Your eyes are one of the first features people notice, and if they look tired, old, and worn out, chances are you will too. As we get older, our skin gets thinner, and since the skin on our eyelids is already delicate, it’s no surprise that our lids are one of the first areas to start to show the signs of aging.
For most people, droopy upper lids and saggy lower lids are a cosmetic issue, making eyes look sleepy or “hooded.” But sometimes, lids can droop so much, they can wind up blocking your vision or causing other problems. In both cases, the solution for droopy, sagging lids is the same: eyelid surgery to remove excess skin and “lift” your lids so you look more alert, more energized, and more youthful. Also called blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery can be performed on either the upper or lower lids or both, depending on your specific needs. At Ethos Medical Group, Dr. Wu uses the most advanced blepharoplasty techniques to help patients get the custom results they need to look and feel their best. Here’s a quick rundown of what eyelid surgery can do for you.
What causes droopy lids?
Lid sagging and drooping can be caused by a combination of factors, including a natural thinning of the lid skin that occurs when the body’s production of collagen drops off as we age. Collagen fibers form a strong, supportive network for skin, and when collagen production declines, skin loses some of its natural elasticity and volume. In addition, a lifetime of sun exposure can also make your skin thinner and less resilient while also increasing wrinkles in and around the lids. And, of course, your genes also play a role in how your lids respond to the effects of aging. In the lower lids, deposits of fatty tissue under your eyes can pull lids down, exposing more of the whites of your eyes and sometimes exposing the inside of your lower lids as well.
What happens during a blepharoplasty procedure?
Before your procedure begins, your eyelids will be numbed with a local anesthetic and you’ll be given a mild sedative to help you relax. For upper lids, Dr. Wu makes an incision along the natural crease of the lid so that any resulting scar will be hidden. Excess tissue is removed and then the scar is closed with tiny sutures. In lower lid surgery, the incision will be made along the lash line or just inside your lid where it can’t be seen. Excess fatty tissue can be removed, and the lid can be repositioned so it follows the lower rim of your eye. When both lids are corrected, the upper lid will be treated first.
Can upper lids and lower lids be treated in one session?
Absolutely! Dr. Wu often treats both upper and lower lids in the same surgical session, helping men and women restore the entire lid area so they look and feel more alert and rejuvenated.
How will I feel after my eyelid surgery?
After your surgery, your eyes will probably be a little watery, and you might have a few temporary side effects, like light sensitivity or double or blurry vision. You can also expect some minor swelling and bruising around the eyes. All of these issues will clear up soon afterward as your lids heal and recover. You’ll be able to go home the same day you have your procedure, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting for a week or so. If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to switch to glasses for about three weeks. You’ll also receive special ointment and other medicine to prevent infection and discomfort while you heal.
How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery can be performed on most people who have sagging upper or lower lids, but there are some exceptions. People who have severely dry eyes might not be good candidates for the procedure since the surgery can cause additional irritation. In most cases, people with dry eyes can have the surgery once their condition is under control. If you have chronic eye infections or certain eye diseases, eyelid surgery might not be a good choice either. The best way to know if you’re a good candidate is to schedule an office visit so you can be evaluated.
Find out more about blepharoplasty
Are your droopy lids making you look and feel older than you are? Then blepharoplasty could be a good choice for you. To learn more about eyelid surgery at Ethos Medical Group, book an appointment online today.