Facts about Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can help you achieve smoother, natural-looking eyelids that appear more alert, rejuvenated and refreshed. Discover interesting facts about the procedure from Elmquist Eye Group, and find out if you may be a good candidate for surgery.
Elmquist Eye Group has been serving Southwest Florida for more than 25 years, offering wide-ranging expertise in eyelid surgery and the most up-to-date eyecare treatments.
About Eyelid Surgery
- According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), eyelid surgery ranks among the top five most common cosmetic surgery procedures.
- In 2016, there were 173,883 eyelid surgeries performed in the US, a 2.4% increase over 2015. 145,858 of those surgeries were performed on women, and 28,025 on men.
- Many patients choose to have both upper and lower lid surgery performed at the same time.
- If eyelid surgery is done at least in part to improve your vision, your health insurance may cover some (or all) of the cost surgery.
- Following eyelid surgery, most patients return to work within one week and are back to full activities after 10 days.
- The results of upper eyelid surgery often last a lifetime. Lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery removes loose, sagging skin or fat deposits in the upper or lower eyelids that are responsible for making us look tired, sad or angry. The surgery addresses issues such as:
- Loose, sagging upper eyelid skin that sometimes impairs vision
- Excess upper eyelid skin that obscures the natural fold of the lids
- Puffiness in the upper eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
- Excess eyelid fatty deposits
- Excess skin and fine, crepey wrinkles of the lower eyelid
Depending on the extent of the surgery, blepharoplasty can open up the appearance of the eyes and make you look more awake and refreshed. It can also reduce wrinkles and creases, and can minimize the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort after eyelid surgery. There may be some swelling and/or bruising that lasts for 7 to 10 days. Although you can usually resume your normal routine within a few days, it is wise to avoid strenuous exercise and activities for two to three weeks.
Despite being quite safe, blepharoplasty, like all surgery, has its share of risks. If you suffer from insufficient tear production, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, a detached retina, circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease or thyroid disease, you may not be a good candidate for eyelid surgery.
Some people are concerned about eyelid surgery because they do not want to deal with lingering scars. Experienced surgeons like Dr. Rodriguez make tiny incisions that follow the natural creases of the eyelid. As a result, scars are camouflaged, and they fade away completely over time.
If you would like to know more about upper and/or lower eyelid surgery, call Elmquist Eye Group today at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to share more facts and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.