Womens Health

Plastic Surgery: Eye Lift

In an attempt to achieve ultimate beauty, plastic surgery has developed a variety of techniques that range from the noticeable effects of liposuction to the miniscule differences created by the anti aging eye lift. But what are the potential risks and benefits of a cosmetic surgery eyelift? And what is the cost?

What is an Eye Lift?

An eye lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a type of facelift cosmetic surgery aimed at rejuvenating the face and creating a more youthful appearance. With eye lift surgery, this is achieved by the removal of any excess skin, loose muscles, or fat below the eyes that may be contributing to a tired and worn-out look. An eye lift may be performed on its own or as part of a complete cosmetic surgery face lift.

The Eye Lift Surgery

Eye lift surgery may be performed under either local or general anesthesia. The procedure begins when a plastic surgeon draws markings along excess skin in the upper eyelid. This is to ensure that the scarring remains hidden when eyes are closed. Scarring along the lower eyelid is generally close to the eyelash region and will run across crease lines on the sides of the eyes after surgery.

Blepharoplasty will usually take between one to three hours to complete and can be done on an outpatient basis depending on the patient’s preference and health. The plastic surgeon will make incisions along the markings, typically operating on the upper eyelids first. Skin is then separated from underlying fat and muscle tissue. Excess fat will then be removed and any sagging skin or muscle will be trimmed. The incisions are then closed with sutures.

Some individuals may have a pocket of fat beneath the lower eyelids, but do not require any excess skin removal. In these cases, a lower eyelid lift, also known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, may be performed, whereby an incision will be made on the inside of the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scars.

Recovering From An Eye Lift: Post Surgery

Plastic surgeons claim that eye lift surgery will reduce the look of puffy eyes and correct drooping eyelids- features that may make individuals look aged and tired. An eye lift may also improve facial symmetry, making an individual look more alert. However, the visible improvements that follow eyelid surgery may not become apparent until one year after surgery. It is likely, however, to see some noticeable difference within several weeks.

After surgery, a plastic surgeon may apply ointment over the eyes and wrap the areas with a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore once the anesthesia begins to wear off. Pain medications may prescribe to help with this discomfort.

Bruising and swelling is likely to appear within the several weeks following surgery. This may be managed using cold compresses on the affected area. You will also be given specific instructions on cleaning the eyes, and eye drops may be recommended to deal with any discomfort due to dryness such as burning or itching.

It is also common to experience excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and temporary vision changes such as blurred eyesight or double vision. Your plastic surgeon will monitor your progress carefully during the first one to two weeks or recovery after the cosmetic surgery. Stitches will also be removed within the first week and any swelling or discoloration should subside once this takes place.

Eye Lift Risks and Complications

All plastic surgery procedures carry certain risks and potential complications. The following are some risks associated with eye lift surgery:

  • excessive bleeding under the skin that may result in a blood clot
  • painful swelling
  • infection
  • allergic reaction
  • nerve damage that may lead to permanent numbness and muscle weakness in the face
  • hollow appearance in the eyes due to excess removal of fatty tissue
  • muscle damage that may cause the upper eye lid to drop
  • difficulty using contact lenses
  • loss of vision

Eye lift surgery is generally not recommended for individuals with the following medical conditions:

  • thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves' disease
  • dry eye or lack of sufficient tear production
  • high blood pressure
  • circulatory disorders
  • cardiovascular disease
  • diabetes
  • detached retina or glaucoma

In addition, healing times may vary from one patient to another and may take much longer than expected. Avoiding smoking and drinking and maintaining a healthy diet may help speed up the recovery process.

Cost Of Eye Lift Surgery

In general, eye lift surgery in the United States will cost approximately $6,000-$7,000. This cost will usually include a surgeon’s fee ($2,000-$3,000), an anesthesiologist fee ($700), the operating room fee ($900), and a laser treatment fee ($1,300).

However, this cost does not reflect any pay loss due to recovery time taken from work, which should also be taken into consideration.

Remember that as with all plastic surgery, there is a psychological cost to be paid. While plastic surgery may help improve self esteem in some individuals, cosmetic surgery cannot heal serious personal issues. Consult your health care provider, plastic surgeon, and family and friends if you are unsure of your decision to be a potential plastic surgery candidate.

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