This is such a common question and for good reason. Our eyes convey so much – our age, emotions, and energy level. As we age, our eyes are often adversely affected. Extra skin and fat start to sag and bulge, and often the eyelids will droop. You might feel great and like you have enough energy to run a marathon, but if your eyes are hanging heavy, that is not the feeling you convey to the world.
At Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas, Dr. Charles Guy and his skilled team specialize in plastic surgery from the collarbone up. Here, we’ll discuss how certain procedures, like blepharoplasty, can reduce signs of aging around the eyes and help people outwardly express the vitality they feel inside.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty, or an eyelift, is the very best way to treat the eyes. This surgery eliminates excess skin around the eyelids and can be administered on the upper or lower lids – or both. The following are some issues this type of eye surgery corrects:
Types of Blepharoplasty Surgery
Blepharoplasty procedures are defined by which area of the eye is most affected. The two main types include lower blepharoplasty (eye bags) and upper blepharoplasty (eyelift).
Lower blepharoplasty can be performed in the office or operating room, and it rids the eyelids of bags and improves wrinkles. Most upper blepharoplasties are performed in the office. They remove the excess skin on the upper lids that makes the eyes look heavy. Going beyond appearance, that excess skin often also affects vision, so people find that removal benefits them in all kinds of ways. All four eyelids can be done at once, or a patient might opt for either upper or lower surgery depending on their needs.
Dermal Fillers and Fat Transfers
Something else to consider is the addition of fillers or fat transfers to the eye area. While patients can obtain synthetic dermal fillers produced in labs, they can also seek fat transfers – a natural alternative to dermal fillers. During a fat transfer, the surgeon collects fat cells from one area of the body, purifies them, and then puts them into the cheek area below the eyelids via injection.
These types of eye bag surgery can also give someone a more youthful look. The results of fillers are not permanent, but with a fat transfer, your appearance can be altered long-term.
Pros and Cons of Eye Modification Surgery
As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to balance your priorities – how much downtime your life can handle, whether you want the results to be permanent, and what you would like to achieve with the final look. The following details some of the benefits and drawbacks of eye modification surgeries, such as blepharoplasty:
Benefits of Cosmetic Eye Surgery
For many people, an improved appearance makes eyelid surgery well worth it in the end. While other areas of the body may stand out, the eyes are most likely the feature that others look at, especially during conversation.
At the same time, the eyes are one of the first areas that convey signs of aging. How a person’s age affects their eyes can significantly impact how others see them. For instance, if upper or lower eyelids droop, the affected individual may appear sad, angry, and of course, tired. Cosmetic surgery alters this look, helping people maintain a demeanor that makes them feel more confident and personable.
Another advantage of eye modification is that it generally does not take long for recovery. Patients should expect about two weeks of downtime before they are ready to go back to work or resume ordinary activities. That said, recovery time for a specific case will depend on the scope of the surgery and other factors.
Drawbacks of Cosmetic Eye Surgery
While the recovery time for eyelifts is relatively quick, patients may need to wait a few weeks before seeing results. During this time, they may notice some side effects that are common after many surgeries, such as bruising, swelling, temporary tearing or dry eyes, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. The following are some unusual risks of blepharoplasty:
Eyelid surgery provides a longer-lasting solution to halting the effects of aging than some other procedures, but it cannot stop the aging process. However, working with a compassionate, experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in treating eyes can increase the likelihood that the first procedure matches the patient’s expectations and eases their concerns about a possible follow-up surgery.
Enhance Your Eyes With Cosmetic Surgery
If you are sick and tired of looking tired, we can fix it. There are lots of different ways to ensure that the world will see you exactly as you feel inside – youthful, energetic, awake, and ready for whatever might be coming next. We have developed a solid reputation in Waco and central Texas, enabling patients throughout the area to obtain outstanding plastic surgery services without needing to travel to areas like Dallas or Austin and potentially paying more. Additionally, Dr. Guy and his team strive to treat patients like family, maintaining a down-to-earth approach and educating patients on their options. Contact us to learn more about blepharoplasty or request a consultation at Facial Plastic Surgery of Central Texas today.