What is blepharoplasty?
Due to heredity or the natural aging process, you may develop excess fat, skin, and even muscle around your eyes. This can cause droopiness of the upper eyelids and puffiness in the lower eyelids. These developments may make you appear tired, sad, angry, or older than you feel. Fortunately, surgery can correct some of these changes, yielding a more rested and youthful appearance.
Blepharoplasty can be effective in treating:
- Under-eye bags
- Fatty deposits in the eyelids
- Drooping lower eyelids
- Excess wrinkles and skin in the lower eyelid
Sagging or loose skin creating folds along the upper eyelid can also interfere with your vision. Blepharoplasty can prevent permanent vision issues that result from loose, hanging eyelid skin.
Will the shape of my eyes change with eyelid surgery?
The permanent shape of the opening of your eyes doesn’t change, although you may initially experience swelling that temporarily changes the appearance of your eyes.
Following surgery, you can expect scars to heal very well, and they will be nearly invisible in just a few months.
How long is recovery from blepharoplasty?
Following surgery, you may experience temporary blurred vision and some bruising around the eyes. You can minimize this with careful application of cold packs, saline eye drops, and elevation of the head at night. If you have light-colored skin, bruising may be more noticeable.
It may be necessary to reduce the amount of time spent watching television or using the computer for a few days. Any discomfort should pass relatively quickly, however, and you should feel well enough to return to work within a week to 10 days. It can take two weeks before Dr. Swanson allows you to start exercising again.
What are the risks of blepharoplasty?
Dr. Swanson discusses your cosmetic goals and medical history to ensure you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery.
Risks of blepharoplasty may include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Eye dryness
- Light sensitivity
- Anesthesia risks
- Temporary changes in vision
Many of the side effects of the surgery may be temporary, and Dr. Swanson monitors your condition through follow-up visits to ensure that you’re healing properly and that the surgery isn’t affecting your eye functionality.
Book an appointment online or by calling the office to learn more about the benefits of eyelid surgery today.
