People often say that the eyes are the window to the soul. However, self-confidence can be hard to come by when heavy, drooping eyelids darken those windows. Unfortunately, feeling self-conscious is only one side effect of heavy, drooping eyelids. When your upper eyelids droop, your vision can become impaired. Today, our experts at Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA reveal the potential benefits of eyelid surgery.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Getting Eyelid Surgery?
You Can Treat Heavy Upper Eyelids
In some cases, heavy upper eyelids are seen as desirable. However, most of the time, heavy upper lids are really troublesome. For instance, when your upper eyelids are too heavy, the muscles around the eyes and eyebrows can become strained due to the effort required to keep the eyes open. In turn, this can result in headaches and other discomfort.
You Can Improve Your Vision
Another potential benefit of upper eyelid surgery is vision improvement. As a matter of fact, depending on the scope of your upper eyelid sagging, different parts of your vision may be affected. For instance, if your eyelid is drooping in the front of your eye and covering your pupil, your frontal vision may be impaired. This can seriously affect your ability to perform such tasks as reading and driving.
On the other hand, if your upper eyelid is drooping on the outer corners of your eye, your peripheral (side) vision may be impaired. It is very important to protect your side vision as much as you can because it is crucial for your reflexes and visual perception. Also, numerous studies have shown that side vision is often more accurate than frontal vision, so it is definitely important for your daily function.
You Can Look More Rested
One reason people with heavy upper eyelids look older than they are is because they look tired all the time. When your eyes look heavy and tired, your entire appearance is weighed down, making you appear less alert than you truly are and prematurely aging you. This effect is most noticeable in people who are younger and only showing the first signs of aging.
You Can Improve the Appearance of Your Skin
Loose or excess skin can also make people look older than they really are. Often, excess skin results in the formation of lines and wrinkles, especially in the eye area due to how fragile the skin is. Also, loose skin is such a major concern that it is a very common reason why people request this procedure.
You Can Apply Cosmetics Easier
When you no longer have loose or excess skin, putting on eye makeup becomes easier than ever. From eyeshadow to eyeliner and mascara, you will be surprised by how much easier applying makeup is once your eyelids are smooth. Also, you will find that other cosmetics, such as anti-aging serums and eye creams, are more effective because they can be applied more evenly.
FAQs About This Procedure Answered
What Is the Best Age To Get This Procedure?
Typically, there is no “best” age to receive upper or lower blepharoplasty. However, you should be at least 18 years of age to consider any cosmetic procedure. Understand, most people do not get blepharoplasty until they are at least 30 years of age because it is advisable to wait until your drooping is moderate or severe in nature rather than mild.
To determine whether this procedure is right for you, we will assess the severity of your drooping regardless of your age. Also, keep in mind that we will take your personal preference into account. It is possible to be considered a good candidate for blepharoplasty and only have mild skin sagging.
What Should I Expect From This Procedure?
During this procedure, tiny incisions will be made inside the natural creases of your upper eyelids. Through these incisions, we will remove excess skin, fat, and muscle tissues as necessary to achieve your desired appearance. In some cases, muscle tissue will be raised to help youthen the appearance of the eyes, and any loose skin will be tightened. Then, tiny sutures will be used to close the incisions.
Typically, this procedure takes around 60 minutes to complete both eyes. However, it can also take under an hour depending on the scope of the work. Since this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you are free to return home to recover as soon as we have finished reviewing your recovery guidelines. You should expect the use of a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure rather than a general anesthetic.
What Will My Aftercare Instructions Be?
Once your procedure is complete, your priority should be taking excellent care of your eyes and resting. We will advise you on when you can shower, how to clean and care for your sutures, how to use compresses, and more during your initial consultation. Then, we will review these instructions again after your procedure to ensure every rule is clear and will be followed.
It is very important to take a full course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed once your procedure is over. We operate in a sterile room with sterile equipment so there is no risk of you getting infected during your procedure. However, you need to take a preventative course of antibiotics to mitigate the risk of getting sick while you are recovering from your blepharoplasty. Also, you must avoid strenuous activity for several weeks post-op.
How Long Do the Results of This Procedure Last?
The longevity of your results depends on the scope of your procedure. If you receive lower blepharoplasty, the results of your procedure will last forever. You may experience puffiness after crying or staying up all night, but the excess fat removed during the procedure is gone forever. On the other hand, the results of upper blepharoplasty may only last 10 to 15 years because nothing can stop the effects of gravity pushing down on your facial skin.
How to Extend the Longevity of Your Results
To help your procedure last for as long as possible, you need to make caring for your skin health a priority. For example, it is highly advisable to protect your delicate eyelid skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses when you go outside. You should also apply sunscreen regularly. Also, you can extend the longevity of your results by moisturizing your skin once or twice daily and investing in collagen-rich skincare products.
Another effective way you can extend the longevity of your results is to make sure your diet is on point. Specifically, you need to make sure you stay hydrated every day by drinking plenty of water and tea and eating foods that are rich in water. For example, fruits, broth-based soups, and most vegetables will help to keep you hydrated. You also need to eat at least 46 grams of protein daily depending on your sex and activity level.
Can Blepharoplasty Change the Shape of My Eyes?
Yes, blepharoplasty can be used to change the shape of your eyes. If you are concerned about the shape of your eyes, let us know during your initial consultation. We are more than happy to change the shape of your eyes in addition to correcting excessively heavy upper eyelids and any other cosmetic or medical concerns you may have.
How Common Is This Procedure?
This procedure is performed very commonly. In fact, it is among the most commonly performed plastic or reconstructive procedures over the past few years. Rest assured, we have plenty of experience and are qualified to address all of your concerns.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Procedure?
To determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure, you need to come in for an initial consultation. During this initial consultation, we will thoroughly review your health history and discuss your health to ensure you are currently healthy enough to undergo this procedure. Then, we will discuss your cosmetic concerns in great detail to determine whether you need upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both procedures.
Learn More About Eyelid Surgery Today
There are many potential benefits of eyelid surgery, including the treatment of heavy upper eyelids and vision improvement. To find out whether this procedure is right for you, contact us today at Finesse Cosmetic Laser and Lipo in Waltham, MA to book an appointment.
