Combating Aging and Tired Eyes With an Eyelid Lift

As we age, weakening muscles and loosening skin cause our eyebrows to droop, bags to form, and eyelids to sag. This can make you look tired and fatigued, even if you’ve had a full night’s rest.

When considering your options to treat these pesky symptoms, eyelid surgery can be one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions out there. An eyelid lift is often referred to by its technical name, blepharoplasty. The goal of blepharoplasty is to lift and reshape your eyelid skin, leading to a more rejuvenated, youthful, and rested appearance.

Eyelid lifts are often deemed some of the most “worth-it” procedures due to their quick operation and recovery times, and the wow factor of beautiful, bright eyes. If you’re interested in this procedure, please contact Legacy Plastic Surgery in Exton, PA, to schedule your consultation.

What Is Eyelid Lift Surgery?

An eyelid lift is the surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat around the eyes are removed, resulting in a more bright and open eye area. Though Botox is considered a non-invasive alternative to this procedure, it can only do so much. A surgical eyelid lift can physically remove unwanted tissue, while its non-invasive alternative can not.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

Your surgeon will make a small incision along either the crease of the lid or the lash line, lift and remove excess skin and fat, and then close the incision. Generally, these procedures take less than 60 minutes and can be performed in an outpatient setting. Since scars are typically hidden within the natural anatomy lines of the eye, they typically go unnoticed once healed.

A blepharoplasty can also restore impaired vision. For patients with ptosis, a condition in which the muscle that holds up the eyelid significantly weakens over time, drooping skin can hang over the eyes and block vision. By surgically removing this skin and lifting the eyelid, a full range of vision can be restored. This may be covered by your insurance — be sure to contact your provider to discuss what is covered under your plan.

How Do I Know If a Blepharoplasty Is Right for Me?

Anyone who wishes to refresh their eye area and appear more well rested, alert, and youthful, could benefit from an eyelid lift. Signs of aging such as loose skin, heavy hooded eyelids, or asymmetry can all be reasons to seek out this treatment. An eyelid lift can also alleviate some of the fine lines and wrinkles that can make you look older than you feel.

A good candidate for an eyelid lift is someone in good overall health who has positive and realistic expectations. Discuss your goals with your surgeon, and establish whether this procedure will work well for you. It’s also important to disclose any conditions which may affect surgical outcomes such as:

• Glaucoma
• Detached retina
• Thyroid problems
• Abnormally dry eyes
• Outcomes from any prior eye surgeries

As always, make sure to report a complete medical history to ensure the best possible outcome.
If your goal is to reduce the appearance of a monolid and/or define the crease of the lid, make sure to include this in your consultation to learn more about double eyelid surgery, which is a specialized form of this treatment and is most frequently requested by those of Asian descent.

What Can I Expect From an Eyelid Lift?

Maintaining optimistic and realistic expectations is vital to the successful outcome of any cosmetic procedure. Our surgeons will work with you and your specific anatomy to restore the natural brightness and youthfulness of your eyes. If you suffer from vision impairment due to ptosis, you can expect a wider range of vision after the procedure. With proper care, the results of a blepharoplasty can last up to 10-15 years, depending on you and your skin.

How Should I Prepare for My Blepharoplasty?

Before scheduling your eyelid lift, you will meet with Dr. Kim or Dr. Wingate at Legacy Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics to talk about your treatment plan and options. Your surgeon may ask you about your medical history as well as your specific cosmetic and health-related concerns.

What Happens the Day of the Procedure?

The procedure is usually done in an outpatient setting. You may be given anesthetics through an IV or numbing agents to your eyes. Ensure that you have prepared someone to assist you to and from the clinic ahead of time, as you may not be able to drive yourself home. Make sure to follow the pre- and post-operative instructions given to you by your surgeon very carefully.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Eyelid Surgery?

Generally, recovering from an eyelid lift requires about five to seven days of downtime. Expect some bruising around your eyes, as well as some swelling and dryness. These side effects should decrease as you recover. If your surgeon gives the ok, you can use a cool compress to help keep the swelling down.

The skin around your eyes will likely be extra sensitive while it’s healing, so make sure to take care of it: don’t apply excessive force or rub your eyes, and limit sun exposure. As always, follow the post-operative protocol you are given and don’t hesitate to contact our team with questions or concerns.

Schedule Your Blepharoplasty Consultation in Exton, PA

If you’re considering eyelid surgery, get in touch; we’ve done thousands of these at Legacy Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. Contact our office at 610-756-1789 or request an appointment online to schedule your personal consultation today and learn more about this eye-opening procedure.