Blepharoplasty will not stop your eyes from aging. However, the results usually last a long time. Upper-eyelid surgery can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years to an entire lifetime, while lower-eyelid surgery rarely needs to be done more than once.
An eyelid lift can produce significant results by tightening the skin around the eyes, removing wrinkles or puffiness, and providing a younger appearance.
People who get eyelid surgery are usually in their mid-30s at least. This is because the aging process visibly affects the eyelids in most people by this time. However, if you are at least 18 years old and concerned about the appearance of your eyelids, this procedure may be right for you.
The surgery is worth it for people who want to look younger and better rested in and around the eyes. The results are subtle but dramatic, and recovery is minor with little pain reported.
Patients who have their upper eyelids treated often enjoy their results for seven or more years. If the results in your upper eyelids begin to fade, you can always schedule a repeat treatment. Lower eyelid treatments are particularly long-lasting and rarely need to be repeated.
Eyelid surgery is among the least painful cosmetic procedures. Aside from minimal discomfort on the day, you'll have a quick recovery and see the results swiftly. So the procedure isn't very painful, but you may have other questions.
Blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery does require some form of anaesthesia. There are three types of anaesthesia - local, sedative anaesthesia and general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia involves injecting numbing medicine at the area to be operated on and means that you are awake.
Your eyelids will probably look puffy after surgery. The incisions will probably look red, too. The swelling and bruising involved with blepharoplasty recovery tend to resemble a black eye. That is all normal.
Generally, an upper lid blepharoplasty is a non painful procedure that patients can usually have performed, and enjoy a minimal amount of post-operative pain medicine, because the procedure is very mild. It's almost like a skin excision, and the eyelid itself is not particularly painful.
Risks include:
Noticeable scarring. Injury to eye muscles. Skin discoloration. The need for a follow-up surgery.
Among the top five most common cosmetic surgeries performed each year in the United States, most doctors consider it to be safe. But there are risks. Patients often have temporary side effects including bruising and swelling. Less commonly, they may have complications such as impaired eyelid function or loss of vision.
Post surgical swelling of the eyelids always cause the eyes to appear more closed in the early post op phase. As the swelling subsides, they return to a more pleasing and youthful appearance.
People who are not ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are those who suffer from chronic dry-eye, hypertension, circulation disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes or heart disease. Individuals who have glaucoma are advised to speak with their doctor before considering the surgery to find out if it is safe for them.
Eyelid Lift Surgery Can Be Performed at Any Age
Most people who get eyelid surgery are in their 30s or older. But no real age requirement exists for blepharoplasty — it can be safely performed on younger patients. That said, cosmetic surgeons generally recommend waiting until at least age 18.
There is no upper age window for blepharoplasty. Patients in good health can get eyelid surgery even in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.
Those who are older may have blepharoplasty because they are not happy with how age has affected their eyelids. With good surgery and an expert surgeon, your friends and family members will not be able to tell you have had eyelid surgery.
Your eyelid may be swollen and bruised for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. The appearance of your eye may continue to get better for 1 to 3 months. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days.
Your eyes may look swollen and bruised after your surgery. The eyelid swelling is usually worse early in the morning and will get better during the day as you sit or walk around. You may also have swelling on your cheeks and jawline. This will start to get better 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery.
Full blepharoplasty recovery time typically takes about 3 months but you can expect to get back to your normal routine after 2-3 weeks of healing. Below, check out a general guide on what you should expect for your overall timeframe.
Local anesthesia is the right way to go for a blepharoplasty, as it's important for your facial plastic surgeon to evaluate the results while the face can move. However, even with local anesthesia, you will be in no condition to drive yourself.
How much does eyelid surgery cost? The average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery is $4,120, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Sleep in a correct position
After blepharoplasty, we recommend that you sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least 3-4 weeks. This helps reduce eyelid swelling and speeds up recovery.
Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports. Keep activities to a minimum for 3-5 days; avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks. Read or watch television after 2-3 days. Return to work in 10-14 days.