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Three Things You Should Know Before Getting An Eyelid Lift

Written by aesthetic content writer Catherine. Reviewed by Medical Director Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai
Published on: August 1, 2024
Eyelid lift

Are you thinking of having aesthetic plastic surgery? The frequency and popularity of blepharoplasty procedures, or eyelid lifts, have increased recently. Undoubtedly, it’s among the most widely used procedures. 

Lifting a person’s eyelids can dramatically alter their appearance and boost confidence. Eyelid surgery can rejuvenate your appearance and make you look years younger. As you get older, the skin surrounding your eyes starts to droop and sag, making you appear fatigued or exhausted. If you are thinking about having this particular treatment done, check out upper eyelid blepharoplasty guide to know more about the surgery in detail.

  • About Eyelid Lift Surgery and Its Types

Understanding Eyelid Lift Surgery and its Popularity

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a treatment used to enhance the appearance of the eyelids with surgery. 

Blepharoplasty is one of the most prominent cosmetic surgeries in the world, continuously ranking among the most commonly requested plastic surgeries. The surgery is highly popular in East Asia, especially in South Korea, where many people choose it to create a double eyelid appearance.

In the UK  and other areas of the world, the operation is more common among older patients who want to address fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness under the eyes, loose skin or sagging upper lids, and droopy eyelids on the eyelids. Blepharoplasty can do wonders for your eyes and your overall facial look.

Eyelid lift surgery offers several benefits, including:

  • Improved asymmetry of the eyes
  • Reduces under-eye bags
  • Removes excess and sagging skin
  • Can improve eyesight affected by excess skin

Types of Eyelid Surgery

There are three types of eyelid lift surgery (blepharoplasty). The kind of surgery you might get depends on your desired aesthetic outcome and eye shape.

Upper Eyelid Surgery: If you have trouble seeing because of extra skin around your eyes, you might think about getting surgery on your upper eyelids. People who are affected by genetics and looking older can choose to have this surgery to improve how their eyes look and work.

Lower Eyelid Surgery: If you’re feeling self-conscious because of wrinkles and eye bags around your eyes, lower eyelid surgery could be a good option for you. This procedure reduces wrinkles and removes under-eye bags, making your eyes appear more youthful and vibrant.

Double Eyelid Surgery: If you want to change how your eyes look to make them appear wider, you can consider getting a double eyelid surgery. This procedure involves creating a fold in the upper eyelids, which makes your eyes look bigger.

  • Procedure Details of Eyelid Lift Surgery

During eyelid surgery, the specific steps taken will differ for each person based on their individual concerns and requirements. Your oculoplastic surgeon will assess your aesthetic needs thoroughly and advise you on whether an upper eyelid lift, lower eyelid lift, or both would be most suitable. 

Upper eyelid Blepharoplasty lifts are typically done using only local anaesthesia, whereas lower eyelid lifts usually require general anaesthesia. Dr. Shah-Desai will discuss local anaesthesia with oral or intravenous sedation or short general anaesthesia, depending on the intricacy of the procedure and your preferences.

In an upper eyelid lift, the surgeon makes a small cut in the upper eyelid fold. Then, they remove extra skin and fatty tissue, especially from the inner eyelid area, to make it look better. After that, they use stitches to close the cuts.

A lower eyelid lift is usually a more complex procedure. If a patient only has puffiness under their eyes, the surgeon can make an incision on the inner lower eyelid and remove or reposition the fat in that area. This is called a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. 

The incisions are made carefully to make sure any scars fade as they heal and are hidden well in the natural shape of the eye area. If necessary, the surgeon may lift and reposition the outer corner of the eye using a technique called lateral canthoplasty. This can reduce signs of ageing and support the lower lid during healing to lower the risk of drooping.

  • Eyelid Surgery Side Effects and Recovery Process

Recovery:

After your surgery, you might feel a little uncomfortable around the areas where you had the surgery, and your vision might be a bit blurry for a short time. You could also experience dryness and sensitivity to light, but these are only temporary and should go away in a few days. 

Remember, you should also avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup for a few weeks after the surgery to prevent infection and help your eyes heal faster. Your eyes will gradually improve over the next 3 months, and you can usually return to your normal work schedule within 10 to 14 days, once the healing process is well underway. 

You’ll start seeing improvements once the swelling goes down, but it can take a few months to see the final results. The effects of eyelid surgery can last a long time, but the natural ageing process will continue over time. To help maintain your results for as long as possible, it’s essential to take good care of your skin and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage.

Eyelid Surgery Side Effects and Risks:

Blepharoplasty, like any other surgical surgery, carries related risks. In general, the risks and side effects of surgery include an adverse reaction to anaesthesia, infection, severe bleeding, or blood clots. Although rare, risk factors connected with eyelid surgery include the following:

  • Temporary blurred vision
  • Dry or irritated eyes
  • Visible scarring and/or variation from normal skin colour
  • Injury to eye muscles
  • Temporary bruising and swelling around the upper eye
  • Eyelid problems, such as the inability to completely close the eyes
  • Asymmetry
  • Small bumps along the incisions
  • Trouble closing the eyes
  • Dry eyes

To minimise risks, it is recommended that the treatment be performed by a highly experienced and appropriately qualified surgeon.

Conclusion

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty lift is the best choice if you want to significantly improve the look of your eyes. 

It’s crucial to think about the potential risks, the healing process, and the realistic expectations for the outcome before undergoing an eyelid lift. To make an informed choice, consult with a professional doctor. As patients experience the desired long-term benefits, the procedure’s popularity keeps growing.

Treatment by the Expert

Thinking about getting an upper Blepharoplasty? First, you’ll need to set up a meeting with Dr. Shah-Desai at Perfect Eyes Ltd. The staff is friendly and will help you feel sure about your decision. 

During the meeting, the doctor will check if the surgery is right for you and recommend the best type of eyelid surgery based on a thorough evaluation. They understand that everyone’s eyelids are different, so the surgery will be customised to fit your needs and choices.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does an eyelid lift surgery hurt?

Eyelid surgery usually doesn’t hurt much. It’s a minimally invasive procedure, similar to removing skin, and the eyelid itself doesn’t cause much pain. So, you may only need a little pain medicine after the surgery.

2. What shouldn’t I do before eyelid surgery (Pre-Surgery Instructions)?

Before your surgery, avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, garlic supplements, green tea, and estrogen supplements. Taking these can increase your risk of bleeding and other problems.

3. How long will it take for my eyes to look normal after eyelid surgery?

After the surgery, your eyelids may be swollen and bruised for 1 to 3 weeks. It may take 1 to 3 months for your eyes to look completely better. Most people are ready to go out and return to work in about 10 to 14 days.

4. What’s the quickest way to recover from eyelid surgery?

Rest a lot. Your body and eyes need rest to heal. Not getting enough sleep can slow down healing, so make sure you get plenty of rest.

 

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