Even without a genetic component, traumatic injury, or medical condition in the equation, nobody is guaranteed immunity from under-eye bags or drooping eyelids. Whatever the cause, blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) is the industry gold standard for safely and effectively restoring a fresh, youthful appearance to the eyes.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons At Balto Plastic Surgery of Miami, FL, perform blepharoplasty procedures on lower and/or upper eyelids to create a comprehensively rejuvenated appearance.
If you’re wondering whether or not you’re a candidate for blepharoplasty, how the procedure works, or what the side effects and benefits are, this overview will answer these key questions and more.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a type of surgical procedure that extracts and/or repositions soft tissue (skin, fat, and muscle) of the upper and/or lower eyelids, resulting in a more alert and fresh-faced appearance.
Common issues of the upper and lower eyelid areas addressed by blepharoplasty include, but are not limited to:
- Dark circles
- Puffy under-eye areas
- Drooping eyelids
- Excess, loose skin (upper or lower)
There are several approaches plastic surgeons can take to this procedure depending on the patient’s presentation, preferences, areas to be treated, and other individualized factors. To summarize the process in more general terms, the surgeon will make the necessary incisions, remove and/or reform the targeted soft tissues, and in some cases, tighten certain groups of ligaments. Then, they will suture the incision, monitor the patient for a short period of time, and send them home with postoperative instructions.
Blepharoplasty Benefits
While blepharoplasty is primarily sought out for aesthetic reasons, it can also serve functional and/or medical purposes in some cases. Keeping both of these extremes in mind, here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the most commonly touted benefits of blepharoplasty surgery:
- Refreshed appearance: Even subtle changes to the under-eye area can have a powerful impact on overall facial aesthetics, helping patients look several years younger.
- Dermatitis relief: In some cases of excess eyelid skin and muscle, dermatitis can develop as sweat becomes trapped in the creases. Blepharoplasty can resolve this issue by reducing the amount of soft tissue in the area.
- Improved vision: While blepharoplasty doesn’t directly improve vision, by gently lifting a drooping upper eyelid, the procedure can remove this obstruction to allow for a more complete field of view.
- Quick, minimally invasive procedure: Treatment time varies according to several factors, but in many cases, combined blepharoplasty takes roughly two hours. Upper or lower blepharoplasty takes between 45 and 90 minutes, and both procedures are minimally invasive.
- Long-lasting results: While the natural aging process may affect results, many of the aesthetic and functional benefits of blepharoplasty can persist for several years or a lifetime.
Finally, complications associated with blepharoplasty are uncommon and typically mild. If you are unsure as to whether or not you are an ideal candidate for blepharoplasty, our board-certified plastic surgeons at Balto Plastic Surgery will carefully assess your case in a consultation.
Who Is Not Eligible for Blepharoplasty?
Though eyelid lift surgery is safe and minimally invasive, like any other surgical procedure, it is still not a fit for everyone. Some people may be deemed ineligible due to safety reasons (comorbid conditions, medication use, etc.), while others may simply be better suited for a different procedure due to their expectations or their physical presentation.
Contraindications, or reasons not to have eyelid lift surgery, include dry eye, visual obstruction, certain eye disorders, bleeding and clotting disorders, previous surgeries, active infections or skin conditions, and heart disease, among others. Not all of these issues necessarily disqualify a person from being deemed eligible for the procedure, but in any case, consulting with a licensed professional is the best way to clearly determine your eligibility.
Blepharoplasty Prep and Recovery Best Practices
Like any procedure, proper preparation and aftercare practices encourage more effective and longer-lasting results. In the case of eyelid lift surgery, some of the prep and aftercare guidelines are common sense prescriptions that apply to other surgeries and general wellness (adequate sleep, avoiding smoking, etc.), while others are more niche and situational.
Throughout the consultation and planning process, your provider will issue you a list of pre-op guidelines. Some of these apply only in a shorter window of time (e.g., 24-48 hours) before surgery, while others are to be upheld for weeks or months beforehand.
Eyelid Lift Prep
- Avoid certain medications (especially blood thinners) and supplements as directed
- Avoid potentially irritating soaps or cosmetic products (use fragrance-free)
- Quit smoking at least 3-4 weeks prior to your surgery
- Minimize sun exposure for at least 2-3 weeks prior to surgery
- Arrange for transportation to and from surgery
Eyelid Lift Aftercare
- Avoid television or other screen use immediately following your procedure
- Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling
- Regularly inspect your stitches and report any signs of infection
- Avoid vigorous activities as directed by your provider
- Take all medications as directed
Restore a Youthful, Vibrant Aesthetic With Eyelid Lift Surgery by Balto Plastic Surgery of Miami
Balto Plastic Surgery’s knowledgeable and friendly surgical team, with multiple decades of combined experience, proudly serves the Miami, FL, area with a comprehensive suite of cosmetic surgery procedures.
As passionate patient advocates, we commit ourselves to not only performing each procedure with the utmost care and precision, but also keeping every patient well-informed and empowered throughout the treatment process and afterward.
Contact our office for a consultation today, and take that first step towards an eyelid lift procedure that will leave you feeling and looking totally rejuvenated.
