Your eyes are often the first facial feature most people notice. Unfortunately, sagging lids or undereye circles can be signs of aging. Eyelid surgery is a procedure commonly performed by Dr. Jason Cooper to resolve excess fat, wrinkles, and drooping eyelids – all typical cosmetic concerns of an aging face.
Men and women who choose an eyelid lift can achieve a more rejuvenated, approachable facial appearance.
The first step in your journey of refreshing the delicate skin around your eyes is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. This meeting is your chance to ask relevant questions like these.
1. Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery is an excellent procedure for patients who have thin, sagging skin on and around their eyes due to factors like lifestyle choices, aging, and genetics. However, potential eyelid lift patients must consider their goals when planning their procedure. Come to your consultation prepared to discuss your full medical history.
2. What Happens During Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure performed while you are under sedation. Once the anesthesia takes effect, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Cooper will perform an excision at the eyelid level, hiding within natural creases or inside the lower eyelid. Next, he will remove any excess skin and tissue to reduce bags or open the line of sight. Lastly, he will suture incisions and apply dressings over the surgical wounds.
3. How Long Is the Recovery?
Though everyone heals at a different rate, most of our eyelid lift patients feel good enough to return to work after three to five days. If your job involves extensive time spent reading or looking at a screen, you may want to take a longer recovery to ease the eye strain that is a typical side effect of blepharoplasty surgery. We recommend refraining from vigorous exercise for three to four weeks.
Initial healing may include swelling, bruising, irritation, dry eyes, and discomfort, which you can control with medication, cold compresses, and eye drops. These effects usually subside within 10 to 14 days.
Remember, the eyelids are exceptionally well-vascularized, so they will react quickly after the surgery. However, any swelling and bruising are typical.
Discomfort after eyelid lift surgery is mild. You can drive and perform typical day-to-day activities after this procedure without significant restrictions. We suggest stocking up on medical-grade sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats to protect your healing skin from harmful UV rays.
4. What Should I Do After Surgery?
After the eyelid lift surgery, Dr. Cooper will provide you with after-surgery instructions like applying ice packs intermittently for the first day or two. Doing so will help reduce the swelling and inflammation that typically occurs after the operation.
Your eyes may tire more easily in eyelid lift recovery. Choose downtime activities you can do with your eyes closed, like listening to music or audiobooks.
You should avoid smoking to ensure proper circulation for healing benefits. Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. If you wear contacts, switch to glasses for about two to three weeks.
If you are interested in learning more about eyelid surgery in South Florida to lift sagging upper lids and resolve undereye bags, request a consultation with Dr. Cooper today!