As we grow old, wrinkles and fine lines become apparent on the face. This can change a person’s look but signs of aging can be minimized through several cosmetic products and procedures. One of the most obvious signs of aging is the eye bags and the sagging skin around the eyes. This problem can be treated with eye creams however; it can be hassle at times especially that a person has to apply it every day. Aside from that, minimal to no effects is experienced. Thus, eye lid lift can be the best option.
Eye lid lift or also known as blepharoplasty is a kind of plastic surgery that removes the excess skin and fat deposited on the upper and lower eyelid of the person. This procedure can be done in the surgeon’s office as an outpatient surgery.
How Eyelid Lift is Done
The very first thing that a surgeon will do is to assess the severity of the patient’s eye condition. When the patient decides to have the surgery, the surgeon will place a local anaesthesia on the surrounding skin of the eyes.
Small incisions will be created so that the excess skin or tissues are removed. The incision will be small enough that scars are likely to happen. This is done on the upper eyelid’s crease, in the lower part of the lash line or in the inner surface of lower eyelid. This incision will be small enough to be seen that only a skilled surgeon can do it. Thus, it is very important to choose a skilful surgeon to do the procedure.
The surgeon will close the incision through a skin adhesive, surgical tape or sutures. Moreover, this procedure only lasts for one to two hours.
Eyelid Lift Recovery
Right after the surgery, the surgeon will place a small piece of gauze on the operated eye. This will serve as a barrier to the external environment in order to protect the eyes from anything. Eye lubricating ointment will also be applied so that eye dryness is minimized while the compresses will minimize the swelling and bruising caused by the procedure.
Swelling, bruising, eye dryness, pain and discomfort can be experienced by the patient after the surgery. However, all of these can be alleviated through proper interventions. The sutures stitched on the eyes will be removed by the surgeon when a patient has his/her return visit. This is done when healing takes place on the skin.
A patient should follow the instructions given by the surgeon for post surgery care so that complications will not arise on the operated part. Work and other activities will resume 7 to 10 days after the surgery.
Risks of the Surgery
Every patient should know the risks that eyelid lift will entail. Basically, if the surgery is not performed very well by the surgeon or the patient does not follow the instructions given with him/her, he/she can have swelling, bruising, scarring, uneven healing, and breakouts after a suture removal, blurry vision or difficulty in closing the eyes. Anaesthesia effects can also be experienced by the patient it is not applied appropriately on the operated part.
On the other hand, people having medical conditions such as diabetes, dry eyes, thyroid problems, blood vessel disorders or circulatory problems should not undergo eyelid lift procedure as it can make their condition worse.
The Best Candidates for the Procedure
People suffering from ptosis are the best candidates for this kind of procedure. In addition to that, healthy adults who want to have a youthful appearance are also allowed to have an eyelid lift surgery.
The Possible Costs
Based on Plastic Surgery research, the average costs for upper and lower surgery on the eyelid is $4,000. This is just an approximate amount as the cost varies on the surgeon, the hospital and even the facilities that are utilized by the plastic surgeon. Hence, it is important to consult several plastic surgeons as possible in order to know the cheapest and the most effective surgery for the eyelid.