Eyelid surgery is also known as blepharoplasty can improve and rejuvenate the area around the eyes without having to undergo a full facelift procedure. Eyelid surgery can improve drooping upper eyelids and remove puffy bags below the lower eyelids.
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
If you have any of the following conditions around your eyes you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery. These conditions are excess skin on your eyelids, loose skin hanging down over or under your eyelids, puffy eyes or bags under the eyes, or tired-looking eyes. Before surgery, you should be in generally good health, a non-smoker, have no serious eye conditions, and have a positive outlook. One of our board-certified plastic surgeons will decide on the best procedure for your needs
What is Involved in Eyelid Surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will typically use anesthesia to ensure you are as comfortable as possible before beginning the procedure. Occasionally local anesthesia may be an option depending on the individual patient and their procedure. During surgery, the incision is hidden in the creases of the upper eyelid to remove excess skin, tighten the muscles and remove excess fat if applicable. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made below the lower lash line in order to remove excess skin and fat. An alternate procedure, known as a transconjunctival incision, is made on the inside of the lower eyelid and used to correct the lower eyelid and remove excess fat. No skin is removed using this procedure. The surgeon will typically use sutures or skin glue to close the incisions. Sutures will be removed in about a week.
What is Involved with Recovery from Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?
Recovery from cosmetic eyelid surgery typically takes one to two weeks. During the first 48 hours, cold compresses are applied to the eyes to reduce the bruising and swelling following the procedure. You should also sleep with your head higher than the chest. If sutures are used they are removed one week after the surgery. Additionally, you will be asked to go off of certain medications and vitamins that may thin the blood. Your surgeon will give you more detailed instructions and steps to follow during your recovery. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and call your surgeon if needed.
We’re always happy to answer questions like these to help educate and reassure our patients. For more information on this topic and any other plastic surgery procedures we perform or to schedule a consultation appointment today, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery at one of our Atlanta, Northside/Sandy Springs, and Cumming/Forsyth area locations. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, photos, and much more.