When the eyes present a firm, tight appearance, the entire face looks younger. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can rejuvenate your look and can skillfully be performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Mohit Sood. Sood Center prioritizes the safety and comfort of patients during eyelid surgery procedures.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is performed to correct drooping upper or lower eyelids. The eyelids are not actually lifted, but rather excess skin is removed and tightened to make them appear higher. The blepharoplasty procedure can be done for cosmetic purposes or because sagging eyelids impair vision.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
A few of the benefits that can be obtained with eyelid surgery include the following:
- Giving the eyes a more youthful, vibrant look
- Eliminating puffiness that creates a tired appearance
- Improving vision
How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
After administering local anesthesia, Dr. Sood will make an incision in the appropriate area to begin the blepharoplasty procedure. In the upper eyelid, this will be within the crease of the natural eyelid. Along the lower eyelid, the incision might be transconjunctival, or made along the lash line or just inside the lower eyelid.
Excess fat and skin are then removed, except in the case of a transconjunctival incision in the lower eyelid. In this instance, excess fat is removed or redistributed instead. Stitches or surgical tape is used to close wounds, and then bandages are applied.
Preparing for Eyelid Surgery
Prior to having eyelid surgery, patients should undergo a thorough eye examination to uncover problems that could result in complications. If you currently wear contacts, inserting them immediately after blepharoplasty could be uncomfortable, so make sure you have at least one pair of prescription glasses available for use. You may also need to do the following:
- Stop smoking
- Avoid exposing your eyes to bright lights or sunlight
- Refrain from taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications
- Eliminate the use of cosmetics
Make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from your appointment and to help you with household chores for a few days afterward. You will likely need to avoid any activity that results in bending, stooping, or placing your head lower than your heart.
Recovery from Eyelid Surgery
Your eyes may be puffy or swollen for seven to ten days after the blepharoplasty procedure. During this time, place cool compresses over your eyelids several times each day to help reduce swelling. Keep stitches clean and dry, and avoid wearing makeup until after they have completely healed. You may also need artificial tears to help with dryness.
Many patients report having eye strain after reading, watching television, or using a computer. Try to limit these activities as much as possible for a few days to avoid eye strain that might cause headaches.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost for each patient is different, which is why your cost will be discussed during your initial consultation. We’ll also give you information on our various payment options, which include the following:
- Personal checks
- Cash
- Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and Discover
- CareCredit® Financing
If you are having eyelid surgery to correct a visual impairment, the cost of it may be covered by insurance. We will discuss insurance benefits during your blepharoplasty consultation as well.
Is Eyelid Surgery Right for Me?
If sagging or drooping eyelids have you looking older than your years, blepharoplasty could be right for you, particularly if you are also considering a brow lift or facelift. Combining these procedure can produce dramatic results to help you look your age, or maybe a little younger. However, blepharoplasty does have its limits and may not resolve uneven skin tone. These concerns may be better served by other treatment options.
Why Choose Dr. Mohit Sood for Eyelid Surgery?
The eyes are one of the most sensitive areas to operate on or near. As such, you should be sure the surgeon you choose is highly skilled and trained in the latest techniques. Dr. Mohit Sood is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and always stays up to date with changes in the industry to best serve his patients.
What to Expect During Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation
Your medical and vision history will be collected, including a list of medications. Other actions that might be taken before blepharoplasty include the following:
- Discussing your personal goals
- Providing pre- and post-operative instructions
- Going over the cost and payment options
- Reviewing before and after photographs to get a better idea of what to expect
Frequently Asked Questions
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When Will Patients See Results from Eyelid Surgery?
Patients will see some immediate results after an eyelid surgery. However, they will need to wait a few days for swelling to go down. In most cases, patients will have a good look at their blepharoplasty results in 10 to 14 days, though final results can take a few more months as the skin continues to heal.
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Does Eyelid Surgery Have Any Risks?
There are some risks associated with eyelid surgery, but these are very rare. Some of the mildest side effects can be bruising, swelling, bleeding, sensitivity to sunlight, and dryness of the eyes, all of which should clear up a few days after blepharoplasty. More serious complications include changes to vision, infection, numbness around the eyelashes, or scarring.
If a patient has a high risk for any of these problems, Dr. Mohit Sood will discuss that in the initial consultation. Otherwise, patients visiting Sood Center generally have nothing to fear during their procedure.
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Can Eyelid Surgery Treat Dark Circles Under the Eyes?
In some cases, patients can benefit from eyelid surgery for dark circles under the eyes. Often, dark circles can actually be shadows from sagging skin beneath the eye, creating the illusion of a darkened area. Having these bags removed brightens the face and eliminates the problem.
However, if patients are experiencing dark circles due to pigmentation changes around the eyelid, blepharoplasty will not correct the condition. Instead, chemical peels or bleaching creams might be a better solution.
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Does Eyelid Surgery Create Scars?
Many patients fear the appearance of scars after eyelid surgery, but this is a fear that can be put to rest. Because Dr. Mohit Sood only makes incisions along the crease of the eyelid, these cuts can’t be seen unless the skin around the eye is stretched out. What’s more, even if the area does have scarring, it will gradually fade over time until it is no longer visible to the naked eye.
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Is Eyelid Surgery Permanent?
Yes, the results of blepharoplasty are permanent and long-lasting. If fat has been removed from under the eye, it will not return unless the patient gains a lot of weight. Even so, the crease should remain defined and noticeable. Patients just need to keep in mind that eyelid surgery won’t eliminate natural aging processes. As a person gets older, the skin around their eyes may sag or hang down, but it won’t be as bad as before. To prevent this, patients should avoid the sun as much as possible, eat healthily, stop smoking, and drink lots of water.
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What’s the Best Age to Have Eyelid Surgery?
There’s no one perfect age to have eyelid surgery. Rather, it depends on the patient’s needs. Many of Dr. Sood’s patients are in their 40s or 50s, as this is a time in life when sagging eyelids may begin to appear. Many patients also have eyelid surgeries in their 60s in conjunction with a face-lift or other age-reversal skin procedures.
The eyes tell a story—make yours one of youthfulness and vigor by undergoing blepharoplasty to restore their luster and vitality. Contact Sood Center at (856) 403-9686 or at (609) 904-5390 to schedule a consultation.
