The eyes are some of the most prominent features of the face. They help define our aesthetic identities and balance our facial structure, and they help tell our stories. As we get older, the skin around our eyes is the first to show signs of aging and can make some people feel less like themselves and less confident. For decades men and women alike have been searching for a safe, convenient solution to loose, drooping eyelids and the vision problems associated with excess skin around the eyes. Here at Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center, we are proud to offer eyelid surgery as a cosmetic solution to this issue.
What is eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelids, and in some cases both. For patients who are candidates for eyelid surgery, it is a great option to treat a variety of conditions such as:
- Bags under the eyes
- Loose or sagging skin around the eyes
- Vision impairment due to loose or sagging skin around the eyes
- Fatty deposits that cause the eyelids to appear “puffy”
- Fine wrinkles and loose skin around the lower eyelids
Patients can seek treatment for these conditions whether they are for cosmetic improvement or to restore the functionality of their eyesight.
Am I a candidate for eyelid surgery?
Not everyone is a candidate for eyelid surgery. Just like with any other surgical procedure, you will need to be evaluated prior to scheduling eyelid surgery to determine if this is the best treatment option for you. While many of the above conditions can be caused by aging and loss of elasticity, there may also be other underlying issues that might call for a different type of treatment.
Some of the factors we take into consideration when determining if a patient is a candidate for eyelid surgery include:
- Overall health- we want our patients to be in tip-top shape before undergoing any surgical treatment. Any conditions that might hinder or impair the healing process could be a cause for concern.
- If the patient is of sound mind and in good psychiatric condition- any alteration to the face can be a huge adjustment. Any outstanding psychiatric conditions that might make recovery more difficult may need to be discussed further with your surgeon and a counselor before scheduling surgery.
- Whether or not the patient is a smoker- this can affect your ability to heal after surgery.
- Whether the patient has a strong support system at home- recovery from eyelid surgery can be difficult and we don’t want our patients to do it alone.
- If the patient has a history of previous eye conditions that may become more problematic after surgery or that may interfere with the success of eyelid surgery.
It is important to remember that each patient is unique, and one treatment plan may not work for every patient. If you are not a candidate for eyelid surgery, talk to one of our specialists to see what other treatment options might be available to you.
Planning Ahead
While eyelid surgery in itself isn’t an extensive procedure, the follow-up care is crucial to its success and can be a bit lengthy. If you are interested in receiving eyelid surgery, you will need to make the commitment ahead of time to maintaining at-home care post-operation. This will help reduce your risks of getting an infection and improve your overall outcome and healing process.
Patients have been known to experience bruising, watery eyes, light sensitivity, and swelling amongst other post-operative symptoms, so plan for someone to stay with you in the days following your surgery to help you as your eyelid heals. Wearing sunglasses and applying cold compresses to the surgery site are recommended to help keep these symptoms at bay. Avoid taking any medications that are associated with increased bleeding such as ibuprofen, and instead only use those medications prescribed and/or approved by your surgeon. If you experience shortness of breath, vision problems, bleeding, severe pain, or chest pain after your surgery, seek medical attention immediately.
As always, we are always happy to answer any questions you may have about your treatment and are here to support you through your recovery.
Here at Tampa Bay Cosmetic Surgery Center, we are always looking for new ways to help our patients look and feel their best. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.