Your eyelids extend as you become older, and the muscles that hold them atrophy. As a result, extra fat may accumulate right above and below your eyelids, resulting in drooping brows, saggy upper lids, and pouches beneath your eyes. Blepharoplasty is a procedure that involves removing extra fat, skin, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. This enhances the overall appearance of your eyes. Best of all, this procedure can be combined with a facelift as well.
Blepharoplasty is also performed to remove any flabby skin, surrounding the eye area, that diminish peripheral vision, particularly in the upper and outer areas of your range of view. The loose skin can also cause you to appear much older. Thankfully, these vision issues can be reduced or eliminated by eyelid surgery. Your eyes will not only look brighter but more alert.
What To Expect During Recovery Time
You will be transferred to a recovery room following surgery. During this time, you will be observed for any complications or side effects. Afterwards, you will be free to continue your blepharoplasty recovery time later on that afternoon at home
Following surgery, you may have the following symptoms:
- Soreness or discomfort
- Significant bruising and puffiness comparable to black eyes
- Eyelids that are swollen and numb
- Double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- Obscured vision
Following surgery, your doctor will most likely advise you to do the following:
- Avoid smoking
- Return to the surgeon’s office within a few days to have stitches extracted
- To minimize edema, apply cool packs
- For a few days, make sure your head is elevated. Sleep in an upright position.
- Wear tinted sunglasses to protect your eyelids’ skin
- Avoid wearing contacts for at least 14 days following the procedure
- Do not rub your eyes
- For a week, avoid intense activity like Zumba and sprinting
- For a week, do not lift heavy objects and avoid any swimming or straining. You can shower but avoid getting the surgical site damp.
- Cleanse your eyelids carefully and apply eye drops as directed
- The night following the procedure, apply ice packs to your eyelids for ten minutes per hour. It should be done at least four times a day.
- Avoid certain medications such as aspirin and Advil, since they can cause excessive bleeding. Tylenol can be used to relieve discomfort if necessary.
- Don’t participate in any activities that will cause your eyes to dry out.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Problems with your vision
- Hemorrhaging
- Extreme pain in your eye
- Abnormal heart rate
- Pain in your chest
- Difficulty breathing
Having asymmetrical eyelids is a frequent issue that can arise following surgery. It can happen as a result of over-stimulated tissues, or as a result of natural differences in how each eye reacts to the procedure or recovery.
What Type of Results Should I Expect?
Many patients are pleased with their blepharoplasty outcomes, which include a more relaxed and young appearance as well as increased self-confidence. The effects of surgery may endure a lifetime for some people. Others may experience a recurrence of droopy eyelids.
Bruising and puffiness usually go away in two weeks, at which point you should be allowed to leave your home. The surgical incisions may leave scars that take months to disappear. Be sure to not overexpose your vulnerable eyelid skin to the sun.
Conclusion
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that will significantly improve your eyes. The symptoms you will experience during the recovery process, such as swelling and bruising, will subside within a month. To ensure that you heal properly, it is essential that you follow the recommendations of your cosmetic surgeon. To discover more about what to expect during your recovery from eyelid surgery, contact your surgeon.