Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is an operation that can improve the appearance of the region of your face surrounding the eyes. But how long do the results from eyelid surgery last?
Whether employed for medical or aesthetic reasons, a successful eyelid surgery can bring marked improvements to this area of the face. Because of this, the surgery can also have a positive impact on one’s emotional life and self-esteem.
How Long Do the Results from Eyelid Surgery Last?
If you’re like most people, you’ll want to be as informed as possible regarding the details of your operation, including how long the results are due to last.
Long Lasting Results
A properly performed blepharoplasty has the potential to produce extremely durable benefits. Given the broad extent of the outcomes, it is still an expensive procedure to have.
In fact, the effects of a lower blepharoplasty are so long-lasting that they nearly last forever. However, the effects of upper blepharoplasty usually remain for a few years.
Why Receive Blepharoplasty?
Unfortunately, compared to many other parts of the body, the eyes are one that shows the effects of aging more quickly.
The skin and muscles that surround the eyelids are starting to lose integrity, which is mostly to blame.
When this occurs, the eyes may start to sag and droop unattractively. These characteristics might purposefully give someone the appearance of being older than they are.
One may avoid a lot of hassle and annoyance by taking care of this problem right away.
What Qualifies As a Patient For Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty can be performed on anyone who is unhappy with the way their eyes look, and there are many reasons why someone might do so.
For instance, you could be a good candidate for a lower blepharoplasty, which addresses the area of the face that is affected by chronic bags beneath the eyes.
On the other hand, if you have problems with your upper eyelid due to excess fat, muscle, or sagginess, an upper blepharoplasty would probably be very beneficial for you.
The versatility of blepharoplasties, which come in both varieties, allows them to be successfully combined with other cosmetic treatments.
Is There a Right Age for Surgery On The Eyelids?
In general, the majority of patients who choose to get eyelid surgery are at least in their 30s.
However, legally, any adult who is older than 18 can get an eyelid operation. Also, the majority of individuals under the age of 30 would probably find minimal benefit in having this operation, at least for the reasons it is frequently requested.
However, if you’re dissatisfied with the way your eyes look for any reason or due to unusual circumstances, the procedure may provide you with some significant advantages.
Different Types of Eyelid Surgeries
There are two major types of eyelid surgery, and each one has a different timeline in terms of how long the results are expected to last.
Upper eyelid surgery is a procedure that targets the upper eyelids and surrounding areas, and lower blepharoplasty does the opposite by targeting the lower eyelids.
Each procedure carries its own results timeline. The results from an upper blepharoplasty are estimated to last generally 5 to 7 years. On the other hand, the results from a lower blepharoplasty have the potential to last for a lifetime.
The difference is explained by the fact that lower blepharoplasty is achieved by the removal of subcutaneous fat, while upper blepharoplasty is executed by lifting sagging tissues. These lifted tissues are subsequently affected by gravity over the years.
Setting Your Expectations for Eyelid Surgery
With these parameters and timelines laid out for the respective types of surgery, you can enter your surgical procedure with the right set of expectations for your own procedure.
Having a realistic set of expectations regarding surgery can ensure that you’ll ultimately be more satisfied with your results, as you’ll have a stronger sense of what will actually occur. This is true for other aspects of the operation as well, apart from just the longevity of the results.
Factors That Can Impact Longevity
There are many things that can impact the overall longevity of your upper blepharoplasty results.
Apart from just the natural pull of time, exposing your eyelid areas to certain stressors can also impact how long you can expect your surgery results to last. Limiting the time that you experience these stressors is recommended.
Some of these include:
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Exposure to smoke from smoking
- Accidental impact or injury
- Lack of sleep
Risks Associated With Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasties have a number of hazards, as is the case with any invasive procedures. To approach the surgical process as an educated patient, it is crucial to be aware of these risks.
The following are a few dangers connected to this procedure:
- Irritated or dry eyes
- Accidental damage to the eye muscles
- Temporary blurring of vision
- Potential scarring and/or color changes at the site of surgery
- Potential issues with the eyelids.
Depending on the ins and outs of your own personal medical situation, you might find that you have additional risks associated with receiving medical treatment.
Ways to Extend Your Results
By the same token, you can extend the results of your eyelid surgery by undergoing a number of precautions in your day-to-day life.
Making sure that you get enough rest, wearing sunscreen, and maintaining a steady diet and exercise regime can all have positive impacts on the overall duration of your eyelid surgery results.
In addition, maintaining proper hydration will also benefit you in the quest to extend your results, along with a number of other health benefits.
All in all, many of the same practices that generally make for healthy living are also relevant for the maintenance of your surgical results.
There Is a Reasonable Recovery Time After Blepharoplasty
The fact that blepharoplasty is typically seen as a low-impact procedure in terms of recovery time supports this sense of economy.
Recovery times following blepharoplasty are typically thought to be relatively short. When you organize your life to accommodate the required changes to have a healthy recovery time, this is something that can matter.
When it comes to more complicated surgery, these modifications may be highly disruptive. Fortunately, blepharoplasty is more affordable for people with hectic schedules due to how quickly recovery occurs.
Find Out If You Are a Good Candidate
Most healthy adults without serious medical issues will ultimately qualify for blepharoplasty. The barrier can come if you suffer from more serious chronic health problems, such as heart disease or COPD.
Patients who have issues such as these may not have the fortitude to withstand the physiological stress that comes with undergoing general anesthesia.
Barring the presence of these types of medical issues, most people who are interested in receiving eyelid surgery should find themselves approved to receive treatment.
Receiving a Medical Evaluation
Prior to having eyelid surgery, it can be wise for you to have certain lab tests done or get a medical checkup, depending on your medical history.
The systems of the body are sufficiently complex and interconnected that you may want to take into account your medical history and speak with your doctor about potential complications that may arise, even if your medical anomalies or history have nothing to do with the eyelids or the region around the eyes.
You may make sure that your health is typically good enough for your body to withstand the adverse effects that surgery can occasionally bring by undertaking a number of preparatory examinations.
Schedule a Pre-Surgical Consultation
Before your operation, you’ll undergo a pre-surgical consultation with your physician to discuss all of the elements regarding your upcoming procedure.
During this consultation, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to to feel safe and comfortable with the treatment during your appointment.
You should also feel free to discuss any worries you may have with your doctor so that the two of you can go into the operating room as prepared and at ease as possible.
You will develop a higher level of trust and understanding with your surgeon after this procedure. Overall, this will only improve your operation as a whole.
Selecting the Right Physician
You should only undergo treatment with physicians who are certified by the ABPS – the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. This will give you the security you need that you are in the hands of a capable and responsible physician who is a specialist in their trade. Anything less, and you risk receiving subpar care that might not satisfy.
Newport Beach’s Eyelid Surgery Experts
OC Oculoplastic and its expert team offer Newport Beach and the rest of Southern California the best when it comes to oculoplastic surgery. If you’re considering undergoing eyelid surgery of either kind, then consider taking a visit to our website in order to contact Dr. Taban’s office and find out why we’re the premier facial eyelid surgeon in Newport Beach.