If there is one feature on your face that has the most significant impact on your appearance, it is your eyes. Not only are they the first thing someone generally notices about us, but our eyes also help us express ourselves and communicate without words. So, when our eyelids begin to droop and look heavy, or we develop dark bags under our eyes, we can feel self-conscious about our appearance. An Eyelid Lift, or “Blepharoplasty,” can restore a more youthful-looking eye area by tightening the skin on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both!
“Eyelid Lift surgery is a corrective procedure that addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns related to your upper and lower eyelids,” explains Dr. Robert Wilke, a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with Edina Plastic Surgery. “By removing excess fat and tightening the surrounding skin, a blepharoplasty can refresh your appearance and restore more awake and youthful-looking eyes.”
If you feel like your eyes are aging your appearance, here are seven things to consider before scheduling an Eyelid Lift.
#1 – Don’t be blind to credentials – they count!
“Never price shop for plastic surgery,” advises Dr. Wilke. “People too often get what they pay for when they go bargain hunting for blepharoplasty.
You should seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with eyelid surgery. As surgeons, our credentials and years of experience not only impact the quality and safety of your results but your entire surgical experience.”
#2 – Just because it’s only your eyes doesn’t mean it’s not major surgery.
Eyelid surgery is just that – SURGERY. Although you may recover from a blepharoplasty more quickly than other plastic surgeries, you will still need to take time off from work and prepare your home and yourself for recovery. Anticipate that it will take about 2-3 weeks for the majority of bruising and swelling to subside after Eyelid Lift surgery, especially if your surgeon recommends a lower AND upper lid blepharoplasty.
#3 – Don’t worry. You’ll still look like you.
“If I had a dollar for every time someone mentioned Kenny Rogers in an Eyelid Lift consultation,” laughs Dr. Wilke. “The overdone plastic surgery results you see on some celebrities are NOT what we’re aiming for with your blepharoplasty. Our goal is to turn back the clock to a younger-looking you, not alter your appearance to the extent that you look like someone else! In fact, many people won’t even know that you’ve had surgery, but they will comment on how refreshed, rested, and healthy you look.”
#4 – Hands off! You’ll want to avoid contact with your eyes for two weeks or more after surgery.
Although it’s normal for patients to return to work within 7 to 10 days after Eyelid Lift surgery, you’ll still need to avoid touching your eyes for two weeks or more. That means no contact lenses, no eyeliner, and no mascara. Using
these things can heighten your risk for infection. Resist the temptation to rub your eyes and focus on healing. The less you touch, the faster swelling will subside, and the sooner you’ll be able to return to your everyday makeup routine and ditching your glasses.
#5 – Feeling “googley” eyed? That’s normal for a little while after surgery.
“It’s normal for patients to complain that their eyes just feel a little out of sorts after an Eyelid Lift,” shares Dr. Wilke. “This is temporary and usually stems from the swelling, redness, dryness, and light sensitivity that occurs post-procedure. Following your post-care instructions is key. Using cold compresses, recommended eye drops, sunglasses, and any prescribed medications can make you feel more comfortable. You can’t force your eyes to heal more quickly, so you’ll need to give them time to rest.”
#6 – You may need an upper AND lower blepharoplasty to achieve the results you want.
Eyelid Lift surgery can address the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. If you have excess skin that creates a heavy hood over your eyes and puffy bags under your eyes, your surgeon may recommend both an upper and lower lid blepharoplasty to rejuvenate the eye area completely. Having one area addressed and leaving the other neglected can create an incomplete and unbalanced appearance to your eyes. Listen to the recommendations of your surgeon during your initial consultation.
#7 – Keep your eyes on the prize. Full results may take six months to a year to set in.
“Your plastic surgeon wields a scalpel, not a wand,” says Dr. Wilke with a smile. “Although even I wish that plastic surgery results took two weeks to fully realize, the truth is that we are servants to our body’s healing process. Some of us recover more quickly than others. With each passing week after your blepharoplasty surgery, more swelling and redness will subside. Keep in mind that one eye may carry more swelling than the other temporarily and give the illusion that your results are asymmetrical. Be patient and give your body time to heal. Eyelid Lift surgery can make a dramatic improvement in your appearance. Believe me – it’s worth the wait!”
Are you interested in achieving more youthful-looking eyes with Eyelid Lift surgery? Start your journey by scheduling a complimentary consultation with one of our plastic surgeons by calling (612) 688-3177 or CLICKING HERE.
