28 Apr Masks Led to an Increase in Eyelid Surgeries
For over two years now we’ve had to largely depend on “above the mask” facial details when meeting or talking with someone—and that means the eyes. At RefinedMD, double board-certified Dr. Sudeep Roy has seen an influx in requests for both upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid lifts) since the onset of the pandemic. It makes sense. We are hyper-aware of our eyes, and that continues to be the case even after mask mandates have been loosened. You probably heard some people remark that they are looking for “eye wrinkles” to gauge if someone is smiling behind their mask. However, not everyone is happy that crow’s feet are the sole sign of happiness.
One of the first places wrinkles appear is around the eyes. This delicate skin is very mobile and doesn’t get the same sunscreen protection as other parts of the face (as people want to avoid getting this product in their eyes). Sometimes even those in their late teens and 20s have eye wrinkles. If you’ve been bothered by your own “smize” above the mask, blepharoplasty is a quick and relatively easy surgery to turn back the clock. In fact, each lift (upper and lower) takes 20 – 30 minutes of surgery on average. These are two different surgeries, but often performed together.
Which Blepharoplasty Do You Need?
Most people will benefit from both an upper and lower eyelid lift since these areas respond differently to aging. An upper eyelid lift removes excess skin from the upper eyelids, providing a literal “lift” that instantly erases years from a person’s face. When skin begins to sag here, it is called ptosis and it can cause asymmetry, the visual appearance that someone is heavier than they are, and of course wrinkles. This skin sag might be caused by skin laxity as well as eyelid muscles getting “worn out” over the years. If you have skin that sags considerably, an upper eyelid lift is an excellent way to regain your upper lid.
A lower bleph largely addresses sagging, wrinkles, and bags in this area. This part of the face can be troublesome because we also lose good fat here as we get older. This can lead to both bags and dark spots, along with severe crepe-like appearances when smiling. In some cases, combining fillers with a lower eyelid lift can be helpful, which is why it is always a great idea to work with a clinic that provides both surgical and minimally or non-invasive procedures.
What to Combine with Blepharoplasty
Certainly, there are some patients who benefit from “just” a lower lift, upper lift, or both. However, a blepharoplasty procedure is also a common add-on to a facelift. Contrary to popular belief, a facelift doesn’t actually lift the entire face. A full facelift addresses the lower half of the face, midface, and neck. A mini lift strictly addresses the midface and jowls. Neither of these surgeries impact the eyes at all. Our body parts may age differently and at different paces, but if you are interested in a blepharoplasty, there’s a good chance you will also be a candidate for a lift or mini-lift.
The best way to determine your course of action is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sudeep Roy. Here, you can discuss your goals and a realistic outcome. Blepharoplasty procedures by themselves have both a short surgical and recovery period. Some bruising and swelling are common, but most people feel confident returning to work after just one week. The eye area heals quickly thanks to it being highly vascular, making a blepharoplasty feasible for even the busiest of schedules.
Even if you’re getting closer to shedding the mask on a daily basis, nobody can forget the months we spent gazing strictly at the eyes. Are your eyes saying what you want them to? Do they look older than you are—or than you feel? Discover what a bleph can do for you! Connect with RefinedMD to schedule your consult with Dr. Roy today by calling the office or completing the online form.