27 Mar Eyelid Surgery: One of the First Cosmetic Surgeries Patients Consider
If you were asked to guess which cosmetic surgery a patient considers first, eyelid surgery might not top your list. However, at RefinedMD, Dr. Roy and his team know exactly which surgeries patients are first curious about, and eyelid surgery is at the top—and for good reason. The face is where we first show signs of aging since the skin in this area is so thin, active, and regularly exposed to damaging UV rays. However, the skin around the eyes is the most vulnerable of all.
Most people in their 20s start to see fine lines, wrinkles, and even crow’s feet around their eyes. This often progresses to serious lines, creases, and bags under the eyes. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, what are yours saying about you? Our eyes often age before the rest of us, making us look older or more tired than we feel. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a quick and easy solution with a surprisingly short downtime.
Upper Eyelid Surgery in San Jose
There are two types of eyelid surgery: lower eyelid and upper eyelid surgery (or lower and upper blepharoplasty). Many patients opt to undergo both at the same time. Upper eyelid surgery involves the removal of excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper eyelid area. The tiny incisions are easily hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid and the results are immediate. Although there is some minor swelling during the brief recovery period, most patients fully return to their daily activities less than two weeks after their surgery.
Lower eyelid surgery involves the removal of excess tissue from the lower eyelid area. These incisions are even easier to hide, often in the lower lashline or even inside the eyelid. However, there’s a little more consideration when it comes to lower eyelid surgery. Removing excess tissue in this area will certainly address wrinkles, but not the hollowness or dark circles that are so common as we get older. If this is an issue, a dermal filler can help. Dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid and can restore lost volume in areas like the lower eye area. Similar to upper blepharoplasty, lower eyelid surgery recovery periods are relatively short.
What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery?
Two weeks or less is already a quick recovery period for any type of surgery, but there are ways you can help improve and speed up your blepharoplasty recovery period. Cold compresses can help minimize swelling, and it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for eye drops or ointments as these help keep your eyes lubricated.
Remember that one of the main reasons you opted for blepharoplasty in the first place was to address sun damage. There’s no better reason than eyelid surgery to adopt a new, strict sun protection regimen. Be diligent about wearing sunscreen, and choose a sunscreen that’s dermatologist-approved, at least 30 SPF, and suitable for the face. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is also helpful. Your eyes might be a little more sensitive to light for a couple of weeks after blepharoplasty, which can help you take on a more stringent sun protection regimen going forward.
Treat Your Eyes Right with Blepharoplasty in San Jose
Your eyes will be understandably tired after blepharoplasty. Try to avoid looking at screens or reading books for about one week post-procedure. For entertainment, try listening to a new podcast or an audiobook instead. The more rest your eyes can get during that first week, the speedier your recovery will be. However, your eyes aren’t the only thing that need rest. Taking good care of yourself holistically means practicing good sleep hygiene. Take it easy for a week or two so that your body can focus on healing.
You’ll also want to skip the gym for at least two weeks, as avoiding any activity that increases your heart rate can be beneficial for your recovery time. Consider this a doctor-approved excuse to relax, rejuvenate, and give yourself a break from the cardio grind. Finally, if you’re a smoker, now’s your excuse to stop. Smoking can cause issues with any surgery, and you will likely be required to stop smoking (and keep off the cigs) for a set amount of time before and after the surgery.
Ready to see a world of difference in 2020? Schedule your consultation for blepharoplasty at RefinedMD by calling (408) 688-2082.