a guide to cosmetic enhancement
eyes
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then it's no surprise that eyelid surgery is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure.
What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce the appearance of "bags" under the eyes and remove the droopiness from under the eyes. The procedure is not designed to remove wrinkles around the eyes (although a facelift may be able to do so) or to reduce dark circles under the eyes.
Who should have eyelid surgery?
Most individuals who seek eyelid surgery are in their mid-thirties or later. Both men and women can make excellent candidates for the procedure as long as they are in good health and have realistic expectations regarding anticipated results.
Be sure to discuss any pre-existing conditions with the physician performing the surgery. There are a handful of medical conditions, including glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and several others which have the potential to add more risk to the procedure.
Is it safe?
Eyelid surgery is a safe procedure as long as it is performed by a certified, experienced plastic surgeon. As with all surgical procedures, there is some degree of risk. Infection and other minor complications may occur. Your physician will go over many of the potential but rare complications prior to the procedure.
What to expect after the surgery
Following the surgery, an ointment will be applied to your eyes. A bandage might also be used following the procedure. Pain should be minimal, though pain medication may be requested to help ease any discomfort you experience. There is likely to be some tightness around the eyes for several days following the procedure, but this discomfort should be greatly relieved once the stitches are removed. In most cases, stitches are removed about a week after the surgery.
Expect some bruising and swelling for at least a week and up to a month or more. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold or heat compresses as your physician instructs is highly recommended to help reduce swelling. Vision may be impacted immediately following the surgery, though any prolonged changes in vision should be immediately reported to your doctor.
A few final thoughts ...
Before deciding on eyelid, be sure to take plenty of time to consider the procedure and establish realistic expectations. Scars will be visible for six months or more, though with time they will fade considerably to become difficult to spot. The end result will be a more refreshed, younger appearance without unsightly bags and puffs around the eye.