How Long Does It Take to Recover After Blepharoplasty?

The delicate area around the eyes is crucial to the look of our face, and it impacts the way others perceive us. For example, if we have droopy eyelids, we might be seen as tired, lethargic, or older than we actually are. What’s more, some people experience vision problems because skin folds cover their eyes. Here at Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park, MD, we conduct blepharoplasty, also called eyelid surgery, to correct such issues.

Although this treatment is a surgical intervention, it isn’t very invasive and is usually conducted on an outpatient basis. Many people can resume their day-to-day activities and work within around two weeks. It is more accessible than other cosmetic treatments, and it can have a major impact on the look and feel of your face. Read on to find out more about eyelid surgery and to determine whether it could be a good option for you.

What Does Blepharoplasty Involve?

Eyelid surgery can be performed both on the upper and lower eyelid, and it serves to remove puffy or excess skin, bags under your eyes, or fine wrinkles. In some cases, it is a cosmetic procedure, but it can also be a medical requirement if the skin folds around your eyes are blocking your vision. Because this procedure is a surgical intervention, your doctor will check very carefully whether you are a good candidate.

For this purpose, you will be invited to the clinic for an initial consultation before any decisions are made. In most cases, you won’t have to stay in the hospital after treatment, and you can recover from the comfort of your own home. Your specialist will give you detailed instructions about what to do and what to avoid, so you can shorten the recovery period as much as possible.

Recovery Time

Immediately after your blepharoplasty surgery is over, you will go to a recovery room, so we can make sure that you are safe. In most cases, your doctor will allow you to leave on the same day, but you should ask a friend or family member to drive you home. For about one week, you should avoid any blood-thinning medication to prevent side effects. What’s more, you’ll be given an ointment to apply to your eye, and your doctor will explain to you how to keep it clean.

A week after your surgery, you can resume exercise such as swimming or lifting weights and stop sleeping with your head raised. If necessary, you will return to your doctor’s office to have any stitches removed. Approximately two weeks after surgery, you can resume wearing contact lenses. At that time, you should be able to see the final results of your surgery, and you will most likely be able to resume all your normal activities and go back to work.

Preparation

Although this blepharoplasty treatment involves surgery, it is not as invasive as some other cosmetic procedures, so you don’t have to do very much to prepare. Because cigarette smoke isn’t good for your eyes, you should try to quit before you undergo treatment. What’s more, you will need to stop any blood-thinning medication for the time being.

Before approving you for surgery, your doctor will ask you to the clinic to evaluate your medical history and discuss your goals. Your eyes will need to be examined, and you will undergo a vision test, particularly if you want to make an insurance claim. In addition, your eyelids will be photographed from several different angles. That way, we can better assess how well surgery worked for you and what changes you have experienced due to treatment.

The Surgery

Your surgeon will decide whether you need treatment on your upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. When you come to the clinic, they will numb the local area to make sure you don’t feel pain during the session. Generally, the upper eyelid will be treated first. The surgeon makes an incision in the skin and removes the excess muscle, fat, and skin that is present.

If necessary, another cut will be made just below your lower eyelash, and the sagging tissue will be removed. Your doctor can also reshape the muscle and fat in this area, creating the desired look. Once this is complete, the incisions will be closed, and you will be left to recover from the treatment.

Who Needs Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty is a great treatment for anyone who has experienced changes to the area around their eyes. This could be due to the natural aging process, an illness or disease, certain types of medications, or a change in weight. In moderate cases, the patient might simply have cosmetic concerns, but some people suffer from a medical issue if their eyelids droop into their eyes and cause vision loss.

As long as you are in reasonably good health and you are over 18 years old, you should be eligible for this treatment. Your doctor will discuss your main concerns, why you decided to get in touch, and what you hope to achieve. Then, they will work with you to come up with the ideal intervention. At every stage of the process, you will be involved in the decision-making process and have the final say.

You Don’t Like the Shape of Your Eyes

We all have different eye shapes, and they change over the course of our lives. This can be very distressing because the area around our eyes is such a crucial part of our face. When it starts to sag or wrinkle, you may look more tired than you used to, and people might perceive you as older than you actually are. If you are worried about excess wrinkles, sagging skin, or pockets of fat you can’t get rid of, you should consider surgery.

You Have Bags of Skin

There are several reasons why you might have bags under your eyes. In many cases, it is a natural consequence of aging, as the skin in your face becomes less firm and therefore droops more easily. The fat pads then slip and settle under your eyes. However, this issue can also be the result of a lack of sleep and medical conditions related to your thyroid, kidney, hormonal imbalance, or a lack of vital nutrients.

You should always consult your local clinic if you notice a sudden change in the area around your eyes. Our highly trained staff will be able to tell you whether this is a symptom of an illness or whether it is simply due to aging. We can then advise you to either get your condition addressed by a specialist or undergo blepharoplasty.

You Can’t See Well

In severe cases, a sagging upper eyelid can cause vision impairment. This is called ptosis and can be related to the nerve that controls your eyelid muscles. While you might need additional treatment to get your nerve condition under control, surgery is a great way to permanently address the consequence of your issue. It can prevent vision difficulties and therefore allow you to continue doing activities such as driving, which require good sight.

You Are an Adult and in Good Health

No matter your reason for eyelid surgery, we will need to make sure you are eligible before recommending the procedure to you. It is a good method for most people over the age of 18 who don’t have serious health concerns. Those who have chronic eye or circulatory conditions, cancer, and thyroid issues might have to look for an alternative. Patients with glaucoma may be eligible, but they will need to check with their surgeon before proceeding.

Achieve Your Desired Eye Shape Now

If you have a medical or cosmetic problem related to the shape of your eyelids, blepharoplasty is the way to go. This surgery is conducted on an outpatient basis, so you will be able to go home on the same day. What’s more, your recovery period is very short compared to other types of surgery, and you will be able to return to normal within approximately 14 days.

Getting in touch with a highly qualified eye specialist is the best way to find out whether you are eligible. They can discuss why you would like surgery and what you hope to gain from the procedure. Call or message us now at Adoro Medical Spa in Severna Park, MD to book your initial appointment with our highly qualified surgeon, Dr. Elba Pacheco. She will be happy to welcome you and show you what results you can expect.