All Eyes See The Benefits of Blepharoplasty Surgery

Facial aging around the eyes starts to develop early in the mid- to late thirties with excess skin, crow's feet, and lower eyelid bags for some. It only worsens through the 40s and 50s. This process makes the focal point of the face appear tired.Correction of those tired eyes through blepharoplasty (eyelid) surgery is a very common plastic surgery procedure. Not looking so tired is the main reason why everyone considers blepharoplasty surgery.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid tucks) can make the greatest difference in reversing that tired aged appearance since it is the focal point of many human interactions. Removing a little excess skin and fat can really clean up your eyes and make you look less tired and more vibrant. This is why I always call blepharoplasty the best value of all the facial aging procedures. It causes the greatest positive change in your appearance.

One of the more interesting things about blepharoplasty is that it is painless to go through for most patients. Yes, there is some noticeable swelling and bruising around the eyes but remarkably, there is usually no pain. You look 'beat up' but you don't feel so. Recovery from blepharoplasty is what I call social recovery. When you feel comfortable again going out in public is what makes up blepharoplasty recovery. Some patients don't care what others think and they are back in circulation within 3 to 5 days. Most patients do care, however, so their full return to the public eye may be closer to 7 to 10 days.

Blepharoplasty is one plastic surgery where what you do before and after the procedure can make a big difference in the amount of bruising and swelling that occurs. Ceasing to take medications that can cause excessive bleeding, such as aspirin and non-steroidal medications, is the first step. Taking arnica tablets beginning one week before and after surgery is the next step. For the first 24 hours after surgery, keeping your head up and ice on the eyes is tremendously beneficial. I also place an Actipatch Eye Recovery mask immediately after surgery and onto this is where you place the ice. ActiPatch emits pulsed electromagnetic waves which help reduce swelling on the traumatized eyelids. After the first day after surgery, your main efforts are over other than keeping your eyelids moist with a light coating of antibiotic ointment. (this keeps the sutures soft so that they are easier to remove)

In 10 - 14 days, you will look 'non-operated', even though there is still some small amount of swelling and perhaps some line of bruising along the lower eyelid. By 3 weeks after surgery, you will be able to enjoy the full benefits of your blepharoplasty surgery! You will looke more refreshed and that will undoubtably be noticed...even though most will never figure that it was due to eyelid surgery. (unless you told them!)

Dr Barry Eppley, board-certified plastic surgeon of Indianapolis, operates his private practice at Clarian North and West Medical cenetrs in suburban Indianapolis. He writes a daily blogs on topics and trends in plastic surgery at www.exploreplasticsurgery.com

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