How Does Eyelid Surgery Work?
Once your surgeon has numbed your eyelids and given you some IV medication to relax, he or she will cut away excess skin, muscle, and fat and then close up the incision. Your surgeon will then move on to the lower lid, remove excess fat and sagging skin and close that incision.
Depending upon how much tissue removal is required an eyelid surgery can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure so you won’t need to stay in a hospital for recovery. It is a relatively non-invasive surgery and has proven to show very successful results. But how do you know if you’re a candidate? Here are four signs that you would benefit from eyelid surgery.
1. Your Eyelids Impair Your Vision
We see a variety of different patients in our office. Some are very comfortable with the idea of cosmetic surgery, and others aren’t. But eyelid surgery is not just a tactic to make yourself look younger, it’s also about making it easier for patients to function in the real world. Often, drooping upper eyelids can hang down and obstruct the peripheral vision of our patients. Not only is this bothersome to them, but its highly dangerous. If your eyelids are making it difficult for you to see while you’re driving down the road you’re an optimal candidate for eyelid surgery. We encourage our patients who are reticent about the idea of cosmetic surgery not to confuse vanity with safety.
2. You Have Fatty Deposits In Your Eyelids
Fatty deposits that accumulate in both the upper and lower eyelids are called Xanthelasma. In some patients, these deposits indicate high cholesterol or hypothyroidism, but in many others, they’re simply not pretty to look at. Generally, these deposits are not dangerous and don’t hinder vision in any way, but may cause the eyelid to droop.
If you have one or more Xanthelasma, you should speak with your primary doctor about underlying health problems that might be causing them. If you’re healthy enough to undergo eyelid surgery, you’ll find that it is an excellent solution to this particular issue.
3. You Have Bags Under Your Eyes
As your skin becomes thinner and less elastic it can begin to droop around your lower eyelid. This is a common effect of aging, and while there are some products that tout the ability to erase eye bags, these solutions are only temporary. This particularly thin skin around your eyes needs to be treated gently to preserve its youthfulness. Always touch your face gently when washing or applying skincare products, and make sure you wear sunscreen daily, especially living in the Sunshine State. But even the most careful skincare routine cant counteract existing eyebags. The most effective way to remove the sagging skin under your eye is by eyelid surgery.
4. Drooping Lower Eyelids
The eye bags mentioned just above can get worse and worse over time until they cause a condition called Ectropion. In this case, the patient’s eyelid turns outward leaving the white of the eye below the iris exposed as well as the inner eyelid. This is most common in older patients and can present with irritating symptoms. Dryness, excessive tearing, redness, and sensitivity to light and wind make this condition irritating but not life-threatening. Eyelid surgery is the ideal intervention for patients who suffer from this irritating issue and can make a significant difference in their quality of life.
If you or someone you care about suffers from any of the above issues, eyelid surgery is likely an excellent option for you. It’s important to reiterate, however, that patients who opt for eyelid surgery should be in good health. The things that you put in and on your body as well the amount of activity you get on a regular basis have an effect on your appearance. Even after the appearance of your eyes has improved thanks to eyelid surgery a commitment to a healthy lifestyle will help you maintain your youthful look.
If you’re interested in learning more about our eyelid procedure feel free to visit our website. And when you’re ready to take the next step toward a more youthful appearance, call our office for a free, no-obligation consultation.
