Also known as eyelid reconstruction or blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery is a procedure that helps correct laxity in the upper and lower eyelids. It can treat several conditions, including drooping eyelids, hooded lids, and excess skin from aging, weight loss, or an accident.

It can be performed independently or as part of another facial procedure. You should only undergo this type of surgery if you have specific problems you want to correct.

Before making the decision, here is all that you should know about eyelid surgery.

What Can Eyelid Surgery Correct?

Eyelid surgery can correct drooping eyelids, hooded eyelids, and excess skin or fat around the eyes. Drooping eyelids, sometimes linked to age-related muscle weakness, can be corrected with an upper eyelid lift and the excess skin removed from the upper eyelid.

Hooded eyelids can also be corrected with an endoscopic brow lift, where an incision is made in the hairline, and the brow tissues are tightened. This technique lifts the brows and is only appropriate if the reason for the hooded lids is the weight of the sagging brows.

How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?

Eyelid surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia. The procedure varies depending on what problem the surgeon is trying to correct. Before making the incisions, the surgeon will mark the skin above and below the eye.

The incisions are then made, and the excess skin is removed. The surgeon will stitch the incisions closed, and the patient will receive a bandage. The stitches and bandage will be removed once the swelling and bruising have cleared.

Recovery and Side Effects

  • You might experience some swelling, bruising, and dry eyes.
  • Other side effects include sensitivity to light, crusting, redness, and itching.
  • Eyelid surgery can also cause issues with your eyelashes, such as ingrown or misdirected lashes.
  • You may experience dry eyes for some time after surgery, which can be treated with eye drops.
  • It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions to take care of any post-procedure side effects.

Things to Know Before You Pull the Trigger

Eyelid surgery can be a good option if you have drooping eyelids, hooded eyelids, or excess skin around the eyes. However, it’s important to note that eyelid surgery is not typically covered by health insurance.

Again, eyelid surgery is not a magical solution to other underlying issues. It can only treat the visible signs of aging. Like any other surgical procedure, eyelid surgery has risks and benefits. Make sure you understand both before deciding whether this is the right procedure.

FAQs

Will I Experience Pain During Surgery?

Like any other surgical procedure, pain is inevitable. But with the latest technology, there’s less pain, whether general or local anesthesia.

Does Health Insurance Cover The Procedure?

Discuss this with your doctor because some procedures are covered while others are not. Before you plan the operation, it’s prudent that you confirm that it’s covered to avoid frustrations.

Can I Smoke Before Surgery?

Avoid smoking if possible. It could lead to excessive bleeding during the operation, bruising and poor healing. Therefore, to avoid such complications, avoid smoking some days before and after the procedure.

Will I Need Local or General Anesthesia?

Several factors determine whether you need local or general anesthesia for eyelid surgery. The procedure’s type and extent will be considered as well as your overall health. Talk to the surgeon for an informed decision about the best type of anesthesia.

How Long Will I Need to Recover At Home?

You’ll need one to two weeks to recover at home before returning to work or other daily activities. After eyelid surgery, you must protect yourself from infection and injury by following all post-operative instructions and not overdoing them during recovery.

What If I’m Unhappy With the Results?

If you are unhappy with your surgery results, you should discuss this with your doctor. They can offer advice on improving your eyelids’ appearance and may recommend a second procedure.

Are There Any Risks To Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is a fairly safe procedure, and complications are rare, but there are a few risks that you should be aware of. These include:

  • Excessive bleeding and hematoma (accumulation of blood). This is a common problem after eyelid surgery and can usually be treated promptly.
  • Infection. Your incisions may become infected if you do not follow your doctor’s post-operative care instructions carefully.
  • Unsatisfactory results or asymmetry in your eyelids. Eyelid surgery results are not always predictable, but they can often be improved with a second procedure or further treatment.

Final Thoughts

Eyelid surgery can be a good option for correcting drooping eyelids, hooded eyelids, or excess skin around the eyes. Get to understand the risks and benefits of this procedure before deciding if it’s right for you. Once you decide eyelid surgery is right for you, choose a surgeon with experience.