23 Sep Eyelid Surgery is a Game Changer with Little Downtime
Most people first show signs of aging around the eyes, with some in their late teens even noticing the beginning of fine lines and crow’s feet. An upper and/or lower eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surprisingly quick procedure that can help you look years younger and happier—and it’s one of the most common surgeries performed at RefinedMD by double board-certified Dr. Sudeep Roy. A lot of patients find that they can return to many of their daily activities, including meetings and Zoom calls, just one week after their surgery.
A facelift is typically the first facial plastic surgery people think about getting, but it doesn’t address the most common area of aging skin—the eyes. However, a facelift can be a great complement to upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty. Facelifts tackle sagging skin on the lower half of the face and neck, and are typically desired by those 50+ (although there is also the mini facelift that many in their 40s and even their 30s desire). But for a blepharoplasty? This relatively minor surgery can be helpful to adults of virtually any age since skin around the eyes can lose elasticity quickly causing asymmetry, droopiness, and make people look older and more fatigued than they are.
What to Expect with Blepharoplasty
Compared to many other cosmetic surgeries, blepharoplasty is a fast procedure that requires just about one week of initial recovery (complete recovery can take several weeks, but the initial swelling, redness, and bruising is mostly gone after 1 – 2 weeks). The procedure does require anesthesia, but usually takes less than one hour in total. The incisions are quite small and designed to be naturally hidden so that only a trained expert can spot them.
An upper eyelid lift fixes droopiness, also known as ptosis, by trimming away excess skin via an incision in the natural eye crease. This provides a natural “brightness” while restoring balance between the eyes. There are many reasons sagging occurs in this area, including a combination of lost collagen, genetics, and even trauma to the muscles that lift the eyelid (such as from eye rubbing). Eyelid skin is naturally thin, delicate, and always moving, so it’s only natural that this area shows signs of aging first.
A lower eyelid lift helps address the “bags” under the eyes, excessive wrinkling when smiling, and even undereye circles. Like the skin of the upper eyelid, lower eyelid skin simply gets thinner, less supple, and worn out over time. Most people also don’t apply sunscreen like they should around their eyes for fear of it stinging, leaving eyelid skin especially susceptible to sun damage. Lower eyelid lifts remove excess skin and “lift” the remaining skin via an incision either along the lashline or even hidden inside the eyelids. In some rare cases, dermal fillers may also be recommended in this area to further help with dark circles, and combining non-surgical treatments with facial plastic surgery can be a great way to optimize results.
Saying Yes to Blepharoplasty
Some patients like to wait until a problem is severe enough to “warrant” surgery because they worry about the recovery period. This isn’t a concern with blepharoplasty. The incisions required for this procedure are so small and the downtime so manageable that it can easily fit into your schedule. If you’re tired of waiting for eye creams to do the impossible, if you’ve been avoiding smiling in photos because of all the eye wrinkles, and you want to reclaim a youthful and revitalized appearance, blepharoplasty might be for you.
Many people combine an upper and lower blepharoplasty in one surgery for the best results. This will only slightly extend the recovery period and offers a complete rejuvenation. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Sudeep Roy now and you will be able to show off your amazing results well in time for the holiday season. It’s the perfect treat for yourself as we begin to emerge from the pandemic’s isolation and the ultimate self-esteem boost.
Ready to find out if an upper eyelid lift, lower eyelid lift, or both are right for you? Connect with RefinedMD today. Schedule your consult with Dr. Roy by completing the online form or calling the office today.