As we age, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic. We may develop age spots, wrinkles, and other blemishes that can make us look older than we are. No exception to this is the eyelids, which can become droopy and saggy. Luckily, there are ways to fight this, such as eyelid surgery.
As the name suggests, eyelid surgery involves removing excess skin and fat from the eyelids to improve their appearance. It can be done on both the upper and lower eyelids. However, the surgery can be done for cosmetic reasons or to improve vision because it corrects ptosis, a condition when the eyelid droops down and blocks part of the eye. While highly effective, many people don't know how eyelid surgery works, so we'll discuss the details in this article.
Determining If Eyelid Surgery Is Necessary
The best way to determine if you need eyelid surgery is to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon. They will perform a physical examination of your eyelids and eyes. They will also ask you about your medical history and any medications you are taking.
After a thorough evaluation, the plastic surgeon will discuss your options and recommend the best course of treatment. They will also answer any questions you may have.
Preparations
Before any surgery, you must prepare yourself. This includes fasting for eight hours before the surgery. You will also have to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for two weeks before the surgery.
You will have to arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery. Having someone stay with you for at least 24 hours after the surgery is also essential.
The Procedure
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the crease of your upper eyelid or just below your lower eyelid. This will allow them to remove the excess skin and fat.
After removing the skin and fat, the surgeon will close the incisions with dissolvable stitches. They will then apply an ointment to your eye and put a bandage over it.
Recovery
Recovery from eyelid surgery can be different for everyone. It takes a few days, though it may also take up to a week. However, the swelling and bruising usually go down within a week.
During recovery, you must follow the surgeon's instructions. You will have to put ice packs on your eyes for the first few days. You will also have to sleep with your head elevated and avoid wearing makeup for at least a week.
After the recovery period, you will have to visit your surgeon for a follow-up appointment. They will remove the stitches and make sure the incisions are healing correctly.
Tips for Faster Recovery
To help you recover faster after eyelid surgery, here are some practical tips:
Wait for Two Weeks
It would be best if you tried to wait for at least two weeks before resuming your regular activities. The swelling and bruising will take some time to subside entirely, so you should give your body enough time to heal.
Wear Button-ups or Zippered Shirts
You should avoid wearing tight shirts or sweaters for at least a week after surgery. Wearing button-ups or zippered shirts will help avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your incisions.
Apply Cold Compress to Relieve Swelling
After the procedure, a cold compress will be your best friend. Since it's normal to experience swelling, a cold compress can help relieve the discomfort. You may need to apply the compress every 10 to 15 minutes immediately after surgery for 24 hours.
Apply Eye Drops
Eye drops will aid you in your recovery because they help prevent infection and keep your eyes lubricated. This is necessary because it manages pain and inflammation.
Conclusion
An eyelid surgery is helpful if you're facing problems with your eyelids. However, you should consult your doctor to ensure this is your best option. If it is, you must follow your doctor's orders to achieve a faster recovery.
If you’re looking for a lifestyle lift in Dallas, Dallas Surgical Arts can help you! We provide various cosmetic procedures to help you look your best, all at affordable prices. Call 972-914-3660 today to schedule a consultation!