managing pain during your blepharoplasty include local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Anesthesia will relieve any pain that otherwise would have been present and allow you to feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
Incisions
Small incisions are necessary for both upper and lower blepharoplasty. Your surgeon will strategically place them to limit visible scarring. Upper blepharoplasty involves incisions made on the natural crease on your eyelid. This placement makes the incisions nearly invisible after they heal. Lower blepharoplasty involves an incision on the inside of the eyelid or just below your lash line. The location of this incision allows for effective fat removal and repositioning with minimal scarring.
Tissue Removal and Repositioning
Both upper and lower blepharoplasty involve the removal and repositioning of various tissues. That excess skin is removed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging. Excess fat that accumulates around the eyes is also removed. In some cases, the fat is repositioned to provide a natural and balanced look. If the muscle has become stretched over time, it is tightened or partially removed to reveal a more open and refreshed look.
Closing The Incisions
Once the tissue has been removed and repositioned, the incisions are closed. Small sutures are used to reduce the appearance of scarring. Special ointments and bandages are applied to protect the incisions. These will not only improve healing but also reduce the risk of infection.
Recovering From Male Blepharoplasty
Compared to those of other surgical procedures, male blepharoplasty has a fast and easy recovery process. As long as you focus on rest and recovery, the process is straightforward. Consider the recovery process before your procedure to ensure you are fully prepared.
Immediately After Surgery
Right after surgery, it is important to focus on rest and recovery. Having someone with you during the first few days will be incredibly helpful. You will likely experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort, but these effects are normal and should subside within a week or two. Managing your symptoms involves a combination of rest, taking your prescribed medications, and using cold compresses. Together, these actions can help reduce the pain and swelling as you recover.
Week 1 Post-Surgery
You should continue to rest for the first week after surgery. Rest and relaxation will expedite the recovery process. Keep your head elevated to help reduce swelling and relieve pressure from around your eyes. Your surgeon may schedule a follow-up appointment for you. Be sure to attend the appointment to ensure your recovery process is on track.
Week 2 Post-Surgery
The swelling and bruising should subside by the end of the second week after surgery. If not by the two-week mark, you should be symptom-free by four weeks post-surgery. While you can typically get back to your daily routine by the end of the second week, it is best to avoid any strenuous activity. Going too hard too fast after surgery can impact your results and increase your risk of complications. You should see a general impression of your results at this point. However, your final results can take up to six months to fully appear.
Caring For Your Eyes Post-Surgery
Ensuring your results last is essential. Consider the following tips for caring for your eyes after eyelid surgery.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Your surgeon will provide you with post-operative instructions. Diligently follow these instructions as your surgeon is aware of what is best for your skin. Your post-op care instructions will likely include taking your prescribed medication, attending your follow-up visits, and tending to your incision. Consult with your surgeon if you have any concerning symptoms after surgery.
Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding unhealthy lifestyle habits can preserve your results. Smoking should be entirely avoided due to the negative impact it has on your skin and overall health. It is also crucial to get good sleep and try to reduce your stress levels. Aim for at least seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Manage your stress through regular exercise, meditation, or yoga. Stress increases cortisol levels, which, in turn, leads to a faster decrease in collagen and elastin. These losses will negatively impact your skin and reduce the longevity of your results.
Weight Management
Fluctuations in your weight can impact your results. Excessive weight gain can stretch out your skin, and excessive weight loss can lead your skin to sag. Manage your weight after surgery through regular diet and exercise. Eat whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Stay hydrated as it can help keep your skin smooth and plump. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.
Sun Protection
Unchecked sun exposure damages your skin and will impact your eyelid surgery results. Sun protection is key to reducing these risks. Use at least SPF 30 daily, even if you do not go outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every few hours if you are spending your day outdoors or in the water. When you go outdoors, wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and protective clothing. If possible, stay out of the sun during peak hours. These practices can not only prolong your blepharoplasty results but also reduce your risk of medical complications like skin cancer.
Male Blepharoplasty in Beverly Hills
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyelids, contact Dr. ChristophZoumalan’sn’s team to schedule a consultation today!
