If you have excess, drooping skin on top of your eyelids or can no longer cover up the sagging bags underneath your eyes, it may be time to consider blepharoplasty. Also commonly referred to as an eyelid lift, this procedure is not only effective for improving the appearance of the eyes, but it can also help men and women in Scottsdale, AZ look more youthful and well-rested.
As we age, the eyelids begin to droop. More than merely a cosmetic issue, this may impact your vision and limit your ability to perform some activities. In most cases, an incision can be made on the upper eyelid to remove excess fatty tissue as well as tighten loose skin. And getting rid of those bags of tissue and fat under your eyes to allow for a softer and flatter look? That’s doable too. The dramatic results of blepharoplasty can help patients look and feel younger. A doctor is a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, who has extensive experience performing eyelid lifts on men and women in the area. Below, a doctor shares eight facts about the benefits of blepharoplasty and how you too can have a more awakened and rejuvenated appearance.
1. It is extremely popular
Derived from the Greek words blepharon (meaning “eyelid”) and plasin (“to form”), more than 206,0000 blepharoplasties were performed in the U.S. in 2018, making it one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures.
2. Both the upper and lower eyelids can be treated
Besides addressing drooping upper eyelids, blepharoplasty is also effective for correcting bags and crepey skin below the eyes. When excess fat beneath the eyes is removed, a more natural, smooth look can be achieved. Under-eye puffiness can cast a shadow on the area and often is at least partially to blame for the appearance of dark circles. (Dark pigment in the skin may also cause this.) Once the shadows are eliminated, this dark look may also be improved to some degree. A doctor works closely with patients to determine whether their aesthetic goals can be achieved with either an upper or lower eyelid lift or in some cases, both.
3. You can remain awake during surgery
At , all blepharoplasty procedures are performed with IV Sedation Anesthesia. Patients are not unconscious, rather they are deeply sedated so that they remain extremely comfortable, and relaxed, and possibly feel a bit sleepy during their procedure. However, you will still be capable of responding to simple questions posed by a doctor. Following your surgery, you will “wake up” with little or no memory of the procedure. A bonus: With IV Sedation Anesthesia, patients tend to experience a speedier recovery.
4. Your scars may not be visible
Concerns about potential scarring are often cited as a reason why men and women avoid eyelid lift surgery. However, incisions made by a highly experienced surgeon such as a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon typically follow the natural creases of the eyelid. This works to camouflage scars, which over time may fade and can eventually become invisible.
5. The surgery may improve your vision
While most cosmetic surgeries are requested by patients so that they may look better, blepharoplasty may also help you to see better. Sagging skin that droops over or around the eyes can make it more difficult to view objects in your field of peripheral vision. Following an eyelid lift, this should be corrected and you will have a clear view of sight once again.
6. Surgical risks are relatively low
There are risks involved with any type of surgery. In general, however, the risks associated with blepharoplasty are considered minimal. Following the procedure, it is not uncommon for our patients to experience some temporary pain, bruising, and swelling around the eyes, which usually can be alleviated with cold compresses.
Other potential risks may include infection and bleeding, a change in sensation, an adverse reaction to the anesthesia that is used, and an accumulation of fluid or blood beneath the skin that may need to be removed. By selecting a highly qualified fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon who is also a board-certified head and neck surgeon, and closely adhering to the post-surgical instructions that are provided, patients may minimize the risk of experiencing complications.
7. An eyelid lift can be combined with other procedures
In the battle against the effects of aging, blepharoplasty can be a powerful tool on its own for fighting the appearance of drooping, and aging skin and restoring a more youthful look. However, when paired with other popular cosmetic procedures such as a brow lift, laser skin resurfacing, or a facelift, the results can be remarkable. Also, BOTOX injections in areas surrounding the eyes can remove dynamic wrinkles resulting from years of repetitive facial movements and further enhance your blepharoplasty results. During your consultation, a doctor can expertly advise you about additional procedures that can effectively complement your eyelid lift.
8. Your recovery period may be brief
Following blepharoplasty, which can take up to two hours to complete, most of our patients can return to work within about a week and are given the green light to resume all their regular activities about 10 days after surgery. Any minor residual bruising can usually be covered with makeup.
9. Insurance may cover your procedure
Most cosmetic surgeries are usually not covered by medical insurance. However, eyelid lift surgery can be an exception to the rule. When it is determined that excess skin covering the eyes is impairing a patient’s vision, blepharoplasty may be covered in part or in full. Be sure to contact your insurance provider before surgery.
10. The results can be long-lasting
Our patients notice improvements in the appearance of their eyes soon after their blepharoplasty is completed, and the residual swelling has subsided. However, it may take up to 12 months to experience the optimal results of the procedure. During that time, your eyelids will continue to slowly improve. Although the results of some cosmetic procedures can fade as the body reverts over time back to its original state, this usually does not occur following an eyelid lift. Most patients experience long-lasting results. It is possible to maintain your excellent outcome with touchup procedures, which can include BOTOX injections in the eyebrow area to accentuate the eyes’ alert and youthful appearance.
