Upper eyelid surgery benefits and recovery
The eyes are one of the most prominent features on a person’s face and are very expressive in communication. They represent an element of beauty that we focus upon during normal face-to-face conversation. A lot can be said by just looking into the eyes. Your eyes reveal much of yourself by continuously expressing your emotions, they are part of your identity. It is needless to say how unique each one\’s eyes are, and that they should be carefully assessed in the context of one\’s face.
Upper eyelid surgery involves correcting “hooded” eyelids and can treat:
- Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision.
- Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids.
- Volume loss around the orbital rim that causes the sunken appearance on the eyes.
What causes upper face ageing?
Wrinkles, crow’s feet, and lines on the forehead are the result of repeated muscle contractions from our facial expressions. That highly mobile feature comes at the cost of wrinkling and folding, that becomes more evident as tissues thin out and stretch overtime.
In addition, increasing tissue laxity will allow deep fat bags to appear. In other areas, fat loss and fat displacement will gradually develop further altering the contour around your eyes.. Finally, even solid tissues like bones undergo ageing. Blepharoplasty is a common cosmetic surgery procedure that reduces upper eyelid hooding and eliminates under-eye bags on lower eyelids, giving the eye region a youthful appearance.
The benefits of Blepharoplasty Benefits
A Reduction of Under Eye Bags
Although it is commonly believed that under-eye bags are caused by allergies, exhaustion, or lack of sleep, more often than not, under-eye bags are caused by prolapse in the orbital fat of the eye. Blepharoplasty repositions and removes the excess fat to create a smooth and well contoured under-eye area.
An improvement in vision and line of sight
Excess skin often hangs over the eyelashes which hinders peripheral vision. Obstruction of vision can be detrimental to one’s health, safety, and appearance. Sagging can be caused by a number of different factors such as ageing, exposure to UV rays, or genetics. If droopy eyelids are hindering your vision, then this surgery can be beneficial for you.
Enhanced aesthetic appearance of the eyes
Upper eyelid surgery rejuvenates the eye region, revealing a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The incision for this minor procedure is well hidden along the eyelid fold and leaves minimal scarring, resulting in a positive enhancement of the aesthetics of the eye. Severe drooping in the upper eyelid region can make you appear tired or older than you actually are, and this surgery can be a reliable and permanent fix that results in a younger and rested appearance.
Reduction in Skin Irritation
When there is an excess of overhanging skin in the upper eye region the skin folds may retain moisture and rub together causing irritation and discomfort. Blepharoplasty can eliminate this issue and provide relief from constant distress. Reduction in excess skin also facilitates ease in the application of makeup, which can often smear due to excess folds of skin.
Elimination of Under Eye Circles
Besides imparting a smooth and well contoured under-eye area, the repositioning and removing of fat from the lower eyelid can ameliorate dark under-eye circles and contribute to the overall enhancement in the aesthetic appearance of your eyes.
Helps Diminish Fine Lines
Lines and creases that appear around the outer corners of the eyelids can be reduced through this tightening and removal of excess skin around the eyes. However, the effect could be minimal as blepharoplasty is not a treatment that targets fine lines or wrinkles.
Reduction in Forehead Muscle Strain
In addition to providing aesthetic benefits, blepharoplasty also provides functional benefits, such as reducing the strain of forehead muscles, which if left unchecked could lead to headaches.
Post-surgery Recovery
After surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room until you are fully awake and ready for discharge and allowed to recuperate at home. You may temporarily experience blurred vision from the lubricating ointment applied to your eyes, watering eyes, light sensitivity, double vision, pain or discomfort.
Most of the swelling and bruising after surgery subsides after one or two weeks. Ensuring that your recovery goes well makes a big difference and Dr Rodrigo will give you detailed post-operative care instructions.
For more eyelid surgery recovery information and tips to aid the healing process read the blog https://rteixeira.com.au/eyelid-surgery-and-recovery/
Part of investing in your eyelid surgery journey with an accredited and affiliated Specialist Plastic Surgeon like Dr Rodrigo is knowing that you’re getting a high standard level of care throughout your procedure. He and his team will be ready to support you post-surgery, giving you detailed and clear post-operative instructions, pain management, dressing changes and follow-up appointments until you are fully recovered.
Here are some pointers you need to keep in mind:
- Ensure that you get adequate rest and sleep to assist the recovery process.
- Stack pillows on your bed, to elevate your head, as this will reduce fluid accumulation and swelling.
- Restrict the use of computers, phones, television, reading, or any other activity that causes unnecessary strain in your eyes.
Refrain from wearing contact lenses for at least up to 2 weeks post-surgery. - Although you can wash your hair and shower post-surgery, however, make sure you keep products such as soap, hairspray, and shampoo away from your eyes.
- Do not indulge in strenuous physical activities, until your surgeon advises you that it is safe to do so.
- Wear a hat or sunglasses for up to 3 months to protect your eyes from excessive sun exposure.
- Do not rub your eyes or apply pressure on your eye area for up to a week after surgery.
- Skincare products should be kept away from the eye area, as they could cause irritation.
- Do not skip the medication that is prescribed to you.
- Avoid blood thinners as it leads to bruising.
- Eye drops should be applied on time and avoid touching the flask to your eyes.
- An ice pack should be used to reduce bruising, but refrain from overuse.
Follow all the additional instructions laid out by your surgeon to assist the healing process. If you start experiencing problems such as excessive swelling, bleeding, pain or any other symptoms which are causing you discomfort, make sure you reach out to your surgeon immediately.
Patient safety and satisfaction are taken very seriously by me and my team. We are committed to offering you excellent care throughout your treatment journey and helping you achieve the results you aim for. I hope that this blog has been useful and has given you more information about the factors associated with eyelid surgery. Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to me, and book an appointment.
- Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
- Before proceeding, you have the option to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified specialist plastic surgeon
- Recovery time and treatment results will vary from patient to patient and depend upon a variety of individual patient factors
About Dr Rodrigo Teixeira
Dr Rodrigo Teixeira, MD, FRACS is a Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne. He has significant experience in Cosmetic Surgery, Rhinoplasty and Facial Surgery. Dr Teixeira is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). Internationally, he is a member of the American and the International Societies.