Are puffy, lined eyelids aging your appearance? Would you like to tighten up and refine your eyelids for a fresher and more youthful look? Blepharoplasty, which is also known as an eyelid lift, can quickly and easily restore drooping eyelids and lift them back to a more natural position. Eyelid lifts are one of the many popular treatments at The Plastic Surgery Center in Bradenton, FL.
How Long Does Blepharoplasty Take?
Eyelid lifts are performed on an outpatient basis and usually take no more than two hours when both the upper and lower lids are addressed. If this treatment is performed just on the upper lids, or on just the lower lids, it will take even less time. Most patients set aside about 10 days so that they have time to rest and recover at home before heading back to work.
What Is an Eyelid Lift?
An eyelid lift is a cosmetic treatment that can improve the appearance of the eye area. This treatment tightens and lifts puffy, drooping eyelids. It can also minimize the appearance of bags beneath the eyes and sagging skin around the eyes. Patients love this treatment because it helps them turn back the clock for a more rejuvenated appearance.
In some cases, this treatment can also make it easier for patients to see by lifting eyelids that have begun to sag and obstruct their vision.
How Is This Treatment Performed?
We’ll start by making tiny incisions in the lids. On the upper eyelids, incisions are made in the natural fold behind the eye. On the lower lids, incisions are made along the lash line. We will then remove excess fat, skin, and muscle in a way that tightens the eye area. This is a comfortable treatment, and while your eyes may feel tight or itchy afterward, you will not experience any pain. This treatment is often performed under local anesthesia.
Does an Upper Blepharoplasty Differ From a Lower Blepharoplasty?
When performed on the upper lids, an eyelid lift focuses on removing excess skin and fat to give the patient a more alert appearance. This treatment can also reduce the appearance of hooded lids. When performed on the lower lids, an eyelid lift can minimize under-eye bags and give the skin beneath the eyes a smoother, firmer look. Patients can have either their upper or lower lids treated. They can also have both lids treated simultaneously.
Will I Need To Follow Any Special Steps During Recovery?
The post-treatment care that follows an eyelid lift is fairly straightforward. You will be asked to keep your head elevated, even while resting. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise will be off-limits during your recovery period, and so will the use of contact lenses and eye makeup. It is also a good idea to give your eyes a break by avoiding too much screen time and reading.
How Soon Will I See Improvement?
It usually takes about six weeks for patients to see their full results.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Results vary with each patient, but many individuals enjoy their eyelid lift results for 10 years or more. Lower eyelid lifts are particularly long-lasting.
What Advantages Are Associated With This Treatment?
It Will Give You a Rested, More Youthful Appearance
Puffy, heavy, lined eyelids have a way of making us look older than we are. An eyelid lift can eliminate these signs of aging and help give you a more rested, relaxed, and youthful appearance. The skin around your eyes will be firmer and smoother after treatment, and sagging lids will be listed back to a more natural position.
It Will Help Your Eyes Sparkle
By removing excess skin and lifting your eyelids, an eyelid lift can help natural light better reach your eyes, allowing them to sparkle. Many patients are surprised by how bright their eyes appear after this treatment.
It May Help You See Better
For many patients, sagging eyelids interfere with their line of vision. If you are squinting and struggling to see from beneath heavy lids, blepharoplasty can remove that vision impediment and get you back to seeing again.
It Might Help Your Communication
Are you frequently asked if you are tired, sad, or frustrated when you aren’t feeling any of those things? The eyes play an important role in non-verbal communication, and aging lids may be sending incorrect signals about your state of mind. Blepharoplasty can restore the eyelids and clear up those types of miscommunication.
It Will Give You Custom Results
Each patient we work with has a unique facial structure and a unique set of aesthetic goals. We develop a custom blepharoplasty treatment plan for each individual we work with.
It Offers Natural Results
We can perform eyelid lifts in a way that offers patients results that are both noticeable and natural. You won’t have to worry about looking artificial after you’ve had this treatment. You’ll simply look like you’ve been taking great care of yourself and enjoying plenty of rest.
It Will Help You Feel Great About Yourself
The eyes are one of the most prominent features of the face, and they play a significant role in first impressions and interpersonal communication. The more alert, youthful, bright-eyed appearance this treatment offers can significantly boost your self-confidence and help you feel great about the way you look.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You Are Unhappy With Your Eyelids
Patients who seek this treatment out are unhappy with their eyelids from a cosmetic standpoint. In some cases, patients are also frustrated with the visual limitations caused by drooping eyelids.
You Understand the Treatment
Patients should have a good understanding of how this treatment works and realistic expectations about what it can accomplish.
You Are in Good Health
The ideal patient is a non-smoker in good overall health. Blepharoplasty patients should not have any underlying eye conditions.
What Causes Eyelid Sagging?
For many patients, eyelid droopiness is a natural part of the aging process. As we get older, collagen levels in the body decline, which can leave the skin loose and droopy. And the delicate skin around the eyes is one of the first places where drooping develops. Eyelid droopiness also has a genetic component. If one of your parents experienced drooping eyelids, there is a chance you will as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Age for This Treatment?
Adults of all ages can benefit from these treatments. Because eyelid lifts are most frequently performed as a way of combatting the aging process, patients are often in their forties or older.
Will This Smooth Over Crow’s Feet?
This treatment won’t get rid of crow’s feet, which are the fine lines that radiate out from the outer corners of the eyes. If you are concerned about crow’s feet, we may recommend botulinum toxin injections for you. Some of our patients opt to undergo both botulinum toxin injections and an eyelid lift for maximum rejuvenation of the eye area.
Will My Insurance Cover This Treatment?
Health insurance may not cover blepharoplasty if you are scheduling it for cosmetic reasons. But if you are seeking an eyelid lift for medical reasons, such as a vision limitation, your policy may cover it. The best strategy is to check with your insurer before scheduling treatment. Our practice also offers health care financing through Care Credit.
Can Men Take Advantage of This Treatment?
Yes. Men are frequently bothered by sagging eyelids just as women are. Fortunately, this treatment works very well for patients of both genders.
Will I Still Be Able To Comfortably Close My Eyes?
Yes. Although this treatment will tighten the skin on your eyelids, it won’t prevent you from closing your eyes or otherwise interfere with normal eye activity.
Will I Have Visible Scars?
Scarring is not a concern with this treatment. The incisions we make will be tiny, and they will be tucked into the natural creases and contours of your eye area, which assures that they won’t be visible.
How Can I Get Started?
If you are interested in finding out if an eyelid lift is for you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our practice. We will evaluate your eyes, talk with you about your cosmetic goals, and determine if this treatment is the right approach for you.
Take the First Step Toward More Youthful Eyes Today
If you’re ready to rejuvenate tired eyes, an eyelid lift may be the perfect solution. This amazing treatment can be performed in just a few hours and offers long-lasting results. Don’t wait any longer. Contact the Plastic Surgery Center in Bradenton, FL, and schedule your consultation today!
