The eyes are often the first facial feature to display the signs of aging. While many appreciate laugh lines, shades and bags that form with time can be an aesthetic and medical concern. 

Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, is a popular cosmetic procedure that eliminates these unwanted marks, making your face fresh and youthful again. 

However, any elective surgery requires careful consideration. If you've been toying with the idea, learn as much as possible before scheduling an appointment. That way, you'll have enough time to work through the information and make an educated, confident decision.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

As we age, wrinkles, prolapse fat, and saggy skin can make us look worn-out and affect our vision. This relatively non-invasive cosmetic surgery type reduces these undesired side-effects. 

The procedure includes removing excess skin, fat, and muscle around the eyes. It promotes a rejuvenated appearance by tightening up the areas around your lids.

You'll speak to your doctor to learn whether you're the right candidate for blepharoplasty. In general, people with the following aesthetic issues qualify:

• Dark circles and bags

• Saggy and puffy skin 
• Droopy lids

As long as you're in good health, physically and psychologically, these criteria apply no matter whether your lids are causing health concerns.

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Blepharoplasty Types

There are several specialized treatment types to restore your youthful appearance with Dr Kopelman, depending on your desired outcome. Notably:

• Dark circles–Soft tissue and depressions on the lower eyelids paired with skin pigmentation can cause permanent dark circles around your eyes. 

• Ptosis–The upper eyelid muscles typically raise the skin from the bone. Ptosis surgery tightens the internal structure, preventing any drooping.

• Reconstructive–Acquired and congenital illnesses can cause eye deformities. While a bit more intense, reconstructive operation restores symmetry and well-being.

• Revision–Complications during blepharoplasty are rare, but this procedure is there to fix any issues arising from previous treatment.

Once you're aware of the options, visit a specialist to determine which option is right for you.

The Procedure

You'll meet with your medical care professional for preoperative evaluation and to determine the surgery date. That's when you discuss:

• What you want from the operation
• Your medical history
• Any medication you might be taking 

The doctor will evaluate your vision and consider your facial musculature, bone structure, and eyebrow symmetry, to decide how much tissue they'll remove.

You could have upper, lower, or total eyelid surgery, depending on the condition severity. The surgeon will disclose the exact steps they'll take during the operation to help you feel more at ease once the scheduled date arrives.

In essence, the procedure itself includes a series of small cuts to access and remove excess tissue. You'll receive local anesthesia and sedatives for comfort.

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The Recovery

After the operation, you'll spend several hours in a recovery room for monitoring. You might experience:

• Light sensitivity

• Swelling 

• Blurred vision
• Pain and discomfort

A companion can take you home in a matter of hours, as driving won't be safe for you until you regain clear vision. You can also expect a prescription for pain medication to resolve any lingering discomfort after the initial dose wears off.

In most cases, you should be able to get back to work in two to three days. It'll take several weeks for swelling and bruising to subside though. During that period, you should refrain from:

• Cigarette smoking

• Contact lenses

• Strenuous exercise
• Excessive light exposure

You'll discuss recovery advancement and receive further advice about your limitations during the follow-up meetings over the next few weeks.

Medical and Cosmetic Improvement

Overall, there's little to worry about when it comes to eye lifts. Whether you're thinking about it for medical or aesthetic reasons, there's no reason not to undergo this treatment.

Get clearance from your doctor, make your environment comfortable for the recovery process, take some time off and be easy on yourself in the days to come. You and your rejuvenated face will go back to your everyday routine in no time.