Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can fully rejuvenate the eye area. Since the eyes play an important role in overall facial aesthetics, this procedure is one of the most effective ways to refresh your entire look.
If you’re considering eyelid surgery, the next step is scheduling a consultation. Below we’re exploring some of the top questions you should ask during your consultation, so you can decide whether this procedure is right for you.
Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery usually isn’t very invasive, making it a safe and effective procedure for most healthy people. Ideal candidates for this procedure include men and women who:
- Have excess or sagging upper eyelid skin
- Have undereye puffiness and drooping lower eyelid skin
- Want to correct naturally hooded eyelids
- Do not smoke
- Do not have serious eye conditions
Will I Need Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty?
Depending on your cosmetic goals, you may need upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both. Upper blepharoplasty can remove excess eyelid skin, reposition fat pads, and tighten muscles that have started to droop. Lower blepharoplasty reduces the appearance of undereye bags and produces a lifted, youthful look. When treating the undereye area, Dr. Hershcovitch is careful not to remove too much fat. Instead, he repositions the fat to create a smooth, youthful texture that ideally complements the eyes.
What is Recovery Like?
This procedure has a relatively easy recovery. During the first week, you might have some mild swelling, bruising, dry eyes, and feelings of tightness around your incisions. Most patients do not find these symptoms to be very painful and can alleviate them with OTC medication and cold compresses.
By ten days – 2 weeks, many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities.
When Can I Wear Contacts Again?
After surgery, it’s important to be as gentle as possible with your incisions so they can fully heal. Since inserting your contact lenses requires you to pull or lift your eyelids, it’s recommended that patients wait at least two weeks before wearing their contacts.
Will I Have Visible Scars?
In most cases, you will not have noticeable scars after eyelid surgery. For upper blepharoplasty, the incisions are made within the natural creases of the eyelid, so they are nicely concealed once healed. Lower blepharoplasty is performed by making incisions either just below the lash line or within the inner eyelid, so these scars will also be concealed.
What’s the Best Option for Sagging Brows?
It’s common for sagging brows to be present in those who have drooping eyelid skin. While blepharoplasty can only treat the eyelids, a brow lift (sometimes called a forehead lift) is the perfect option for correcting cosmetic concerns above the eyebrows.
Using well-concealed incisions along the hairline, Dr. Hershcovitch can tighten the underlying tissues and gently reposition them during a brow lift. The result is a smoother, wrinkle-free forehead with youthfully positioned eyebrows. This procedure can also be performed endoscopically, which is minimally invasive and requires much shorter recovery time.
What Other Procedures are Performed with Eyelid Surgery?
Several other procedures can complement the results of eyelid surgery. Many patients choose to pair their blepharoplasty with a facelift to treat aging from the midface down to the neck.
For those who don’t feel ready for a facelift, injectables perfectly bridge the gap between non-invasive treatments and surgical procedures. If you’ve been researching your options for facial rejuvenation, then you’ve probably come across products like Restylane, Juvéderm, and Radiesse. These injectables are called dermal fillers, and they work by replenishing volume to the face. This has several effects:
- Smooths away fine lines and wrinkles
- Restores volume under the eyes and to other areas that have lost fullness
- Provides structure and lift to areas that are starting to droop
Injectables like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin (known as “neuromodulators”) are also great alternatives if you’re not ready for facial surgery. Neuromodulators reduce the appearance of movement-related wrinkles by relaxing certain facial muscles. They are often injected near the eye area to reduce crow’s feet and creases between the eyebrows.
Are You a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon?
While board-certified plastic surgeons are perfectly qualified to perform blepharoplasty, it’s beneficial to choose a surgeon who is specifically board certified in facial plastic surgery. The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a separate governing body from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and requires specialized training for surgery of the face, head, and neck. Board-certified facial plastic surgeons like Dr. Hershcovitch have a deep understanding of facial anatomy, allowing them to produce superior results that blend in seamlessly with the natural architecture of a patient’s face.
If you’re considering blepharoplasty and you’re ready to take the next step, contact Dr. Matt Hershcovitch to schedule a private consultation today. Dr. Hershcovitch is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who provides the highest level of surgical care and artistry for those seeking cosmetic enhancements.
