7 things you may not know about eyelid surgery

By: Citron and Citron

People say your eyes are the “window to the soul” and can tell a lot about a person. If your eyes are looking tired, eyelid surgery—also called blepharoplasty—can rejuvenate your appearance and give you a more youthful look. Here are seven things you may not know about this popular procedure:

  • Eyelid surgery may be performed for cosmetic goals as well as functional reasons. Removing excess skin, muscle and fatty deposits from the eyelids restores a more youthful appearance to the face. Eyelid surgery can also help improve vision in patients who have sagging eyelids that obstruct vision.
  • Age, genetics and lifestyle can contribute to the appearance of eyelids. While you can’t change your genes or stop time, your lifestyle choices may be speeding up the drooping of your eyes. Smoking, drinking, poor diet and sleeping habits, and even constant sun exposure can all have a detrimental effect on the look of your eyes. 
  • Lower eyelid surgery is often done in addition to upper eyelid surgery. Lower eyelid surgery reduces puffy bags under the eyes. This surgery can also treat drooping lower lids that reveal white below the iris of the eye.
  • Scars are easily hidden. For upper eyelid surgery, small incisions are made in the natural crease of the eyelid. For lower eyelid surgery, incisions are made just below the lower lash line or on the inside of the lower lid, depending on what is being addressed. These incision lines are designed to conceal scars once you’ve healed.
  • Eyelid surgery is often done in conjunction with other procedures. A brow lift is a common procedure done in combination with eyelid surgery to give the face a balanced look. Since eyelid surgery can remove excess skin and diminish fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid, chemical peels and other skin rejuvenation treatments can enhance the new look.
  • Results aren’t immediate. Once swelling and bruising subside, you will notice a smoother eyelid and more rejuvenated look in about 10-14 days. While there is usually little pain from this surgery, you may need to use medication, cold compresses and ointment to help with any discomfort as you heal.
  • You will need to protect your eyes from the sun. Until you’ve fully recovered, you will need to protect your eyes by wearing dark-tinted sunglasses.

To learn more about eyelid surgery and what it can do for you if you have droopy or baggy eyes, call (973) 243-2300 today and book a consultation with Dr. Citron with New Jersey Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, P.A.