If you want to look and feel younger, you’re not alone. With so many cosmetic surgery options on the market today, men and women have a variety of choices. Eyelid surgery is gaining traction as men and women choose to wake up their eyes with a refreshed new look. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is an amazing option for those seeking to eliminate droopy eyelids or bags under the eyes. Once you have decided to proceed with eyelid surgery, it’s essential to educate yourself about the best ways to prepare for a smooth recovery.
The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, are experts at performing both upper and lower eyelid surgery. With a focus on patient care, they can give patients everything they need to look and feel better. An eyelid procedure can provide both men and women a whole new outlook about their appearance, and in some cases, even help patients see better.
The decision to have eyelid surgery
There are two main reasons patients choose to undergo upper and/or lower eyelid surgery. For some, it is a medical need, while for others, it is for aesthetic purposes to restore a more youthful appearance.
A medical need
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, helps patients in the Greater New Jersey area by raising the area around the eyes while removing excess, loose skin. Especially among older patients, the skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, causing the eyelids to droop or sag. This excess skin can sag low enough that it impedes a person’s line of sight. Lower eyelid surgery mends puffiness or bags under the eyes. Some improvements are so extreme that men and women are now able to wear eyeglasses.
A younger look
For many men and women in New Jersey, eyelid surgery is done solely for cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic blepharoplasty is a fantastic way to produce a more youthful appearance. The delicate skin around the eyes often falls victim to decreased collagen production and lost skin elasticity. That can result in wrinkles and puffiness under the eyes, which can make individuals look tired. Eyelid surgery can provide amazing results by tightening the skin around the eyes, decreasing puffiness, and removing fine lines and wrinkles to give patients an overall rejuvenated appearance.
The recovery process
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about 2 – 3 hours for both upper and lower eyelid surgery. There will be some eye redness and slight bruising or swelling around the eyes for the first 1 – 2 weeks. Being prepared ahead of time by knowing how to best recover from eyelid surgery can help you get back up and running sooner. Read below for five helpful recovery tips from Greater New Jersey-area plastic surgeons The Peer Group.
1. Elevate your head Keep your head elevated with two or three pillows while sleeping and resting during the first few weeks. This elevation will help to minimize any additional swelling.
2. Apply cold compresses Cold compresses are fantastic helpers to alleviate any discomfort. Apply a cold compress to your eyelids every 10 – 15 minutes for the first 24 hours after your surgery or as directed. It is recommended that you follow this schedule throughout the day.
3. Protect your eyes Some patients will experience dryness and minimal irritation following surgery. If these occur, we can recommend ointments and eye drops to assist during the healing phase. Patients should protect their eyes against wind and sun irritation for the first several months by wearing dark sunglasses. Don’t wear contact lenses for at least two weeks after your surgery, but eyeglasses are permitted.
4. Rest and recuperate As with any surgery, resting for the first 3 – 4 days after surgery is the best medicine. Ask friends and family for assistance during this time so you can enjoy a worry-free recovery. Avoid lifting anything heavier than five pounds for about two weeks after surgery. During your follow-up visits, our surgeons at The Peer Group will give you the green light to resume exercise and regular activity.
5. Listen to your doctor Patients in the Greater New Jersey area should always follow their doctor’s post-surgical orders. It is essential that you communicate with our staff about any symptoms that seem out of the ordinary, including nausea or cold symptoms. Sneezing and vomiting should be avoided if possible, as they can raise blood pressure and cause bleeding at the surgical sites.
The plastic surgeons at The Peer Group will walk you through the process from beginning to end. Careful preparation ahead of time can help you feel at ease throughout the entire process. Do you wish you didn’t look so tired? Or are you ready to see better without extra skin interfering with your vision? If so, we invite you to contact the board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, to learn more about upper and lower eyelid surgery and its life-changing effects.