HEALING AFTER EYELID REJUVENATION

To address the signs of aging around the eyes, many people come in for blepharoplasty. If you’re interested in this procedure, you may be worrying about the healing process afterwards. It’s important to learn more about this aspect of the procedure beforehand.

Before this, however, it’s helpful to know why we develop these signs of aging in the first place. It’s also vital that you learn more about what exactly happens during blepharoplasty.

EYELIDS AND THE AGING PROCESS

As we get older, it’s our eyes that first start to show the signs of aging. Aging of the eyes usually starts during one’s middle-age phase. There are multiple factors that lead to the aging of the eyes.

Excess skin on the eyelids is one of the main factors. This can cause a person to look constantly tired. In extreme cases, excess skin can even end up obstructing vision.

Apart from excess skin, the eyelids also end up losing their structural integrity, which causes the fat under the eyes to bulge. This leads to eyelid puffiness. The fat, in turn, transitions at the cheek and the nose, creating a deep trough that resembles a tear.

However, with a blepharoplasty, you can reposition the bulging fat, tighten the sagging skin, and restore your eyes to their original state. This allows you to regain your youthful appearance.

THE BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE

The entire blepharoplasty procedure takes about two hours if both the lower and upper eyelids are operated upon. Dr. Chevray will most likely use local anesthesia and sedation before beginning the procedure.

If all four eyelids are being operated on, the work will typically begin with the upper eyelids. Dr. Chevray will make an incision along the natural line at the top of the eyelid. Then he will separate the skin from the underlying tissues. He will excise the excess skin and tighten skin and muscle tissue. The incisions will be closed with small dissolvable stitches. The stitches usually remain for a few days.

There are several surgical techniques used to carry out a blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids. One such method involves making incisions inside the lower eyelid. This prevents the incision from being visible. A second method involves performing an incision along the eyelash line. Dr. Chevray will then reposition or remove the excess fat and will tighten sagging tissues.

HEALING AFTER BLEPHAROPLASTY

On the day of your blepharoplasty procedure, you will need to arrange a ride home from a friend or family member, since you will not be able to drive that day.

Recovery from eyelid rejuvenation may involve the use of cold compresses in the area. This is to help reduce the minor swelling and bruising that is likely to occur. The swelling and bruising will subside in a few days with continued use of the cold compresses. Bandages placed over the incisions are usually removed after a few days.

As you are healing, it will be incredibly important to protect your healing eyelids. This means avoiding heavy sun exposure. Wearing sunscreen on the eyelids will be vital, as will protecting them from wind and dust by wearing sunglasses.

You can resume your day-to-day activities after a few days. After a few weeks of healing have taken place, you should be able to enjoy your full results.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

Dr. Pierre Chevray, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, will be happy to tell you more about blepharoplasty during a consultation. Contact us today to find out more.