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If you've noticed loose skin hanging over your eyes or have puffy bags under them, you could benefit from eyelid lift surgery. This is a popular, safe cosmetic procedure that can make a subtle but striking difference in your appearance and make you look younger and fresher.
Below are important considerations before you commit to eyelid surgery.
Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery involves removing extra muscle, skin, and fat from your upper or lower eyelids.
This is one of the most requested cosmetic surgeries; the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported in 2013 that only liposuction and Portland breast augmentation were done more often.
Many people like to have eyelid surgery with a facelift to give their face a transformation, both removing loose skin around the eyes and eliminating wrinkles and fine lines.
Eyelid surgery does not change the structure of your eyes; when people see you after the procedure, they'll know it's you. After all, this isn't a reconstructive procedure.
An eyelid lift won't fix sagging eyebrows or eye symmetry, but you can consider a brow lift in addition as well. Also, it will not address crow's feet around the eyes. It does reduce sagging and puffy skin above and below the eyes to give you a more 'awake' and young appearance.
The thin, delicate skin around your eyes is one of the first places to show aging. As we get older, the skin isn't as elastic, and the facial muscles weaken. So, the eyelids may sag and droop, and bags can form in the lower eyelids.
Eyelid surgery can fix these problems and make you look more rejuvenated and rested.
Eyelid surgery won't stop the march of time and prevent aging. But the results usually last for many years. For some patients, it may even last a lifetime.
If you get more droopiness on the eyelids, it may be because of sagging brows, which your surgeon can address, too.
Bags under the lower lids usually disappear after eyelid surgery, but remember that your genes play a significant role in how you look as you age.
You can help keep your face looking young by using good sunscreen, keeping stress under control, and not smoking.
In the hands of your board-certified surgeon, eyelid surgery is usually safe and effective. But as with any surgery, there are some risks.
Some of the most common are changes in skin sensation, dry eyes, and trouble closing the eyes. Infection, scarring, and bruising also may happen.
If you want eyelid surgery, you need a board-certified plastic surgeon with the training and experience to do this procedure well.
Before thinking about an eyelid lift, you should talk to your plastic surgeon to see if you are a good candidate. This will ensure that you will have results that meet your goals and expectations.
An ideal candidate for eyelid surgery is in good health and has realistic expectations about the surgery's results.
People who consider eyelid surgery want to improve the baggy skin on the upper and lower eyelid, sagging eyelids, or puffy bags under the eyes.
Unlike Botox injections, there is a recovery period for eyelid surgery. You could experience mild pain, bruising, swelling and even minor vision changes temporarily. However, blurriness and discomfort tend to fade after a few weeks.
But puffiness and bruising can take up to a month to go away. Talk to your surgeon about how you can manage your pain and what to expect as you recover. Most patients go back to normal activities and work within two weeks, including physical exercise. But it can take as long as a year to see your final results.
Insurance plans usually don't cover cosmetic procedures, including this surgery. However, if your eyelid surgery is deemed medically necessary, your insurance may cover it. You'll need to go over your medical history with your surgeon to determine if your eyelid surgery is medically necessary.
The average cost of this procedure in 2013 was about $3,000. You also get a bill for anesthesia, use of the facility, medications, and tests.
Some plastic surgeons prefer to use a laser for eyelid surgery, while others opt for a scalpel. Assuming the surgeon's skill level is high, it doesn't matter which cutting instrument is used.
Many plastic surgeons prefer to use a fine scalpel and electrocautery to perform this procedure.
You may have some scarring with eyelid surgery, but upper eyelid surgery only needs tiny incisions in the eyelid creases, so the scars are barely visible.
Some patients may experience redness around the incisions after surgery, but this fades after a few weeks.
An eyelid lift is not the only procedure that you can consider to address these issues. For example, botox can enhance the appearance of your upper eyelids by making a temporary lift to your eyebrows. But you will need repeat injections every three months or so.
A fractional eye lift is an alternative surgery that involves using a laser to create a thin incision around your eyelids. As the incision heals, it tightens the eyelid skin. These treatments do not take out extra skin, but they can enhance your appearance.
Thinking about an eyelid lift surgery in Portland? Dr. Aric Aghayan is proud to serve Portland area patients at his practice, Après Plastic Surgery. He'll go over the options, goals, and more to determine if you're an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery.
References
8 Things To Know About Eyelid Surgery. (2020). Accessed at https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/eyelid-surgery-blepharoplasty/8-things-to-know-about-eyelid-surgery
Three Things You Should Know Before Getting An Eyelid Lift. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/three-things-you-should-know-before-getting-an-eyelid-lift
Enjoy the pinnacle of cosmetic surgery expertise with board-certified Portland Plastic Surgeon Dr. Aric Aghayan at Après Plastic Surgery. With a legacy of over 1600 successful body contouring procedures, Dr. Aghayan stands as the foremost specialist in advanced body contouring technology and treatment options. Take the next big step on your beauty journey by scheduling a comprehensive plastic surgery consultation with Dr. Aghayan today.