Is Eyelid Plastic Surgery Right For Me?
Who is it for?
Plastic surgery for the eye is ideal for patients who are unsatisfied with the appearance of their eyes due to:
- Excess skin above the eyes that creates a hooded result
- Puffy, drooping upper eyelids
- Sagging skin on the lower lid
- Under eye bags
The ideal candidate for blepharoplasty has no vision or eye health problems, is in good health overall, can take the time for a healthy recovery, and has realistic expectations for the outcome of plastic surgery. An eyelid lift can remove excess skin and fat to open the eye for a more youthful, well-rested look for men and women of any age.
How is it done?
During blepharoplasty, your plastic surgeon will make careful incisions: along the natural fold of the eyelid for upper lid surgery, and just below the lash line or inside the lid for lower eyelid surgery. Your surgeon will remove excess skin and remove or redistribute fat to improve the contour and lift and open your eye. This procedure is usually done with local sedation, but sometimes general anaesthetic is used. Eyelid surgery typically takes 1-1.5 hours and you will be discharged the same day to recover at home.
Risks
As with any plastic surgery, there are some possible risks to be aware of:
- Infection and bleeding
- Temporary blurred vision (or in some rare, extreme cases, long-term vision loss)
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Noticeable scarring
- Difficulty closing the eyes
Benefits
The benefits of blepharoplasty include:
- More youthful, rested, and alert appearance
- Improved vision
- More positive impression on others
- Boosted confidence
- Long lasting results
Recovery After
Immediately after eyelid surgery some patients can experience:
- Swelling and bruising
- Numbness, discomfort, or pain
- Blurred or double vision
- Watery eyes, irritation
- Light sensitivity
Most of these post-op symptoms resolve within a couple of days. After two weeks you will have completed most of your healing journey (sutures are removed and swelling and bruising are mostly gone) and can resume most of your pre-surgery routines with the approval of your plastic surgeon, but it may take up to three months before the final results of your eyelid surgery procedure are apparent.
For more information on healing after blepharoplasty, read Eyelid Surgery Recovery: What to Expect.
Alternatives
If plastic surgery for eyelid revision does not seem like the right choice for you, there are non-surgical alternatives available. BOTOX® and tissue fillers are effective transformative treatments that can lift your eyelids and deliver younger looking eyes. To learn more about under eye fillers and BOTOX® book a consultation with your plastic surgeon.
Are you considering tissue fillers to improve the appearance of your eyes? Read, Under Eye Fillers: A Miracle Skin Treatment.
Options For A Brighter Outlook At Alberta Plastic Surgery
If sagging, droopy, heavy eyelids are impacting the way you see yourself, there are surgical and non-surgical options to improve the appearance of your eyes. For a comprehensive assessment and for more detailed information on which plastic surgery or non-invasive treatments may be right for you, book your complimentary consultation with Dr. Ladak.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in cosmetic plastic surgery and other non-surgical rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at (780) 407-6691 or fill out the form below.
FAQ
Q: How long does a tissue filler procedure take?
A: Most of the time your surgeon can get you the results you seek from under eye tissue fillers in about 30-45 minutes.
Q: Is blepharoplasty covered by my insurance?
A: Alberta Health may cover blepharoplasty if the excess skin of your eyelids impairs your vision and if you are over the age of 65. It does not cover blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons. Book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Ladak to determine if you qualify for AHS subsidy.
Q: Is blepharoplasty an outpatient procedure?
A: Yes. Blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure and you will go home within an hour or two after your surgery to heal. It is recommended that you have a friend or family member take you home and assist you for the first day or two after surgery.
