Do you have a hard time keeping your eyes open because of drooping eyelids? Are you self-conscious about the way your eyelids make you look older than you are? If so, The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery in Orlando, FL, can help. We offer eyelid surgery to correct the appearance of drooping eyelids and give our patients a more youthful appearance. Here are the criteria that we use to determine candidacy for blepharoplasty.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of drooping upper eyelids and bags under the eyes. The best candidates for blepharoplasty are in good health, do not have any serious eye conditions, and have realistic expectations for the results of the surgery. If you are considering blepharoplasty, one of our board-certified plastic surgeon doctors will evaluate your condition to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
During your consultation, the doctor will examine your eyelids and ask about your medical history. They will also discuss your goals for the surgery and let you know what results you can expect from the procedure. It is important that you be honest with your doctor during your consultation so that they can determine if blepharoplasty is right for you.
Why Get Eyelid Surgery?
1. Improved Appearance of Your Eyes
The term “drooping eyes” is often used to describe a condition called ptosis This condition occurs when the skin around the eyes begins to sag and droop. In some cases, the problem can be caused by excess skin or fatty tissue. In other cases, it may be due to a weakening of the muscles that support the eyelids. Regardless of the cause, drooping eyelids can make you look tired and unhappy.
The good news is that drooping eyes can be corrected with blepharoplasty. This type of surgery can remove excess skin and fat, and it can also tighten weak muscles. As a result, blepharoplasty can help to restore symmetry and balance to your face.
2. Increased Confidence
It’s often said that the eyes are the window to the soul, and there is some truth to this. When we meet someone for the first time, our eyes are drawn to their face, and we form our first impressions based on what we see. If someone has drooping eyelids or bags under their eyes, they may appear tired or unwelcoming.
On the other hand, if someone has bright, clear eyes, they may seem more alert and confident. This is because our eyes are one of the most expressive parts of our bodies, and they can convey a wide range of emotions. For many people, blepharoplasty can be a transformative experience. By correcting problem areas around the eyes, blepharoplasty can help you project the confidence that you want to exude.
3. A More Youthful Look
As we age, the skin around our eyes becomes thinner and loses its elasticity, causing the eyelids to sag. However, if you have drooping eyelids, you can not only look older than you really are, but it can also lead to feelings of self-consciousness and inadequacy. Fortunately, blepharoplasty can help to correct this problem, giving the eyes a more youthful appearance.
4. Improved Vision
When you blink, your eyelids open and close to keep your eyes lubricated and protected. If you have excess skin or fat on your eyelids, it can interfere with this process. In some cases, excess skin or fat can even block your vision. This is because the excess tissue makes it difficult to open your eyes fully. This can result in blurred vision or difficulty seeing objects that are close up.
In addition, the reduced field of vision can make it harder to drive or participate in other activities. Blepharoplasty removes the excess tissue and corrects the problem. After the surgery, you will be able to see more clearly and have a wider field of vision. You may also find that your eyes feel more comfortable and that your blinking is more natural.
5. Reduced Headache
One potential cause of tension-type headaches is the tonic reflex contraction of the occipitofrontalis muscle. This muscle extends from the back of the skull to the eyebrow, and one of its main functions is to lift the eyebrow. In some individuals, this muscle can contract excessively in response to ptosis, causing a tension-type headache. Blepharoplasty can help to reduce the amount of tension in the occipitofrontalis muscle, and as a result, it can help to reduce headaches.
6. Reduced Dry Eyes or Watery Eyes
Dry eyes and watery eyes are both common symptoms of ptosis, or drooping eyelids. Dry eyes occur when the eyelids do not close properly, allowing tears to evaporate too quickly. This can lead to irritation and discomfort. Watery eyes, on the other hand, occur when the eyelids are unable to block all of the tear ducts, causing tears to overflow.
Both dry eyes and watery eyes can be painful and disruptive. However, surgery can help to alleviate these symptoms by restoring normal function to the eyelids. If you suffer from ptosis, talk to our doctor about blepharoplasty as a potential treatment option.
7. Reduced or Healed Stye
A stye is a small, red, painful bump that can form on the inside or outside of your eyelid. A stye is thought to happen when bacteria get into the oil glands in your eyelid. The bacteria multiply and cause an infection. The infection makes the gland swell and forms a bump on your eyelid.
A drooping eyelid can cause a stye because it makes it harder for the oil glands to drain properly. When the glands can’t drain, the oil builds up and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Surgery to correct drooping eyelids can reduce or heal a stye by allowing the oil glands to drain properly.
Eyelid Surgery FAQ
Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?
When it comes to blepharoplasty, patients can rest assured that this is a relatively low-risk and minimally invasive procedure. Local anesthesia is typically all that is necessary, and most patients report little to no pain during the surgery itself. While there is always a risk of complications with any surgery, eyelid lift surgery is generally safe and effective when performed by our doctors, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve the appearance of their eyes.
When Should You Have Surgery?
In general, we recommend surgery when droopy eyelids are impacting your quality of life or interfering with your vision. For some people, this may be as soon as they notice a change in their appearance. Others may not feel the need for surgery until their drooping eyelids start to cause headaches or affect their quality of life. Ultimately, the best time to have surgery is when it is convenient for you.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Eyelid Lift Surgery?
The length of time it takes to recover from an eyelid lift surgery will depend on the individual and the extent of the procedure. However, most people report feeling well enough to return to their normal activities within 5-10 days.
When Can You Expect to See Results After Surgery?
It’s important to avoid strenuous activity and exposure to sunlight during the recovery period in order to allow the incisions to heal properly. Once the initial recovery period is over, patients can expect to see a noticeable difference in the appearance of their eyes for 1-3 months.
How Long Does Surgery Take?
The length of the surgery will depend on the extent of the drooping and the individual surgeon’s technique. In general, however, the surgery takes about one to two hours. During this time, the surgeon will make incisions in the eyelids and remove any excess skin, fat, or muscle. The incisions will then be closed with stitches, which will dissolve over time.
How Long After Surgery Can You Drive?
Most people can resume driving 5-10 days after surgery, assuming that they feel comfortable behind the wheel and their vision is not significantly impaired. However, it is important to check with our surgeon before getting behind the wheel, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual case.
Transform Your Look With Eyelid Lift Surgery!
If you’d like to change the appearance of your eyelids, or if the eyelids droop to a point that interferes with your vision, an eyelid lift surgery may be right for you. Contact us today at The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery in Orlando, FL, to schedule a consultation and find out more about this procedure. We would love to help you achieve the look you have always wanted!