When crows feet, heavy lids and excessive baggage wreak havoc on the skin and muscles around the eyes, we are often left looking tired and depleted. Aging is something for which we should be grateful—however, it is possible to appreciate getting older, while still wanting the face you present to the world to be as lively as the youthful spirit within. Eyelid surgery revitalizes the energized look you once had to realign your appearance with that spunky twenty-something, who never left.
For men and women looking to give their appearance a little pick-me-up, eyelid surgery is a simple procedure that makes a dramatic difference. However, this procedure is not only for those wanting to turn back time. Individuals of all ages who are experiencing problems with functionality and vision obstruction due to drooping eyelids, can also benefit from this surgery. Also known as blepharoplasty, this procedure can be performed on either the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
- Upper eyelid surgery is performed by removing excess skin and fat from the area, as well as a tightening of the muscle that begins to stretch as we age. An incision is made at the crease of the upper lid and sutures are used to close the incision, recreating that youthful shape to the eye. Blepharoplasty surgery can elevate an upper eyelid margin slightly if the heaviness of the excessive skin actually is “weighing down” the upper eyelid, causing it to droop.
- Lower eyelid surgery is performed by removing the excess fat pockets, or bags, that bulge beneath the eyes. This procedure is approached through an incision just beneath the eyelashes (the open approach). Excess skin and wrinkles can be removed by cutting it away or by treating it with a skin resurfacing laser. No additional fee for laser resurfacing is charged because it is considered to be part of the surgery.
Surgery is performed under IV sedation, as an outpatient procedure. Eyelid surgery takes approximately one hour, and the risks are minimal. Recovery from eyelid surgery is quick and easy. Sutures are removed after four days and bruising is minimal. The bruising that might occur is gone within five to seven days, and postoperative swelling is gone in seven to ten days. In some cases, slight residual swelling may persist for up to several months. However, if recovery instructions are carefully followed, the optimal results should be achieved in a short period of time.
Aging is something we cannot control, but how we choose to handle is up to you. A subtle change that makes a dramatic difference, eyelid surgery creates a more youthful appearance that will have you feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed. Contact us today for your free eyelid surgery consultation and let Chicago Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Frank Madda, help to revitalize your look just in time for the holidays.