Watching the sun set over the horizon or the autumn leaves drifting down is wonderful. But seeing your upper eyelids slowly droop every yr? This is a bit annoying. Sagging, saggy skin can affect the best way you're feeling about your appearance. Worse, it could possibly interfere together with your vision, with eyelids hanging so low and feeling so heavy that it's hard to open your eyes. Fortunately, a routine surgery may also help.
Upper eyelid surgery
The solution to drooping upper eyelids is a sort of surgery called upper blepharoplasty (“BLEFF-AR-oh-Plass-tee”). It's done in an outpatient surgery center, with anesthesia — local anesthesia (an injection to numb the realm), “twilight” sedation (so that you're very relaxed) or general anesthesia (so that you're unconscious). ), depending in your needs.
During the procedure, a surgeon — an ophthalmologist, an oculoplastic surgeon, or a plastic surgeon — will use a scalpel or laser to make an incision along the natural folds of the upper eyelid. The surgeon will remove excess skin from each the left and right upper eyelids, possibly remove the underlying fat, and shut the incisions with stitches.
The procedure takes about half an hour. If you received sedation or general anesthesia at Twilight, you'll need to go to the recovery room for about half an hour before going home.
recovery
Recovery from upper blepharoplasty takes two to 4 weeks. You can have moderate (temporary) bruising and swelling around your eyes, however the pain can be minimal.
You may also have to apply a topical antibiotic ointment to your stitches 3 times a day for per week to stop infection.
See the difference
After only one week, it is best to see an improvement—somewhat less swelling and eyes which might be more open than before surgery. “After two weeks, most people feel better and the swelling goes away,” says Dr. Yoon. “For some people it takes longer, however, so don't schedule large social events until three or four weeks after your procedure,” recommends Dr. Yoon.
Don't expect a giant change in your appearance. “We can't give an older person 30-year-old eyelashes. But if your eyelashes interfere with your vision, we can correct that. And we can provide a refreshing effect that “Helps you want your eyes—their color, appearance, and application when engaging in face-to-face interactions,” says Dr. Yoon.
Candidates for surgery
Almost anyone who is worried concerning the function or appearance of drooping upper eyelids is a candidate for upper blepharoplasty.
However, this will not be true for individuals who have some serious eye diseases or have outstanding or bulging eyes on account of an overactive thyroid. And it could possibly be dangerous for individuals with severe dry eye syndrome, which might be more pronounced after surgery. “Removing excess skin opens the eyelids to a higher level. But when the eyes are open more, they are more exposed to air, so existing dryness will worsen,” explains Dr. Yoon. .
Another risk is critical imbalance. “The risk may be 5% or 10%, because the unique way people heal can sometimes lead to mildly uneven results,” says Dr. Yoon. It is best to search out a surgeon who performs upper blepharoplasty regularly (every week).
Is it value it?
If drooping upper eyelids are interfering together with your vision, insurance will likely cover all or a part of the fee of upper blepharoplasty. However, surgery won't be covered whether it is for cosmetic reasons only. Costs start at several thousand dollars, depending in your surgeon and where you reside.
Is it definitely worth the investment? “It's a good 'bang for your buck' procedure,” says Dr. Yoon. “There's not much pain or recovery, the results last 10 to 15 years, and you can literally look in the mirror and see the improvement.” will.”
Photo: © Valentina Khruslova/Getty Images