Eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty) can help treat puffy eyelids, excess eyelid skin, eye bags, droopiness and other eyelid issues that can make you look tired, older and even angry. These things tend to manifest in our 30s or 40s, though each person ages differently depending on a variety of factors. In some cases, even younger people can benefit from eyelid surgery.
During eyelid surgery, a plastic surgeon carefully removes the excess skin and fat that can come with facial aging. Blepharoplasty is something that must be done correctly in order to look great. Here’s what you need to know about eyelid surgery before you commit.
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Eyelid Surgery Is Supposed to Be Subtle
Don’t go into eyelid surgery expecting a major transformation. The structure of your face won’t change, and it’s not going to make you look totally different. Instead, you should look somewhat refreshed and perhaps more youthful after eyelid surgery. Your eyes should look brighter and more open, but not unnaturally so.
Performed well, eyelid surgery can restore a subtly refreshed look to your appearance.
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You Have to Choose the Right Surgeon
If there’s one thing about eyelid surgery you need to know, it’s that the quality of your results depends on the skill and expertise of the plastic surgeon you select to do the procedure.
- Board certification. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures you’ll be treated according to the strictest standards of quality and care.
- The right experience. It’s not enough to find a plastic surgeon who has been in practice for a while. You need to get someone who is highly experienced doing blepharoplasty in particular.
- A compatible personality. Getting along well with your plastic surgeon is a must. Work with someone who makes you feel comfortable and cared for. If the staff at a surgical practice rubs you the wrong way or a plastic surgeon doesn’t make you feel listened to, keep shopping around.
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Most People Are Nervous before Surgery
It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous in the days leading up to your surgery date. There are risks involved with any kind of surgical procedure, and you may worry about whether you’ll like the results. In reality, most people are happy with the way blepharoplasty turns out. In fact, the procedure has a RealSelf.com “Worth It” rating of more than 90 percent.
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Seeing Your Final Results Can Take a Long Time
While initial swelling is likely to subside after a few weeks or so, some residual swelling can persist for up to a year after eyelid surgery. Until your eyelid surgery results have finalized, your eyes may not look exactly as you’d hoped they would. They may appear slightly puffy, and you might even notice some asymmetry. This waiting period is far less frustrating if you’re aware of it ahead of time. Discuss your healing timeline with your plastic surgeon so you have an idea of what to expect.
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You’ll Need to Plan Ahead for Your Recovery
Most people take around 10 to 14 days off work after having blepharoplasty. It’s important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions as you recover. Rest, relax and be sure to take any medications you’ve been prescribed. Create a sanctuary for yourself that’s clean and comfortable, and be sure to keep lots of water and healthy food on hand. Rally your troops and make sure you’ll have people to help you out while you heal after eyelid surgery.
Providing patients with plastic surgery and non-surgical treatment options, Dr. Rand uses his medical expertise and aesthetic sensibilities to make a positive impact on the lives of his patients. Dr. Rand is constantly driven by the unique challenges of plastic surgery, a field that seamlessly blends artistry and medical science.
