Upper eyelid surgery might seem confusing at first. To help, here’s a handy guide on everything you need to know about the procedure.

Keyword(s): upper eyelid surgery

Eyes are considered the windows into the soul. When we talk to others, their eyes are generally the first feature about them that we notice. That’s why many consider upper eyelid surgery later in life.

Upper eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, corrects sagging upper eyelids. Sagging occurs as a result of age and sun damage.

Many consider blepharoplasty for vanity’s sake. They want to look younger, rejuvenated, and more alert. But some consider the surgery because their sagging upper eyelids are obscuring their vision. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about upper eyelid surgery.

What Happens During Upper Eyelid Surgery?

Prior to your blepharoplasty, the doctor will place marks on your upper eyelids. These marks indicate where he or she will make an incision.

During the surgery, the doctor removes the excess skin. He or she will then attach the leftover skin together.

The result is tighter upper eyelids akin to how they looked when you were younger.

Everything To Consider About Upper Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is a relatively simple surgery. However, it is still a major operation on your body. For that reason, there are several things you need to consider prior to having it done.

Insurance May Pay For the Surgery

If your upper eyelids are obscuring your vision, your insurance may pay for the surgery.

Being able to see properly is a medical need. Your insurance may cover that need. If it does, you will likely be required to provide documentation proving your eyelids truly obscure your vision.

Something to keep in mind is your insurance may not cover the entire bill. In that case, you may have to pay some out-of-pocket cash for any additional expense.

You Need to Find A Good Doctor

You only have one pair of eyelids. And no matter what the end results look like, people will look at those eyelids when talking to you.

As such, it is imperative you find a highly reputable doctor to perform the surgery. This doctor needs to be certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). He or she should also have a history of performing successful blepharoplasties.

One way to gauge whether or not you’ve found a good doctor is the price he or she charges. The average cost for this kind of surgery is roughly $4,000. A doctor who charges less than this amount should be taken off your list of potential surgeons.

Mistakes Are Possible

Even if you find a good doctor, he or she is still human.

He or she could still make your eyelids asymmetrical. The same goes for taking away too much skin, which results in you not being able to close your eyes.

These kinds of mistakes are rare when the surgery is performed by a good surgeon, though.

It’s Okay To Feel Nervous

There is a stigma surrounding plastic surgery that tells patients they shouldn’t feel nervous. It’s an elective, relatively simple procedure that makes you look and feel better, after all. So why feel nervous about it?

Though some plastic surgical procedures are simple, they’re still surgery. They still involve you having some part of your body cut and stitched back together. That’s enough to make anyone nervous!

So don’t let anyone downplay your fears. Your plastic surgery may be a self-esteem booster, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t taking a risk. Everyone who has a surgical procedure done is taking a risk.

If you find you can’t shake your nervousness and it is bothering you, you should talk to your doctor. Address any questions or concerns that you have.

The last thing you want to do is undergo surgery without being 100% clear about what you’re doing. That’s risky and unwise and it’ll make you even more nervous!

Recovery From the Surgery is Usually Quick

Generally, it takes less than a week to recover from blepharoplasty. The swelling goes down after only a few days, and the sutures can be removed between one to three days later.

In fact, most who undergo this kind of surgery can drive home afterward.

A little bit of TLC is needed to get through the first 24 hours, though. The doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops or an oral medication to prevent infection. You may also have to ice the surgical area to reduce the swelling.

If you feel self-conscious about going out in public while recovery you can use a pair of sunglasses to cover your eyelids.

You Can Help Yourself Recover More Quickly

Post-surgery, your doctor will recommend you avoid wearing contact lenses or any sort of eye makeup for at least a week. Most doctors recommend two weeks or more.

The reason why is touching the surgical area could cause it to become irritated. When in use, contact lenses, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and the like are constantly touching that area. Not to mention, makeup comes in liquid or powder, meaning it could easily pollute the incisions.

Polluted incisions could lead to inflammation or infection.

It Could Take A Year To See the Real Results

The initial swelling will go down quickly, sure. But that doesn’t mean the lingering swelling will disappear just as quickly.

In fact, this wave of swelling could take six months, or even as long as a year, to go away.

During this time, your upper eyelids may look crooked or asymmetrical. But be patient. After enough time has passed, the swelling will indeed go away.

The Results Don’t Last Forever

Upper eyelid surgery may help you see better or feel better now. But don’t expect the results to last until the end of your life.

Time will still pass, and the sun will still shine. The more you blink your eyes and the more time you spend in the sun, the more wear your eyelids will experience.

In other words, the longer you live, the more you’ll use your eyelids. It’s an inevitable fact of life.

Of course, if you get the surgery now, you won’t need to worry about your upper eyelids again for several years.

Have Additional Questions or Concerns? Reach Out To Us!

Upper eyelid surgery is a major surgery that will affect you for the rest of your life. If you have any additional questions or concerns about it, please feel free to contact us! We’ll be happy to help you make the decision that’s right for you!