Drooping eyelids, puffy pouches, and dark circles beneath your eyes are all an inescapable aspect of the aging process. What does this mean? There’s truly no effective way to evade these problems. Nevertheless, eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can be of assistance, particularly when these matters start to become overly troublesome. Blepharoplasty tightens or eliminates sagging skin around the eyes, creating a more youthful and well-rested appearance.
Despite the fact that the operation is relatively straightforward, there are several crucial points to bear in mind. Here, valuable information about eyelid surgery and recovery from it, along with answers to common inquiries regarding cosmetic eye surgery.
1. Take the time to find the appropriate doctor for your eyelid lift.
Just like with any sort of cosmetic surgery, your top priority should be to locate a board-certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon with extensive experience in eyelid surgeries. A good starting point is to read reviews and research surgeons in your vicinity. Discovering the right surgeon demands going beyond their qualifications, which will require a bit of additional time.
“With all elective surgeries, I believe that the better informed a patient is, the more satisfied they will be,” remarks Dr. Adam Tattelbaum, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Rockville, Maryland. “Communicating with, interviewing, and learning from your potential surgeon is the best approach to achieving a high level of comfort – if it doesn't feel right or expectations seem unrealistic, it's time to move on [to another surgeon].”
Additionally, Dr. Tattelbaum elaborates that when choosing a plastic surgeon for your eyelid surgery, it's essential to select one who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. “This indicates that the surgeon has undergone extensive and specialized training to carry out these procedures,” says Dr. Tattelbaum. In this situation, it's one of the simplest ways to feel confident that your surgeon has considerable blepharoplasty experience.
2. Take time to investigate the procedure as well.
Once you've identified a surgeon with ample blepharoplasty expertise, it's vital to continue your research and fully comprehend the eyelid surgery you're planning to undergo. Dr. Guy Massry, an oculoplastic surgeon from Beverly Hills, California, suggests posing specific questions about your problem area and examining several recent before and after images to ensure the surgeon has demonstrated results that align with your expectations.
3. Be ready for the cost.
Repeat after us: plastic surgery, including eye plastic surgery, is not something to try and cut costs on. So, how much does eyelid surgery cost? According to RealSelf members, the average eyelid surgery costs $4,525. Some highly qualified doctors may offer the surgery for less, but heavily discounted surgical prices typically imply less satisfactory outcomes.
According to Dr. Tattelbaum, the cost of an eyelid surgery will hinge on whether a patient is having the upper lids, lower lids, or both treated. “Upper lid surgery can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia, which is less costly,” he states. “Expect prices to range from $4,000 to $8,000 for [a cosmetic eye surgery], depending on the region, the surgeon, and the extent of the eyelid surgery.”
4. An eyelid lift isn't intended to be completely revolutionary.
Eyelid surgery can make your eyes appear more open and tighten the loose skin around them, but blepharoplasty doesn't alter the structure of your eyes. The results are far more nuanced, leaving you looking revitalized and youthful rather than completely transformed.
“Cosmetic eyelid surgery is an attempt to mitigate or slow down the signs of aging – as we age, the upper lids become more droopy,” says Dr. Tattelbaum. “Upper eyelid surgery can remove excess skin and, in some instances, additional fat to give the eyelid a more refreshed look.” Additionally, some patients might benefit from eyebrow elevation as well.
When it comes to the lower lid, the most common signs of aging are protruding fatty compartments (also known as puffy under-eye bags), which form as the internal support of the eye relaxes. “Lower eyelid surgery typically removes some of this excessive fat and, in some cases, skin too,” explains Dr. Tattelbaum.
Related: Plastic Surgeons Are Observing Younger Patients Opting for Eyelid Surgery. Here Are 4 Issues Unrelated to Aging That a Blepharoplasty Can Address
5. It's normal to feel nervous.
RealSelf members tend to rate the outcomes of eyelid surgery with a Worth It score in the 90s. In other words, the chances are high that you'll be quite content with the final results. But that doesn't mean it's abnormal to be anxious beforehand. (One RealSelf member even mentioned in a review that she ended up canceling her appointment and then called back to rebook it.) Communicating with your surgeon in the days and weeks leading up to the surgery can help alleviate your concerns.
6. Recovering from eyelid surgery is a journey.
It's natural to focus solely on the results after surgery, but patience is a virtue. How long does it take for the eyes to heal? Think in terms of months, not weeks or days. Post-operative swelling can conceal the true results; it might even seem like your results are asymmetrical during the initial recovery phase.
“Eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body and usually heals well and rapidly – wounds are water-sealed within 48 hours, and sutures often come out in seven days or less,” says Dr. Tattelbaum. But how long does the swelling persist after eyelid surgery? “It's common to observe some puffiness above the incision in the upper eyelid and of the eyelash margin in the lower lid after eyelid surgery, and this can last for a few months. The outer corners of the eye may also have some firmness,” he says. The good news: while you may experience these after-effects, most people are unlikely to notice them. Simple measures like applying ice and massage can do a great deal to help reduce swelling after eyelid surgery. “We ask our patients to apply cold compresses for the first 24 hours after an eyelid lift, and then we commence a massage routine after the first post-operative visit,” says Dr. Tattelbaum.
7. Try these other eyelid surgery recovery tips.
After eyelid surgery, your doctor will advise you to avoid wearing makeup and to stop using contacts for at least a week. However, most doctors recommend waiting for two weeks to allow your eyelids sufficient time to fully recover. Waiting for two weeks will help ensure the incision area has healed and minimize the risk of infection from applying makeup. Generally, minimizing contact with your eyelids will also aid in reducing swelling. (One RealSelf member attested to this in a review, noting that their post-operative swelling decreased significantly after they stopped wearing contacts and eye makeup.)
Additionally, make sure you protect your eyes from wind, sun, and other elements, as these can also adversely impact your recovery process. Until you are fully healed, consider wearing a large hat and sunglasses to shield your eyes whenever you're outdoors. (As an added advantage, these accessories can also help conceal any post-operative bruising, which can persist for a few weeks.)
You might also encounter redness and dry eyes following a blepharoplasty. Some doctors will prescribe eye drops to assist. If you already suffer from dry eyes, be sure to discuss this with your surgeon before the procedure.
8. Give yourself a break, both emotionally and physically.
In brief, let the recovery process unfold naturally. Take some time off from work so you can have a few days to recuperate in privacy. This will also position you for success when it comes to meticulously following the recovery guidelines and ultimately guarantee that you obtain the most favorable results from your cosmetic eye surgery.
