Facial expressions are a language of their own, especially when it comes to your eyes. When drooping eyelids get in the way of what you’d like convey, sending the wrong message, a blepharoplasty can help open up communications again.
Here at McHugh Plastic Surgery, we’ve helped many of our patients in the Woodlands, Texas, undo the tired look of drooping eyelids, re-revealing the bright-eyed, youthful spirit behind them. If you’re considering a blepharoplasty, here’s what you need to know about this eye-opening procedure.
The blepharoplasty is one of the most popular procedures in the United States, for both men and women. In fact, eyelid surgery saw a significant jump of 26% in 2017, with more than 145,000 procedures performed. Among women, it was the fifth most popular plastic surgery and the second most popular among men, ranking third overall among both sexes (behind breast augmentation and liposuction).
One of the biggest reasons behind the popularity of eyelid surgery is the way it transforms your look.
Eyelid surgery is a fairly uncomplicated outpatient procedure that delivers dramatic results. As we stated in the beginning, your eyes are expressive features that speak volumes without uttering a word. When your eyelids begin to droop or sag, your expressions take on a tired and fatigued look, despite how well rested and energetic you may feel. This effect can be very frustrating, as it detracts from a quick wink or a raised eyebrow.
Your eyes are also one of the first things people notice about you, often drawing them in with their alertness, wonder, and intelligence. Hooded eyelids cast a shadow over your bright eyes, keeping the world from seeing the true you underneath. In some cases, drooping eyelids can also interfere with how you look back at the world, disturbing your vision.
With a blepharoplasty, we can address several issues around your eyes, including drooping upper eyelids, bags under your eyes, and sagging lower eyelids. During your initial consultation, Dr. Thomas McHugh reviews your concerns and comes up with a recommendation that meets your goals. Dr. McHugh performs most eyelid surgeries on an outpatient basis, meaning there’s no hospital stay involved in this minor surgery.
After Dr. McHugh ensures your comfort using either local or general anesthesia, he makes an incision in the crease of your upper eyelid in order to remove or relocate fat, tighten your muscles, and remove any excess tissue. If you want your lower lids addressed, Dr. McHugh is often able to make the incision along your lower lash line to remove excess tissue and fat, leaving you with no obvious scarring.
While a blepharoplasty is a relatively minor procedure, it’s still surgery, and you need to follow Dr. McHugh’s instructions for swift healing. After your surgery, you’re free to return home (you should have someone drive you) and you’ll be armed with topical medications and gauze. To keep comfortable for the first day or two after your eyelid surgery, you should apply cold compresses to your eyes for the swelling and plan on taking it easy.
Over the following week, the initial swelling and bruising begin to abate as your incisions heal, though you may still have some minor swelling for several weeks. The human body heals in its own time, from the inside out, so patience is key as your eyes begin to reveal themselves. Most patients see appreciable results in two to four weeks.
Once your final results have settled in, it’s up to you to protect your eyes as best you can with proper eyewear in the sun and a good moisturizing regimen to keep the skin hydrated and toned.
If you’d like to open up your eyes to the world again, please give us a call or use the online booking tool on this website to schedule a consultation.
