As a result of aging, gravity, and even genetics, you may notice the skin and muscles over your eyelids thinning and stretching. You look worn out and tired, no matter how much sleep you get. And, if you think you’re losing some of your peripheral (side) vision, it could be because your drooping eyelids are impairing your vision.
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, can improve your eyelid contour, decrease the puffiness of your upper and lower eyelids, and eliminate the hooding over your upper eyelids. You get a younger, more refreshed appearance, and eliminate one of your obstacles to seeing more clearly.
Eyelid surgery can remove loose fat, trim excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, and improve the look of the eye area.
What is eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty removes any loose fat and excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids.
Your Annapolis Eyelid Surgery Consultation
With so many options, it can be confusing to know if blepharoplasty is what you need. Your first step should be a consultation with one of our surgeons at our main office in Annapolis or at one of our satellite offices in Easton or Prince Frederick.
During the consultation in one of our comfortable exam rooms, the doctor will review your goals and your medical history. You’ll discuss things like:
- Your goals: why do you want an eye lift and what outcome are you hoping for?
- Your medical history and your lifestyle. You’ll talk about things like:
- Are you taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs and/or herbal supplements?
- Do you smoke?
- Have you had any previous surgeries?
- Your body. The doctor will examine, measure and evaluate your eyelids and the areas around your eyes. With the aid of computer imaging, you be able to see the end results.
- The procedure. You’ll have time to ask whatever you need. We recommend writing down your questions, so you won’t forget anything.
During your eyelid surgery consultation, you can discuss other procedures you’re considering. Some patients have additional procedures done at the same time, like double eyelid surgery, to create an upper eyelid crease if you don’t have a natural fold, or one or more of the following:
Understanding your Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgeries are performed under general anesthesia by one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, in our fully accredited, state-of-the-art, ambulatory surgery center in Annapolis. During the procedure, incisions are made at the natural crease in your upper lid and below or behind the eyelash line in your lower lid. The excess fat and/or skin are removed and, if needed, the muscles are tightened.
After your Eyelid Surgery procedure: Recovery and Results
Your surgeon will give you a list of post-operative instructions, which you should follow closely. You’ll return in five to seven days to have your stiches removed. As with most surgical procedures, you may have some discomfort, which will be easily controlled with medication. Any swelling and bruising will subside rapidly over the following week or two.
Once you’ve healed completely, you’ll have a fresher, more rested appearance and eyelids that no longer interfere with your vision.
The only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate for blepharoplasty is to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons, to get the information you need to make an educated decision.