The eyes are the focal point of the face. But if sagging or droopy eyelids are impacting how the world sees you, and changes your view, the answer may be as simple as a blepharoplasty or an eyelid lift. This surgical procedure is ideal for removing excess muscle, skin and fat to give your eyes a more youthful, awake look. The eyelids stretch due to aging, and as a result, the muscles that support them become weaker. Often, excess fat then gathers below and above your eyes, which makes a person look older than they are. Is blepharoplasty right for you? Here are some facts you may not know about this procedure.
*Blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids: An amazing option for addressing upper eyelids that droop, it is also a powerful opportunity to correct crepey skin and bags under the eyes. By taking out surplus fat under the eyes, smoothness can be restored, and the dark circles that can come from puffiness minimized. It is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor to determine if an upper, lower or combination blepharoplasty is the best strategy for you.
*Your vision may improve: On top of the aesthetic perks of a blepharoplasty, the benefits may extend to helping you see more clearly. Drooping eyelid skin can impact your peripheral vision and an eyelid lift can correct this problem, giving you a clearer vision.
*During the procedure, you can be awake: Blepharoplasty procedures are often performed with intravenous sedation to ensure that you won’t feel pain but are conscious. This lets the practitioner administer a more precise amount of anesthesia with less incidence of postoperative nausea, less blood clots and a faster process for coming out of anesthesia. Rather than being unconscious, you’ll be sedated, comfortable and sleepy with little memory of the procedure but you’ll still be able to respond to simple questions by the doctor while it takes place.
*Scars can be hidden: Although scars are often a fear of someone considering a blepharoplasty, the incision can actually be made to follow the natural creases of the eyelid to camouflage any scars, which can fade over time and remain invisible.
*Eyelid lifts can be performed with other procedures: Although a powerful stand-alone surgery, blepharoplasty can be combined with treatments like BOTOX injections, a brow lift, a facelift or laser skin resurfacing to produce dramatic and age-defying results. By removing wrinkles using an injectable, you’ll see enhanced results of your eyelid lift.
Optimal results of a blepharoplasty can take up to 12 months to be revealed, with improvements becoming visible over that time. As with some cosmetic procedures, an eyelid lift typically doesn’t revert back to its original state over time, so patients enjoy long-term benefits from this surgery.
If you’re considering a blepharoplasty, call 646.362.5245 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Levine. One of only a few surgeons who are double-board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Levine creates individual treatment plans for her patients that focus on their needs and unique facial features.