Exploring the Art and Science of Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a general cosmetic procedure that gives you a youthful look. The procedure addresses droopy eyelids, puffiness, and under-eye bags. Given the long-lasting results of the surgery, you may want to understand the ins and outs of the procedure before committing. This article looks deeper into how eyelid surgery is performed, the techniques used, and the cost of eyelid surgery in Orange County, CA.
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Understanding Eyelid Surgery
A blepharoplasty is performed on the delicate surroundings of the eye; upper eyelids and lower eyelids or both. The degree of the surgery will depend on your specific needs and desired outcomes. Throughout the procedure, the surgeon removes extra skin, fat, and muscle from the eyelids. This results in tightening the remaining tissues and redistributing fat deposits, creating a balanced appearance.
The Surgical Process
Eyelid Surgery is a minimally invasive process. You will be in and out within no time. The procedure plays out in 5 stages:
Pre Assessment
Before you undergo the procedure, you will consult a qualified plastic surgeon. The preoperative assessment aims to establish your health status, determine your candidacy and discuss your expectations. This stage also allows you to ask any questions about the procedure so that you are 100% sure before committing.
Anesthesia
Before the operation, the surgeon will administer local or overall anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure, to increase comfort during surgery.
Incision Placement
The surgeon will plan for the incision locations. Typically, the incisions will be made within the eyelid’s natural crease to minimize visible scarring. For lower eyelid surgeries, the surgeon will make incisions below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid.
Tissue Modification
After making the incisions, the surgeon carefully removes excess skin, fat, and muscle tissue from the eyelids before reshaping the remaining tissues. However, in some cases, the surgeon may perform fat grafting or repositioning to address volume loss or hollowing in the eye area.
Closure
Lastly, the procedure ends with the closing of the incisions. The surgeon meticulously applies surgical adhesive or uses sutures to close the incisions.
Recovery and Results After Eyelid Surgery
After undergoing an eyelid surgery, you will go through a recovery period. It’s normal to experience bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort. There is no need to worry because your surgeon will conduct a detailed post-operative evaluation to discuss managing symptoms and how to promote healing best. Below are key points for proper recovery.
- Apply cold compresses on the operated part to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Avoid strenuous activities that may increase blood flow to the area.
- Use eye drops set by your surgeon to lubricate and prevent dryness.
- Wear sunglasses and remain indoors to protect your eyes from sunlight.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to screen your recovery process.
During the recovery period, you will notice an improvement in the appearance of your eyelids. The final results may take several months to fully manifest but remember to maintain realistic expectations and understand that results may vary from one person to another.
The Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Orange County, CA
Cost is a significant factor when considering a cosmetic procedure. Factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s level of experience, and additional treatments or services determine the cost you will incur. However, on average, the cost of eyelid surgery in Orange County, California, is $4,120.
Ensure you consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific needs. This is because the above figures are estimates, and the accurate cost estimate will depend on the details of the procedure.
Commonly Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
If you still have questions about the surgery, the following section can help clear up some of them.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
The answer is no. You will be under anesthesia the whole time, so you won’t feel pain. However, you may experience mild discomfort after the surgeon is done, but this will subside with time. Additionally, your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help you manage the discomfort.
Are the results of eyelid surgery permanent?
While the results of eyelid surgery are not permanent, they are long-lasting. The procedure will provide a more youthful and refreshed appearance for many years. Play your part by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, defensive your skin from sun damage, and following your surgeon’s recommendations to ensure the results last long.
When can I resume normal activities after eyelid surgery?
The recovery period varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. However, you can return to work within 7 to 10 days after the surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting to promote quicker recovery.