If you have been considering eyelid surgery then this guide will take you through what it entails and what you need to know before you commit.

What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is also known under its medical term as blepharoplasty. It is a procedure that removes fat and excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids and tightens the deeper tissue around the eyes. Many people opt for this surgery because they suffer from upper eyelids that droop or have hooding, or puffy bags located below the eyes. These features tend to make us appear tired and older. Eyelid surgery can help to refresh and rejuvenate your eyes, which are a defining feature of your face and are the first part of your face that show signs of aging.

Why is eyelid surgery needed?

Naturally, when you decide to have blepharoplasty surgery, it is a highly personal decision and should only be done if it is the right choice for you. It is a great option for those who suffer from:

                         – puffy upper and lower eyelids

                         – loose skin hanging from the upper eyelids

                         – excess skin and fine wrinkles on the lower lids

                         – lower eyelid droopiness

                        – dark circles and prominent bags under the eyes.

However, it is important to note that eyelid surgery will not eliminate dark circles completely, nor will it remove wrinkles permanently. If you are considering eyelid surgery for any of those reasons, then it may not be the best option for you.

Those who wish to have eyelid surgery need to meet specific requirements. These include:

                        – They must not smoke

                        – They need to be in good overall physical health

                        – They need to have realistic expectations about the surgery

Before you decide to have any type of elective surgery, you will have a one-on-one in-office consultation with the surgeon who will be performing your procedure. They will closely examine your face and obtain detailed measurements and will, therefore, customize a treatment plan that is tailored for you. Your plastic surgeon will also explain all risks and benefits associated with the surgery, which will allow you to decide whether your goals can be achieved.

The Procedure

The actual procedure for eyelid surgery will vary depending on the reason for your eyelid surgery. For example, to correct sagging or drooping of your upper eyelid, your surgeon will make an incision in the natural crease of the eyelid, which will allow for any scar to be concealed in your natural eyelid fold. After the incision is made, your surgeon will tighten the tissues and muscles and remove any excess fat and skin.  In contrast, to correct lower eyelid sagging or drooping, the incision is made inside the lower lid and on the skin below the lower eyelash line. The fat is removed or repositioned, the muscle tightened, and excess skin removed. There is much more variability with the lower lid blepharoplasty procedure and techniques vary depending on the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Before you decide to have eyelid surgery, it is best to find the best plastic surgeon in the area to arrange a consultation and ask any questions you may have. Your decision to have eyelid surgery is a highly personal one and needs to be well thought through.