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As we get older, our skin loses its elasticity. This is often evident in areas around the eyelids. Accumulation of lose skin creates a lot of creases in the lower eyelids. Moreover, the lose muscles underneath also creates protruding cushions around the eyes that give the appearance of bags. While drooping eyelids do look unsightly, the most disadvantageous thing is, they can obstruct your vision.

It is normal for people to suffer from a droopy eyelid. But if you want to correct your eyelids, you can get an eyelid reduction surgery. Also called blepharoplasty, cosmetic eyelid surgery removes the excess skin and fat around the eyes. It thus reduces the swelling and improves its overall look. Eyelid surgery may sound simple, but there is a lot of essential information that you need to know first.

Why Is It Needed?

There are many reasons why eyelid surgery is necessary. Aside from improving the overall aesthetics, eyelid surgery is also performed to improve the functional vision of the patient. Having droopy and baggy eyelids can impair the vision and reduce the ability of the patient in doing certain tasks like driving or using the computer. Moreover, droopy eyes also make it difficult for people to wear contact lenses or glasses.

There are many other conditions that require the need for functional eyelid surgery and these include irritation caused by the excess skin of the eyelids rubbing together. And even forehead discomfort due to strained muscles around the eyelid area.

Once these conditions have been identified, eyelid surgery is performed by ophthalmologists, ENT surgeons and general plastic surgeons.

Preparation Before the Surgery

Prior to the day of your surgery, there are some things that you need to do to help you during the operation. Below are the essential things that you must know before undergoing the eyelid surgery.

• Stop taking blood-thinning medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen two weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
• Do not drink anything after midnight and eat only a light meal the evening before the operation.
• Take the required medication the morning of the procedure. These include medication for blood pressure and so on.
• Never wear eye makeup during the day of the operation.
• Make sure that you have someone to take you home after the operation.

How Is the Surgery Performed?

The operation can be carried out by either general or local anesthesia. In general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision around the natural lines of the eyelids where the excess fat and skin are excised. Once the fat and lose skin are removed, the incision is closed. A resurfacing laser can also be used to tighten the external skin as well as reduce wrinkles and remove any external scars.

After the surgery, it is helpful if you keep your head elevated for a couple of days. This is necessary to improve the drainage around the head area. You can also use a cold compress or ice packs to ease the swelling. After several days to a week, you will go back to the doctor to have the sutures removed. However, you will continue to use suture strips for a week more to provide support to the lower eyelids.

The Benefits of Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery has the amazing ability to both restore youthfulness to your face by removing sagging skin and tired-looking bags, while potentially aiding in your ease of vision. Few cosmetic surgeries offer the benefits of this. Additionally, eyelid surgery can be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures. Skin treatments such as chemical peels can add (or rather take off) a whole new layer to your procedure, gifting you with beautifully young skin and permanently refreshed eyes.

Eyelid Surgery in Los Angeles with Doctor Binder

If you feel like you may be a candidate for eyelid surgery in Los Angeles, or you’ve been recommended to have one by another medical professional, contact Doctor Binder to schedule an appointment and consultation to discuss the procedure in greater detail.