In the dynamic world of cosmetic surgery, trends and preferences often change rapidly, reflecting societal attitudes towards beauty and aging. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, has recently surged in demand, owing its popularity to its effectiveness in achieving a refreshed, youthful appearance with relatively minimal invasiveness. Eyelid surgery consistently ranks among the top cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States, and is an increasingly sought-after procedure amongst my patients.
During consultations with people considering blepharoplasty, most individuals express concerns that their under eye skin has sagged, bags have formed, and wrinkles and hollowness contribute to an aged appearance. For the upper lids, excess skin can make a person look tired and may in extreme cases impair vision.
When considering facial harmony, it’s no surprise that the eyes are one of the most important points of the face. They are often the first features noticed by others, and they help convey much of our emotional nuance. The combined effect of bags and hollows below the eyes and loose, wrinkled skin above the eyes can create an overall tired look that simply isn’t in line with how a person actually feels or wants to represent to the world. Blepharoplasty helps to correct this to achieve both aesthetic and functional results.
Rejuvenation of the Eyes
At the core of every eyelid surgery procedure is the focus on brightening and rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes. The eyes have received a renewed focus in recent years due to increased video conferencing and masks that have covered other portions of the face. While most people have put the masks away and video meetings are less frequent, the focus on the eyes as a source of beauty and focus of attention remains.
Enhanced Facial Harmony
Any changes in the upper or lower eyelids can significantly impact overall facial aesthetics. Eyelid surgery contributes to facial harmony by firming and smoothing the skin surrounding the eye and the eyelids. The procedure can make the eyes look larger, which can contribute to a more youthful look and better proportions with other features such as the nose and lips. By eliminating excess skin and creating a natural and refreshed look, you can restore balance and symmetry to the face.
Functional Improvements
In addition to its cosmetic benefits, eyelid surgery can improve field of vision in cases of extreme drooping of the upper lids. While this is not the most common reason to have eyelid surgery, it can be literally “eye opening” for patients who may not have realized how much sagging upper lids have impacted their peripheral vision. Blepharoplasty for functional improvement may even be eligible for insurance coverage depending on a person’s plan.
Minimally Invasive Nature
As the name implies, eyelid surgery involves a surgical procedure, with the surgeon making incisions on the upper and/or lower eyelids and manipulating tissue in this sensitive area. And as with all surgeries, there are risks associated and some degree of recovery required. However, compared to many other plastic surgeries of the face and body, eyelid surgery is less invasive, with less discomfort and a quicker recovery.
Although everyone’s recovery will vary depending upon personal factors like lifestyle and age, recovery times are typically quick due to smaller incisions made during the surgery. Most patients experience mild bruising and swelling, as well as a sensation of tightness around the eyes that can be comfortably managed with over the counter medications. Patients typically will see final results in about 4 to 6 months, making it an attractive option for those seeking subtle yet impactful enhancements quickly.
Combining Eyelid Surgery with Other Procedures
Blepharoplasty is a fantastic way to eliminate excess skin near the eyes and achieve a more youthful look. The procedure is also perfect for those looking to achieve even greater facial rejuvenation, as it can be effectively combined with other procedures such as a face lift or even rhinoplasty.
Some evidence suggests that eyelid surgery is being included not just in facial rejuvenation procedures but for people who are looking for a more complete redo, such as women having mommy makeovers. It is worth careful consideration of a surgeon’s qualifications, experience and results before combining face and body procedures into a single surgery. While it might feel like a nice idea to go to sleep and wake up with all your cosmetic concerns addressed, the reality is that very few surgeons have deep experience in performing both facial and body/breast cosmetic procedures.
Blepharoplasty, like most facial cosmetic procedures, is a delicate surgery. It requires understanding of the anatomy around the eye, and practice with complex techniques to achieve results that will be long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. Results that are off by even a millimeter can greatly impact how you look and how satisfied you are with the result. Always remember to thoroughly do your research when seeking the right plastic surgeon for your procedure, and meet with several surgeons to discuss all of your cosmetic concerns. A board-certified facial plastic surgeon is likely in the best position to give you the results you want, and if you want other procedures such as liposuction, a breast lift, or a tummy tuck, those can be done by a separate specialist in your area.
Waleed Ezzat, M.D., F.A.C.S. is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He operates under the philosophy that natural beauty is the best kind of beauty. Dr. Ezzat addresses each aesthetic or reconstructive challenge by considering the whole facial anatomy rather than focusing on one isolated area. This comprehensive approach maintains a goal of fully functional and natural-looking results that fit perfectly within each individual’s unique genetic makeup.
