West Orange
(973) 324-9455
When you first meet someone, your eyes are one of the first things they might notice. If you have sagging skin around your eyes, you might feel self-conscious about your appearance. Luckily, eyelid surgery is one of the most common anti-aging procedures around. It is popular for both men and women hoping to rejuvenate their faces. If you’re considering eyelid surgery, keep reading to find out if you’re an ideal candidate.
How Does Eyelid Surgery Work?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the eyelid. As you age, your skin begins to sag or appear swollen. Other reasons for excess skin include allergies, sinus issues, or general loose skin around the face. Depending on the surgeon, patient, and insurance plan, blepharoplasty is done under local or general anesthetic.
During the procedure, the surgeon cuts along the fold of the upper eyelid and removes excess fat, skin, and even some muscle. On the lower lid, another cut is made below the lashes or inside the lower lid. Once again, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat. If needed, some fat is redistributed in necessary areas. The surgeon closes the cuts before moving on to another section.
Who Can Receive Eyelid Surgery?
Candidates for eyelid surgery are normally 35 years or older, have healthy skin, and have no eye-related issues. Individuals pursuing blepharoplasty have excess skin around their eyes or drooping upper lids. Blepharoplasty is generally an anti-aging procedure, but if the skin gets in the way of your vision, the procedure might be necessary. In this case, insurance might cover some costs.
What Can Disqualify You?
Generally, blepharoplasty is a simple and safe procedure, but that does not mean it is for everyone. Your surgeon will likely not approve you for eyelid surgery if you have hypertension, chronic dry eye, circulatory problems, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or heart disease. Your doctor might also reject you if you have glaucoma. Talk to your primary care physician before considering eyelid surgery to find out if it is right for you.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Recovery generally takes between 1-2 weeks. Directly after the procedure, you will spend some time in a recovery room before going home later that same day. Just as with any surgical procedure, proper rest is imperative for recovery. Often, your surgeon will recommend using an ice pack on your eyes every ten minutes during the hours following the procedure and even into the next day.
Your doctor might also prescribe you medications or eye drops to minimize the chance of infection. If you normally sleep on your side, you might want to try another sleeping position. Generally, doctors recommend blepharoplasty patients sleep with their heads raised above their chest and avoid anything that would rub against the eyes. Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least two weeks. If you go outside during the weeks following surgery, wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyelids from the sun and wind.
Symptoms you might encounter while in recovery include watery eyes, light sensitivity, puffy eyes, swelling, or bruising. If you experience bleeding, blood clots, itchiness around the eyes, or the inability to close your eyes, contact your surgeon.
Get the Results You Desire with Dr. Sanjay Lalla
Take control of your confidence in your body. If your eyelids sag, especially if it gets in the way of your vision, consider blepharoplasty to get rid of that pesky excess skin. Dr. Sanjay Lalla will help make your dreams of a more youthful face a reality. Contact Dr. Lalla today to schedule a consultation by calling (973) 324-9455.
