Some refer to the eyes as “the window to the soul.” The eyes are among the most expressive and attractive facial features for most people. As we age, the eyelids lose elasticity and get saggy. Eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of the eyelids and restore a more youthful look. But before you begin this journey there are some questions to ask before eyelid surgery.

Here are some questions to ask before eyelid surgery. This article outlines a few factors you and your surgeon may want to consider before scheduling your eyelid surgical procedure.

Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a form of plastic surgery to restore the eyelids. It may correct the appearance of sagging lower or upper eyelids and the bags under the eyes.

Since the eyes are so expressive, sagging eyelids can sometimes send the wrong message. People may wrongly believe you are tired, not engaged in what they say, or even feeling down. Some people opt for cosmetic procedures to counteract some of these natural effects of aging that can have a negative effect on our interactions with others.

As we get into the details of who may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery, please remember this isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Cosmetic surgery is a highly personal decision that needs to be considered individually in consultation with your plastic surgeon.

How To Qualify For Eyelid Surgery?

As with any elective procedure, a good candidate is healthy enough to recover well from the operation and enjoy the long-term results. Candidates seeking upper eyelid surgery also typically have healthy skin and normally positioned eyebrows.

Some other criteria include people who:

• Don’t smoke or are willing to quit several weeks before the procedure
• Are healthy without medical conditions that are likely to impair healing
• Don’t have serious eye conditions
• Have sagging skin on the upper or lower eyelid that causes drooping, hooding, or folds, and it is bothered by this
• Have eyelid puffiness or bags under the eyes
• Have a desire to improve the appearance of the eyelids

Be sure to inform your board-certified plastic surgeon of any existing health issues and your medical history. Your surgeon may want to carefully consider whether the operation is safe and appropriate for you if you have certain medical issues. These are things to consider when wondering how to qualify for eyelid surgery.

Some of these include diabetes, chronic dry eye, hypertension, circulation disorders, thyroid disorders, glaucoma, or heart disease. These conditions may not automatically eliminate the option of eyelid surgery, but you would need to weigh the risks and consider your entire health profile.

In addition, it is essential that you have realistic expectations of what can be accomplished through this or any cosmetic procedure. Book a consultation with a plastic surgeon to learn more. During your appointment, your surgeon will discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals. Most likely, you will see before and after photographs of prior patients, and your surgeon may even use imaging tools to show you what you might look like afterward. Make sure to ask questions before your eyelid surgery.

Most people who seek eyelid surgery are over the age of 35 and want to reverse some of the early signs of aging. Some people opt for eyelid surgery at a younger age to address genetic issues they don’t like. In some cases, a doctor may even suggest eyelid surgery to help improve vision that comes from or is exacerbated by sagging eyelids.

What to Expect During Eyelid Surgery

Understanding what to expect during a cosmetic procedure is part of being an informed patient and a good candidate. Your surgeon will talk you through this in more detail and answer any questions you may have. This description is an overly simplified version.

Your doctor will administer anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

During eyelid surgery, the incision lines are positioned on the eyelid in an area where it is concealed. The upper eyelid incision is hidden in the crease of the eyelid. During the procedure, your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat deposits and tighten the muscles.

If the lower eyelid is corrected, the incision is inside the lower eyelid. Your surgeon removes fatty tissue, but no skin is removed.

Afterward, your surgeon will close the incision using skin glue or sutures. If sutures were used, they would be removed around three to five days after your operation.

After the procedure, you will likely experience swelling and pain. After the swelling subsides, you will have smoother and tighter skin around the eyes.

Your doctor may apply or prescribe a lubricating ointment or compresses to facilitate healing. During the initial healing period, you may experience bruising, tenderness, irritation, and dry eyes in addition to the initial swelling. There may also be discomfort at the incision sites.

Be sure to follow any recommendations from your physician to assure the smoothest and healthiest recovery. If you happen to wear contact lenses during your recovery, you will probably need to wear glasses for a couple of weeks while you heal.

Next Steps: Schedule a Consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will examine you and determine whether eyelid surgery is the correct procedure for your goals.

Sometimes people visit their plastic surgeon’s office to ask about a specific operation, but it turns out that another surgical or even non-surgical procedure is a better option. For example, sometimes, sagging of the brow or forehead skin may add to a droopy appearance of the eyelid, but in some cases, a brow lift better addresses the source of the issue.

Your consultation is also a great time to ask questions or address any concerns. Make a list of questions about the procedure, recovery period, and maintaining your results.

Choose a skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you navigate today’s aesthetic options. For decades, in Charlotte, NC, area residents have trusted their faces to Charlotte Plastic Surgery. We have a proven track record in helping people meet their goals, whether you seek a more dramatic transformation or subtle rejuvenation.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.