In 2017, over 1.8 million people underwent cosmetic surgery, of which about 209,571 procedures were eyelid surgeries, says an article by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a good option for people with saggy eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is a kind of eyelid correction surgery that removes extra skin or muscles around the eyes. Droopy or saggy eyelids can be corrected through this procedure. With age, excess muscle may accumulate around your eyelids, them to droop or bags to form under the eyes. Blepharoplasty can correct these problems and rejuvenate your look. However, before undergoing eyelid surgery, you need to know certain things.
ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY?
Before deciding on the procedure, you should know whether you a good candidate or not. A good candidate foe eyelid surgery will have:
- Excess skin or muscles above or under the eyes
- Saggy eyelids that affect vision
- Puffy eyes
- Lines under the eyes that make the person look older
A good candidate is someone who is healthy, without any serious medical conditions. You also should be a non-smoker to minimize the risk of complications and speed up recovery time. If you have realistic goals and want to get rid of your saggy eyes, there are various reputed clinics in Delhi that offer eyelid surgery.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL RECOVERY TAKE?
The surgery can be completed in just 30 minutes, with local anaesthesia and the recovery period is typically 5-7 days,says Dr Ashutosh Misra, a leading plastic surgeon in Delhi. You will need to apply a gel to reduce the swelling and itchiness post-surgery. You might suffer some discomfort while opening and closing eyes, but this is a temporary condition and can be treated with ointments and eye drops. Full recovery depends on the number of stiches, which can vary from person to person. Most people start working and indulge in normal everyday activities after 10-12 days.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH EYELID SURGERY
A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon will ensure that there are minimal complications after the surgery. However, there are certain risks associated with the surgery. These risks may include dry eyes, irritation in the eyes and difficulty in opening or closing of eyes for some time. Scarring, skin discoloration, bruising and infection can also occur after surgery. However, the good part is all these complications are temporary and can be cured.
HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE SURGERY
Before setting a date for your surgery, your surgeon will ask for your medical history. You will need to tell the surgeon about any previous surgeries, heart problems, diabetes or allergies, if any. It is advised to have an open conversation with your doctor and inform him if you are taking any supplements or other medications.
Remember not to use Advil, Motrin, Aspirin, Naproxen and Aleve, since they increase the chances of bleeding. Some double eyelid surgery experts advise that you should quit smoking 2-3 weeks before the surgery, since smoking tobacco may reduce your healing ability after the surgery.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER THE SURGERY?
“We provide our patients a list of do’s and don’ts after the surgery,” says Dr Ashutosh Misra. You should apply ice packs on your eyes after every hour for 10-12 minutes, the night after the surgery. Clean your eyelids gently and avoid rubbing the area around your eyes. Avoid physical straining and activities such as swimming, weight lifting, jogging, etc., for at least a week. If you experience chest pain, bleeding, respiratory or vision problems, immediately contact your doctor.
Your may have inherited baggy eyes from your parents or grandparents. However, you can continue to look youthful just by limiting sun exposure, reducing stress levels and avoiding smoking. And, if all else fails, blepharoplasty surgery is always an option.
