subject: Eyelid Surgery: Is It The Time For Blepharoplasty Yet? [print this page] Are you tired of looking tired? Even a sound sleeper will find that the years can be unkind to your eyes. Sagging skin and fatty deposits can make the eyes appear droopy, sad, and worst of all, half-asleep.
If people have ever commented on your drowsy appearance after you've had the best sleep of your life, or if they hand you a tissue because you look miserable, you may be a candidate for blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty is sometimes called eyelid surgery. This cosmetic procedure targets the upper and lower eyelids, tightening the underlying muscles and snipping away excess tissues that can pull down and puff up the eyes.
The problems corrected by this procedure largely develop in middle age and beyond. Generally it is the loss of facial volume, muscle strength, and skin elasticity that causes the tired appearance.
Even though most patients are in their 30's and 40's, it isn't that uncommon to have patients in their mid to late twenties opting for this procedure. In some cases dropping and excessive skin can be genetic.
People who experience this early in their lives may have dramatic drops in their confidence and self-image. It is no fun to be mistaken for many years older, especially when you feel so much younger than they reveal.
Blepharoplasty is also sometimes used to restore functionality rather than for cosmetic purposes. Excessive skin on the upper eyelid can eventually sag into the lash line and create vision difficulties. It is common for patients undergoing functional blepharoplasty to also have some additional cosmetic work done on the lower lids in order to create the most aesthetically pleasing and balanced look as possible.
If you are having vision problems due to protruding skin on the upper eyelid, you may want to consult with a plastic surgeon sooner rather than later as with age the problem can worsen. If you're considering a blepharoplasty for purely cosmetic reasons, a good time to undergo surgery is when you can allow adequate time for full recovery.
The first week will not be painful, but uncomfortable. The eyes must be treated with great care and may tear excessively or be very dry. The use of necessary aftercare ointment as well as the surgery itself will also cause temporary blurriness.
For the first few weeks after surgery, sunglasses will be necessary as your eyes will be extra sensitive to light. Contacts may be difficult to wear and activities such as looking at a bright computer monitor will cause some discomfort.
It will be at least a week, but more likely two, before you can return to work (although if you are required to use a computer or be around other bright lights you may need to take breaks often). However, it could take three to four weeks before more strenuous activities that increase the blood flow to the eyes can be undertaken, which includes most forms of exercise and physical labor.
