Patients are often surprised by the various benefits that come with eyelid surgery. Those who are dealing with cosmetic issues in their eyelids often hear that they look ‘tired’ or ‘angry.’ It’s no secret that eyelid sagging is a normal part of the aging process. People who suffer from this condition can often appear sleep deprived or upset even if they feel great.
While many anti-aging protocols can treat issues in the eye region, they are mostly ineffective when it comes to the eyelids. An eyelid lift is a surgical procedure that can address these problems, improving the patient’s look.
Who benefits most from these procedures?
The technical term for eyelid surgery is blepharoplasty. Designed to address both functional and cosmetic reasons, it is performed by removing a small amount of excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, reducing any sagging in the area, and tightening the remaining skin. The results leave patients looking brighter and happier than they’ve been in years.
The natural aging process most often causes eyelid sagging. Proteins such as collagen and elastin are what help keep our skin elastic and tight. As we age, our bodies produce less and less of these proteins. Over time, wrinkles and fine lines begin to form as the skin can no longer ‘snap back’ to its original position.
Another effect is that the skin becomes thinner as fat deposits start migrating to other areas. This process also contributes to volume loss and sagging.
As the eyelids are already incredibly thin, skin aging is most noticeable there. The eyelids may begin to sag, resulting in an eye region that looks more wrinkled and less defined. Patients who are looking to address sagging and folds in the eye area usually make good candidates for blepharoplasty.
When should patients start to consider eyelid surgery?
Data shows that approximately 90 percent of blepharoplasty patients are ages 40 and up. Of that 90 percent, more than half are 55 years old and over. Nonetheless, age is not the only factor in determining candidacy for the treatment. Some individuals struggle with naturally hooded eyes and need to have them treated. Thus, patients of any age may be suitable candidates for the procedure if they have issues.
That said, the best results from eyelid surgery are usually seen in patients who are at least 40 years of age. To complicate things more, there is a caveat for elderly patients who wish to undergo treatment. It is usually not recommended that older patients (65+) receive a blepharoplasty, as there are surgical risks that can outweigh the rewards of the treatment.
What does a blepharoplasty procedure entail?
Like most surgical procedures, patients undergoing eyelid surgery will have the option to choose either local or general anesthesia. After the treatment, patients usually require one to two weeks of recovery. Throughout this period of time, swelling and bruising are normal and to be expected. These effects will dissipate within 7 to 10 days.
Makeup can be used to cover up any marks that may remain. Once the swelling has completely died down, the results are immediately noticeable. While the difference is perceivable, it is generally subtle and not too overstated. Onlookers will not be able to tell that the patient has undergone surgery, but they will notice that they look happier and more rested than before.
What is the takeaway?
Eyelid surgery is highly effective for treating signs of aging in the eye region. While it is most often associated with older patients who are struggling with unwanted changes around the eyes, candidates can be of any age. That said, the average appears to be somewhere around 55 years old.
Recognizing signs of aging early on and treating them right away is a great way to ensure they don’t progress further. When choosing to undergo blepharoplasty, procedure it is vital that patients seek out an experienced, skilled physician to carry out the procedure.