What to Expect from Eyelid Surgery
Wednesday, December 15, 2021They say the eyes are the windows to our soul. More directly, we think that our eyes are a reflection of our true selves. People “read” us through our eyes. Our eyes display how we are feeling. They represent our personality, too, without us realizing it. The skin around the eyes is a strong contributor to our appearance. When this tissue loses its firmness and elasticity, it’s sagging and drooping can alter how we are perceived. If you are frustrated about problems like hooded eyelids or bags, you may be a great candidate for eyelid surgery. Cosmetic blepharoplasty is one of the most popular procedures in plastic surgery today. Read on to understand why.
Surgery
Blepharoplasty procedures are performed in an outpatient surgical center or, in some cases, in the office. Upper blepharoplasty is a simple procedure that many patients have done with a local anesthetic only, and maybe with light sedation. Anesthesia is a topic of discussion during the consultation visit. The procedure can take one to three hours, depending on how extensive it is. Some patients combine their eyelid rejuvenation with other treatments, so the duration of surgery is highly personalized to the patient’s treatment plan. The incisions made during blepharoplasty are well-hidden in the natural crease or near the lash line. The surgeon utilizes small instruments to reposition fatty tissue and trim excess skin, resulting in youthful, natural contouring and invisible scarring.
Recovery
Eyelid rejuvenation surgery has a brief and usually uneventful recovery. Patients may take prescription pain medication for a few days to manage comfort. Swelling and bruising are to be expected, and can be managed by staying upright or elevated while sleeping. Cold compresses may be applied for short periods to soothe these side effects. We expect a full recovery, meaning no more swelling and bruising, within a month after surgery. That said, patients usually resume most normal activities in a week to 10 days with minimal cosmetic evidence of their procedure. Except for a refreshed appearance, that is!
Results
One of the benefits of eyelid surgery is that the results are immediate. Even with minor bruising and swelling, patients can see the improvement in the shape of their eyelids. Over time, the effects of aging do affect the skin. However, the results of blepharoplasty are long-lasting. Many patients never have the procedure repeated and continue to feel great about their appearance.
Start the New Year with a fresh new face. Contact Bershof Plastic Surgery at 303.399.7662 for an appointment at our Denver office.