Eye lifts, also known as eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty, repair baggy skin around the eyes, decrease bags under the eyes, and reduce puffiness, all in a single procedure. Before you decide to commit to an eye lift, there are a few things you should know about the surgery.
#1: How Eye Lifts Work
There are two types of eye lifts: upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery. For upper lids, your surgeon will mark where natural lines form on your lids in order to keep scarring to a minimum. The surgeon then makes incisions at these marks, removes or repositions fat, and uses fine sutures to close the incisions. Upper eye lifts last at least five to seven years, after which you may like to repeat the procedure.
Lower eyelid surgery is usually permanent. Your surgeon will make an incision somewhere along your lash line and smile creases where a scar will not be visible. The surgeon will then remove excess fat, muscle, and skin before closing the incision with fine sutures. To reduce puffiness under the eye, the surgeon will need to make another incision within lower eyelids. These sutures dissolve after surgery on their own. If you opt for both upper and lower eyelid surgery, your surgeon will most likely start with your upper lids.
The procedure typically takes between one and two hours. You will receive local anesthesia injected around your eyes with oral sedation.
#2: What Happens After an Eye Lift
After surgery, you may experience some bruising and swelling around your eyes, but this should ease off after a week or two. You can aid the healing process and reduce discomfort by using a cold compress and elevating your head whenever you lie down. You will also need to clean the area for a week and a half and will be able to use eye drops if your eyes feel dry or itchy. Your surgeon will remove any permanent stitches three to five days after the procedure.
#3: Who Should Consider Eye Lift Surgery
Eye lifts are not only suitable for those who want to look younger, but the surgery can also prevent sagging eyelids from obscuring your vision. Left untreated, baggy eyelids may cause you to tense the muscles in your brow, leading to wrinkles.
The majority of people who opt for eye lifts are aged 35 and over; however, if you have a family history of droopy eyelids, you may like to consider surgery at a younger age. To be a good candidate, you should be in good health and hold realistic expectations. Remember that although an eye lift can improve your appearance, it will not change your overall facial composition.
#4: Insurance Coverage for Eye Lifts
If you are seeking an eye lift for cosmetic reasons, it is unlikely that your insurance will cover surgery. However, if you require the surgery to improve your vision or to correct a deformity or damage caused by an injury, your insurance may pay for all or part of the costs.
For the best results, you may like to combine your eye lift with a brow lift, a face lift, or skin resurfacing. Contact us at GLOW Surgical Arts to find out more about our services and how we can help you achieve younger-looking, beautiful eyes.
