How Eyelid Surgery Restores Youthful Appearance and Vision

Wrinkled eyelids and bags under your eyes can make you look older and feel self-conscious. Droopy eyelids can even affect your vision, making it hard to see. A reconstructive procedure called blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery provides a solution to these problems and others.

“Eyelid surgery is one of those rare procedures that can improve both appearance and function of the eyelids and eyes,” says Dr. Heidi Harrington, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. “Though it’s a fairly minor surgery, it offers major benefits.”

When to Consider Eyelid Surgery 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, blepharoplasty is gaining in popularity. Their latest data indicates a 5% increase in eyelid surgeries from 2022 to 2023. 

A few reasons you may want to seek this surgical procedure include:

• Bags under eyes — Over time, the skin covering your eyelids may stretch. Excess stretching of the lower eyelid may form bags under the eyes. If this happens, you may look tired all day long, even after a good night of sleep.
• Droopy upper eyelids — Sagging, loose eyelid skin can create abnormal folds on the upper lids and wrinkles on the lower lids. This loose skin may partially block your eyes, limiting peripheral vision. In some cases, your eyes may ache or feel tired.
• Saggy lower eyelids — Your lower eyelids may appear heavy and sit lower than normal. This can make the white of your eye visible below your iris. You may also have dry eyes, despite producing excess tears.
• Puffy eyelids — Fatty deposits in your eyelids can cause your upper and lower eyelids to appear puffy, as if you recently cried or are experiencing an allergic reaction. 

Read More: 6 Facelift Myths: Which Ones Do You Believe Are True?

Considerations Before Eyelid Surgery

If any of these issues affect you, blepharoplasty can help. However, eyelid surgery does not stop the march of time. 

“It’s important to speak with your surgeon and ask any questions you have before undergoing surgery,” Dr. Harrington says. “This helps you have a clear understanding of what to expect immediately after surgery and years down the road.”

A few questions to consider include:

• Am I an ideal candidate for this procedure, and how can I help make the surgery successful?
• Do I need to stop taking certain medications before my surgery? Are there any I should start taking?
• How soon should I quit smoking or make other lifestyle changes to enhance the healing process?
• What short- and long-term results should I expect from my procedure?

Blepharoplasty in the Operating Room

No matter why you seek lower or upper eyelid surgery, the steps for your surgery include the following:

• Anesthesia — Your plastic surgeon, an anesthesiologist or another expert injects general or local anesthesia near the surgical site. Local anesthesia helps prevent pain while in the operating room, while general anesthesia keeps you unconscious throughout surgery.
• Incision and removal — Your plastic surgeon makes an incision in the natural crease of the upper or lower eyelid, which helps hide any scarring. The surgeon then corrects your eyelid problem by removing excess skin or excess fat. If you undergo surgery to correct a droopy upper eyelid, the surgeon also pulls your eyelid muscles tight to reduce future drooping.
• Closure — Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon closes the eyelid incisions. Though eyelid surgery rarely results in serious complications, team members monitor you afterward for any signs of potential problems.

Recovering from Eyelid Surgery

Most of the time, eyelid surgery takes place in an outpatient setting, so you return home the same day. You can return to most activities within a couple weeks, though it may take a few months for your scar to fade. 

During recovery, expect the following:

• Burning or itching — During recovery, your eyes may burn or itch. Eye drops or an antibiotic can help reduce these unwanted symptoms.
• Follow-up — The plastic surgeon will want to see you a few days after your procedure. This gives the surgeon a chance to ensure proper healing and, if appropriate, remove stitches.
• Pain — As the anesthesia wears off, you may experience pain in the eyelids. Over-the-counter pain relievers should help manage the pain.
• Swelling and bruising — Your eyelids may swell or develop bruises. Applying cold compresses to your eyelids and keeping your head raised above your heart can help limit swelling and bruising.
• Vision issues — Following surgery, you may experience blurring or double vision. Your eyes may tear up more easily, and you may feel a need to close your eyes more often due to increased sensitivity to light. These symptoms typically resolve after a few weeks.

Once you reach the end of recovery, you enjoy the full benefits of your procedure.

“This simple procedure restores a more youthful appearance and helps you regain confidence for years to come,” Dr. Harrington says. “Sometimes, the results even last a lifetime!”

Learn more about plastic surgery and aesthetic services at Beaufort Memorial or call 843-707-8020 to schedule an appointment.