In the pursuit of refreshed and youthful eyes, more and more people are turning to blepharoplasty, a.k.a the eyelid lift. Currently ranking as one of the top five cosmetic surgical procedures in the U.S., it’s clear that our eyes – the windows to our souls – are getting special attention in the beauty world.
Carolyn Chang, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon from San Francisco, notes that her patients often express concerns about looking tired or aged due to their eyes. Blepharoplasty goes beyond mere lifting, addressing issues like crepe-y lids, excess skin, puffiness, and even improving vision in some cases – all within an hour.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, simply put, is an eyelid lift. Dr. Chang explains that the goal is to remove extra skin due to aging, gravity, and loss of elasticity. It usually involves two types of surgeries: one for the upper eyelid and another for the lower. The surgeries are different in technique, but many opt to have both done simultaneously. The upper eyelid surgery is typically simpler and quicker to recover from.
Who’s the Ideal Candidate?
Traditionally, those in their mid-40s sought this procedure, but Dr. Chang is seeing an increase in patients in their 30s, leading to the rise of “mini blephs” for those with less severe issues. This conservative approach is ideal for younger patients dealing with undereye bags and for older patients preferring a less-is-more method.
How’s the Procedure Done?
Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing droopy skin that has folded over time. This procedure leaves most of the fat in place to avoid a hollowed-out appearance. The lower eyelid surgery is more involved, targeting all three layers of the eye – skin, muscle, and fat – and is usually done under IV sedation.
What’s the Recovery Like?
Advances in plastic surgery techniques have minimized swelling, bruising, and downtime. New-age lasers like the Vbeam can neutralize post-operative discolorations. Some surgeons use a blood-controlling agent in the local anesthetic to reduce bruising significantly. The upper eyelid surgery is generally easier to recover from, with skin often tightening by week four or five.
Are There Risks?
While considered one of the safer cosmetic procedures, risks include temporary dry eye or changes in visual acuity, with rare cases of permanent complications. Overly taut sensations usually correct themselves quickly.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost varies based on location and surgeon skill. In cities like New York, you can expect to pay at least $8,000 for an upper eyelid procedure and $9,000 for the lower. The price reflects the complexity of the surgery and any additional procedures needed for customization.
As people continue to seek ways to maintain their youthful appearance, blepharoplasty stands out as a viable option for those desiring a refreshed, awake look. Whether it’s for aesthetic or functional reasons, the procedure offers a way to rejuvenate the eyes, arguably one of our most expressive features.
