Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Everything You Need to Know About This Surgery.
A blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure for the upper and/or lower eyelids. The procedure improves the appearance of “tired eyes” and rejuvenates the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery can be on the upper lids, lower lids or both. If you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery with Dr. Kelamis can improve loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision. Eyelid surgery can improve excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness, bags under the eyes, droopy lower eyelids, and excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid.
A blepharoplasty can provide a more youthful, rested, and alert appearance. A blepharoplasty can reestablish a sense of self-confidence and may restore impaired vision by reducing eyelid hooding.
What is Upper Blepharoplasty?
An upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and fat on the upper eyelids. This gives the appearance of a more awake and alert appearance without making you look surprised. The goal is to make you look more youthful and not have a heavy eyelid.
What is Lower Blepharoplasty?
A lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes extra fat and skin on the lower eyelids to lessen the appearance of “sad eyes” and fatigue. This gives the appearance of a nicer transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek without a bulging appearance. Dr. Kelamis includes lower blepharoplasty surgery in the full facelift procedure.
Blepharoplasty Procedure
Generally, upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery takes around 3 hours. Dr. Kelamis will thoroughly discuss your goals during your consultation to develop the best plan of care for your needs.
Through a traditional lower eyelid incision, Dr. Kelamis can remove excess skin. This leads to a natural and improved overall result and minimal external scarring.
Is Eyelid Surgery Permanent?
While eyelid surgery can be expected to correct certain conditions permanently, you will continue to age naturally. Faithful use of professional grade skin care such as ZO Skin Health along with life-long sun protection will help protect your investment and maintain your results. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery. As swelling and bruising subside, the results of eyelid surgery will reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region and an alert and rejuvenated appearance.
Will Eyelid Surgery Affect My Vision?
Blepharoplasty surgery should not affect your permanent vision. Patients that have obstructed vision due to excess skin find that their vision improved after their eyelid surgery.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
After surgery, lubricating ointment and cold compresses may be applied, and in some cases, your eyes may be temporarily loosely covered with gauze.
Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eyes. This may include discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses, and ointment. Irritation at the incision sites is also possible. Bruising generally lasts approximately 7-10 days, but depends on your own healing. Swelling generally subsides at 2 weeks, but can last for up to 1 year. The bulk of the swelling will resolve in the first few weeks, however.
Most individuals are able to go back to work approximately 1 week after surgery. Depending on the nature of your work, many patients find that they are able to work from home even a couple of days after their eyelid surgery. Eyes can sometimes be light sensitive and prolonged computer screen viewing can lead to eye fatigue.
Eyelift (Blepharoplasty) FAQs:
1. How much does a blepharoplasty cost?
Prices vary due to various factors including person-specific needs for upper, lower or both; one eye vs. both eye lift rejuvenation and will be discussed during your consultation. Dr. Kelamis will spend time with you to evaluate your specific needs and develop the best treatment plan for you.
2. If one of my upper eyelids is drooping, may I have only that side lifted?
Of course! At the time of your consultation, Dr. Kelamis will discuss with you your tailored options to meet your goals.
3. What can I do to prepare for my eyelift surgery?
The dedicated use of a proven, medical-grade skin care protocol is important to keeping your results for as long as possible after eyelift surgery. ZO Skin Health offers pre-procedure protocols such as the Daily Skincare Program and Anti-Aging Program to cleanse, exfoliate, tone and protect delicate eye and facial skin that Dr. Kelamis recommends starting at least 6 weeks before surgery. Operating on healthy and detoxed skin will ultimately lead to longer lasting results post-eyelid lift.
4. What can I do to maintain my refreshed look after my eyelift surgery?
Dr. Kelamis recommends maintaining healthy skin with the daily ZO Skin Health program that best meets your needs while adding these essential post-procedure products:
Immediately post-op, it’s safe to use ZO’s Balancing Cleaning Emulsion to support the skin’s recovery and ZO’s Soothing Ointment to inhibit scar formation.
Other important long term, post-surgery ZO Skin Health eye products are Intense Eye Creme, Eye Brightening Creme, and Growth Factor Eye Serum. Intense Eye Creme improves skin texture and elasticity and contains Retinol. Eye Brightening Creme is a lightweight Retinol formulation that brightens while reducing eye puffiness. Growth Factor Eye Serum is gel-like and Retinol-free for wrinkle smoothness and plumpness.
Equally important after eyelift surgery is sun protection. Select from one of ZO’s 6 sunscreen options to avoid sun-induced dark spots, fine lines and scaring. From powder to sunscreen with primer, mineral-based to skin-tone hues, ZO Skin Health offers sun protection for everyone!
Ready to get started?
Ready to learn more about blepharoplasty? To find out if you are a good candidate; call or text (479) 935-3227 to schedule a consultation with Northwest Arkansas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kelamis.
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