If you’re considering eyelid surgery, you might wonder how long it will take you to recover from the procedure. The short answer is: it depends. At Kadz Plastic Surgery, we offer eyelid surgery to patients seeking to reduce puffiness and sagging commonly associated with natural aging.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
What is eyelid surgery, and what benefits does it offer? Eyelid surgery, clinically referred to as blepharoplasty, refers to a procedure used to reshape the thin skin around the eyes. Some people are predisposed to eyelid sagging as they age, resulting in unwanted puffiness and drooping. Severe skin sagging can even impact an individual’s ability to see.
There are two main types of blepharoplasty: lower and upper eyelid surgery. In upper eyelid surgery, we remove excess skin and fat that causes the eyelids to droop. Incisions are made in the eyelid’s natural crease, which reduces the visibility of scars. In some cases, we’ll also tighten the tiny muscles in the eyelid, which reduces the potential for future drooping and helps to “open” the eye.
Lower eyelid surgery is appropriate for patients who have excess puffiness beneath their eyes. The puffiness can be due to fluid buildup, genetics, or excess fat. In a lower blepharoplasty, we make an incision just below the lower lashes and remove any excess skin, which results in a tighter appearance.
Some patients prefer to combine both procedures. Performing a complete blepharoplasty surgery will provide optimal benefits without undergoing multiple procedures at different times. Your overall eyelid surgery recovery period will be shorter, which most patients find advantageous.
We also offer double eyelid surgery, a technique used to create an upper eyelid crease. Some patients of Asian descent choose to undergo double eyelid surgery to reduce puffiness in their upper eyelids or to make it easier to apply makeup.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Both men and women can benefit from eyelid surgery. Here are a few advantages the treatment offers:
Creates a More Youthful Appearance
One of the main reasons patients choose to undergo eyelid surgery is to stymy the natural aging process. No one can altogether avoid aging, but some treatments and surgeries can reduce its impact and slow the process.
If you find that your eyelids are sagging more than you’d like, or you’re experiencing undereye puffiness that won’t go away despite lifestyle changes, a blepharoplasty may be the right solution for you. Most patients find they look younger following the procedure.
Fixes Vision Problems
Sagging eyelids can dramatically reduce your field of vision, especially if the drooping is severe. That can impact your ability to see when driving or doing other activities that require your full attention. Some people are so used to drooping eyelids they don’t realize how dramatically their vision is impacted.
If you think sagging eyelids are harming your ability to see, addressing the problem is critical. You don’t want to risk an accident simply because your excess eyelid skin is blocking your vision. In some cases, your medical insurance may cover most of the cost.
Offers Quick Results
While eyelid surgery may sound a little complex, it’s a standard procedure many people undergo for different reasons. Most surgeries take less than an hour to perform. After it’s complete, you’ll spend a few hours in our recovery room before returning home.
Most patients find the advantages of the procedure are well worth their time. Unlike other surgeries, there’s no need for months of downtime. Most people can return to work within a week or less.
What to Expect During a Blepharoplasty
If you’re considering a blepharoplasty, schedule a consultation with our office. During the consultation, we’ll examine your eyelids to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. We can also answer any questions you have.
On the day of your surgery, we’ll welcome you into our facility and ensure you’re entirely comfortable before starting. You’ll receive anesthesia, which numbs the area and may put you to sleep. Afterward, we’ll mark the incision areas and perform the surgery.
Some people combine eyelid surgeries with other procedures, like a facelift or brow lift. If that’s the case for you, your surgery will last longer than a typical blepharoplasty. You’ll spend a few hours recovering in our office before a family member or friend can drive you home, where you can continue to recover in a familiar setting.
Following the surgery, you’ll likely experience some puffiness. However, most people feel comfortable returning to work or other responsibilities within a week. You won’t need extensive downtime following a blepharoplasty procedure.
How Long Does Eyelid Surgery Recovery Take?
After the eyelid surgery, you’ll likely want to spend up to a week at home before you return to work and your normal routine. Some patients continue to see puffiness for several weeks after completing the procedure.
Generally, most people see a full recovery from their procedure within several months at most. The extent of your procedure, and whether it involves fat transfer or any muscle reshaping, will impact your recovery time.
It’s best to speak with us to learn what you can expect from a blepharoplasty. We’ll explain the recovery process and provide you with a timeline customized to your treatment.
Learn More About the Blepharoplasty Procedure
If you think blepharoplasty might be the solution you’re looking for, it’s essential to see a qualified surgeon who can handle the procedure. At Kadz Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, we provide eyelid surgery for patients seeking a more youthful appearance or who need to correct vision impairments. Schedule an appointment with us to find out how we can help you.
