Your eyes can reveal much about what you think and how you feel. They can also let others get a glimpse of your overall health and happiness. When drooping or puffy eyelids with dark circles begin to hinder natural beauty, blepharoplasty may be your best solution!
Blepharoplasty refers to cosmetic eyelid surgery. This procedure focuses on removing loose, excess skin and fat from the lower and upper eyelids. Treatment also involves tightening the skin around the eyes, thus helping reduce the appearance of puffy dark circles.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery can provide many benefits in addition to restoring facial aesthetics. Continue reading below for more information about blepharoplasty and if it is right for you.
Why Is Blepharoplasty Done?
Eye surgery is often chosen for cosmetic purposes. While it is designed to restore your appearance and provide a more youthful look, blepharoplasty is also useful for important health reasons. Eyelid surgery is performed to treat a variety of concerns, both cosmetic and functional. Blepharoplasty can provide relief from issues such as:
- Impaired vision due to sagging, loose skin in the upper eyelids
- Noticeable bags under the eyes
- Lower eyelids that droop, revealing the white below the iris
- Fine wrinkles and additional skin on the lower eyelids
Understanding the Eyelid Aging Process
Loose, sagging skin is part of the natural aging process. This is because skin begins to lose its elasticity over time gradually. Elasticity and the constant pull of gravity can commonly lead to excess skin collecting on the lower and upper eyelids.
Additional skin on the upper eyelids can result in extra folds that can hang over the eyelashes. Excess skin on the lower lids can cause bulges and wrinkles. The fat that naturally cushions the eyeball from the skull can also cause puffy skin bulges in the lower and upper eyelids. The thin membrane that holds this fat also weakens with age, increasing a puffy, bulgy appearance around the eyes.
Am I A Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
If you are an adult in good general health and have realistic expectations for treatment, you could make an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery. While blepharoplasty is for individuals 35 years or older, if your saggy or puffy eyelids are genetic, you can choose to have the treatment done sooner.
Before you decide to undergo surgery, be sure to think about your ideal goals, and discuss them in detail with your cosmetic plastic surgeon.
How Do I Prepare for Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?
On the day of your procedure, you will need a trusted friend or family member to drive you to your surgery and home. It also helps if you have them stay the night with you after your surgery.
Plan to stay home, recover, and limit your activities for several days following your procedure. Some individuals have dry eyes, but this should not last any more than two weeks. If dryness does not subside, contact your cosmetic plastic surgeon.
Be sure to have the following items stocked up and ready in your home:
- Ice packs or freezer bags
- Ice cubes
- Small, clean gauze pads
- Eye drops or artificial tears recommended by your doctor
- Clean towels and washcloths
- Approved over-the-counter medications
Blepharoplasty Recovery
After your cosmetic eyelid surgery, some swelling and occasional bruising is expected. Your eyelids should begin to look normal within a week or two. If pain, bruising, or swelling does not subside after two weeks, be sure to contact your surgeon right away.
What Results Can I Expect from Blepharoplasty?
Lower blepharoplasty procedures rarely need repeating, meaning that your results should be long-lasting. Upper eyelid surgery typically lasts for five to seven years. Treatments results depend on specifics factors such as genetics and aging.
Alternative Options for Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
Laser-assisted blepharoplasty is an innovative cosmetic technique designed to improve the appearance of your lower eyelid. This method uses safe laser technology to produce significant results if you wish to contour and enhance the overall look of your eyelids.
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?
The average cost for cosmetic eyelid surgery ranges. Procedure cost is only part of the total price and does not include anesthesia or other related expenses. Be sure to consult with your cosmetic plastic surgeon to receive a final quote.
Your cosmetic eyelid surgery fee is also based on your cosmetic surgeon's expertise. Eyelid surgery costs may include:
- Surgeon fee
- Surgical facility or hospital costs
- Anesthesia fees
- Medical testing
- Medications or prescriptions
At Kung Plastic Surgery, we specialize in blepharoplasty and other cosmetic eyelid contouring services throughout Chevy Chase. Dr. David Kung applies a modern approach and uses innovative technology for treatment. We are here for you and work hard to find the best solution for your unique needs and to deliver ideal results. Contact us to schedule your cosmetic eyelid surgery consultation today!
