From time to time, we all experience puffiness or swelling around the eyes. While this is usually temporary and may be attributed to stress, fatigue, allergies, or another trigger, some men and women struggle with puffy or sagging eyelids all the time, which may be related to aging or simply a product of genetics. For these patients, eyelid lift surgery can be a life-changing procedure that helps to create a softer, more attractive, more youthful overall appearance. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery – with convenient locations in Okatie, SC – board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth D. Farr is proud to help patients achieve discreet, beautiful, natural-looking, and long-lasting results with eyelid lift surgery. Read on for a closer look at what you can expect during and after an eyelid lift, including how long recovery may take and when your scars should be fully healed.
What is an eyelid lift?
Also known as blepharoplasty, the eyelid lift is a popular facial rejuvenation surgery designed to address concerns on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. Most commonly, blepharoplasty surgery is performed to correct signs of aging around the eyes, but it can also be beneficial for patients who have naturally hooded eyes, excess eyelid skin, or other complaints. Some of the most common concerns that can be improved or reversed with eyelid lift surgery include:
- Sagging upper eyelids
- Droopy eyelids
- Hooded eyes
- Wrinkled eyelids
- Extra eyelid skin
- Puffy lower eyelids
- Bulging fat under the eyes
Where are blepharoplasty incisions placed?
Blepharoplasty can be performed as an upper eyelid lift, lower eyelid lift, or both, depending on the patient’s concerns and goals. During an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Farr creates a thin incision in the crease of the upper eyelid, allowing him to trim excess skin and create a tighter, smoother look. Lower blepharoplasty, on the other hand, involves a delicate incision placed along the patient’s lower lash line, through which Dr. Farr can remove fat and excise loose skin.
How long is recovery after blepharoplasty?
Most Okatie patients can return to work and other light activities within 1 – 2 weeks after an eyelid lift, depending on the nature and extent of the procedure. The blepharoplasty incisions themselves may take up to 6 – 8 weeks to heal, with full healing and fading taking up to a year in some cases.
Are eyelid lift scars visible?
Dr. Farr understands the importance of keeping cosmetic work discreet and minimizing visible scarring, particularly with facial procedures. With this in mind, Dr. Farr takes great care to place his eyelid lift incisions within the natural lines and creases of the eyes, resulting in scars that are virtually imperceptible once healing is complete. To further enhance your final blepharoplasty results and ensure the least amount of visible scarring possible, it’s important to follow all of Dr. Farr’s eyelid lift aftercare instructions closely, which may include avoiding sun exposure and restricting strenuous exercise for a short period of time.
With a skilled surgeon and proper aftercare, the results of blepharoplasty can last for up to a decade or longer.
See the world – and yourself – in a whole new light with an eyelid lift surgery in Hilton Head, SC
If your sagging eyelids or puffy undereyes are making you look or feel older than you actually are, we can help. With advanced blepharoplasty surgery, you can achieve the youthful, refreshed, and rejuvenated appearance you deserve. To learn more about the life-changing results that may be possible for you, call VIP Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your blepharoplasty consultation in Hilton Head or Okatie, SC with top board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth D. Farr today!