5 Important Facts About Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

When it comes to your appearance, your eyes are often one of the first features people notice. Eyes are the source of our emotions and expressions, and they can also be an indicator of our age, health, and stress levels. In fact, if we’re not careful, our eyes — or more specifically, our eyelids — can make us look a lot older and more tired than we really feel.

Fortunately, cosmetic eyelid surgery can help by correcting the changes that occur over time. In this post, Rishi Jindal, MD, reviews five important facts about eyelid surgery at Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery to help you decide if the procedure can help you achieve your personal aesthetic goals.

1. It can take years off your appearance

As noted, your eyes have a major influence on your overall appearance — and on the impression you make on others. Sagging, drooping lids and bags under your eyes instantly age you and make you look perpetually tired.

Cosmetic eye surgery (also called blepharoplasty) uses special techniques to remove excess skin and fat, repositioning tissues so your eyes look more alert and more youthful. After surgery, you’ll find yourself looking and feeling more alert and more confident, as well.

2. Lower lids and upper lids can be treated

Eyelid surgery is designed to treat both upper and lower lids, depending on your needs and goals. Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin and can correct ptosis, lid drooping severe enough to interfere with clear vision. Lower eyelid surgery targets bags and puffiness, helping smooth under-eye hollows and reduce shadowing.

While you can certainly have just one set of lids corrected — either uppers or lowers — many people opt to have both uppers and lowers corrected at the same time. Dr. Jindal can help you decide which option is optimal for your goals.

3. Recovery is typically quick

Unlike more comprehensive surgeries, eyelid surgery is usually associated with a relatively quick recovery period. In fact, most patients return to normal activities within a week or two, though swelling and bruising may take a bit longer to fully resolve. 

During recovery, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity and direct sun exposure. Applying ice packs and cold compresses helps reduce swelling and limit bruising in the area. We may prescribe soothing eye drops to reduce irritation, as well.

4. Scars are hidden — but may still be visible

For upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Jindal places incisions in the eyelid crease, meaning scars are invisible to anyone but you. Lower lid surgery uses incisions along the lash line or on the underside of the lid, hiding scars from view.

Our team also provides you with complete recovery instructions to help speed healing and minimize scarring, as well. Following these instructions is essential for achieving optimal results.

5. You can combine it with other procedures

Cosmetic eyelid surgery can dramatically improve your appearance, eliminating the worn, tired look associated with droopy lids. But it also works well with other cosmetic procedures.

Depending on your overall goals, you may decide to combine a blepharoplasty procedure with a browlift or forehead lift, a threadlift, or even a complete facelift. Best of all, surgeries can be performed at the same time, meaning you only have to go through the procedure and the recovery period once.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is a popular option for both women and men, thanks to its great results and quick recovery period. To learn more about this and other procedures focused on helping you look and feel great, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Jindal and the team at Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery in San Diego, California, today.