Rejuvenate the Eyes through Blepharoplasty

In the world of plastic surgery, patients are always on the lookout for the newest procedure that will yield their desired results with as little recovery time as possible. To those who are currently researching options for facial rejuvenation, I typically suggest eyelid surgery.

Blepharoplasty is a reliable method to achieve facial aesthetic goals with minimal recovery time. I am obviously not the only one who feels this way, as the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) reported that eyelid surgery was the second most popular procedure performed in the United States in 2013.

Following blepharoplasty, a patient has a more rested and youthful appearance. After all, one of the first areas to show advancing age is the skin around the eyes.

Whenever I meet with a prospective patient who is interested in facial rejuvenation, I explain that eyelid surgery can treat:

• Fatty deposits in the upper eyelids that lead to the puffy eyes.
• Sagging or loose skin that can make the eye appear older and even impair vision.
• Extra skin and fine wrinkles in the lower eyelid.
• Drooping lower eyelids.

A blepharoplasty procedure can make a person’s entire face appear years younger. That said, I it is essential for a patient who is considering eyelid surgery to understand not only the steps involved in the procedure, but also the recovery process.

One of the most significant benefits to eyelid surgery is the short recovery time. Since blepharoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, the “downtime” associated with the healing process is also minimal. In many cases, eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, which allows a patient to recover at home.

Although some patients may experience some swelling around the incision areas, this is perfectly normal and can be treated with medicated ointments that keep the incisions moist and ensure they heal properly. I also suggest wearing dark glasses to keep the sun and wind off of the eyes, as well as applying cold compresses to alleviate swelling.

In my experience, patients who have recently undergone eyelid surgery are able to resume light activity within a couple of days and full daily activities within 10 days — an impressive turnaround for a facial rejuvenation procedure!

It is the goal of plastic surgeons to help patients maintain their youthful and refreshed appearances, and eyelid surgery may just be the best way to reach it.