Understanding Blepharoplasty: Enhance Your Vision and Appearance

Do you notice your eyelids becoming droopy or baggy as you age? Does sagging skin around your eyes affect your vision or make you appear more tired than you feel? Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, may be the solution you’re looking for. Dr. Beers of Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group in Mountain View, California, specializes in this procedure, which can rejuvenate your eyes and potentially improve your eyesight.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to repair drooping eyelids by removing excess skin, muscle, and fat. Over time, our eyelids stretch, and the muscles supporting them weaken, often causing:

Sagging eyebrows
Drooping upper lids
Bags under the eyes

These changes affect your appearance, making you look older, and they can also impair your peripheral vision. Blepharoplasty can reduce or eliminate this issue, restoring both your vision and a more youthful look. Some insurance companies may cover this surgery if the excess skin significantly impacts your vision.

Why Consider Eyelid Surgery?

Many people turn to blepharoplasty not only for cosmetic reasons but also to address practical concerns. You might be a candidate for this surgery if you have:

Baggy or puffy upper eyelids
Excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision
Droopy lower eyelids, causing white to show below the iris
Excess skin on the lower eyelids
Bags under your eyes

By removing excess tissue, your eyes will appear more alert and youthful, and if your vision has been compromised, you can expect an improvement in how well you see.

What Are the Risks?

As with any surgery, there are risks to consider. Some of the potential complications include:

Infection
Reaction to anesthesia
Temporary numbness or bruising

Fortunately, most complications are rare, and the benefits often outweigh these risks. Discuss any concerns with Dr. Beers to determine if this procedure is right for you.

Preparing for Your Blepharoplasty

Before scheduling the surgery, Dr. Beers will review your medical history and examine your eyes to ensure you’re a suitable candidate. This is your chance to ask questions, share your concerns, and set realistic expectations for the surgery and its outcomes.

Dr. Beers will also advise you to:

Stop taking medications or supplements that increase bleeding
Quit smoking to promote better healing
Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and assist you for the first 24 hours

What to Expect During Surgery

The surgery is performed under local anesthesia in our state-of-the-art surgery center in Mountain View, California. After administering numbing medication to your eyelids, Dr. Beers makes a small incision along the natural fold of your eyelid, removing the excess skin, fat, and muscle. The procedure typically takes less than two hours, and stitches are nearly invisible after healing.

Post-Surgery Care and Recovery

After your surgery, Dr. Beers will apply antibiotic ointment to your incisions. You might experience swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort for a few days. Follow these precautions for a smoother recovery:

Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or swimming
Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
Follow all post-operative care instructions, including the use of prescribed eyedrops or ointments

Your stitches will be removed about five days after surgery, and most patients find that discomfort is minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Enjoy the Lasting Results

While your incisions will heal quickly, the final results of blepharoplasty may take a few months to manifest fully. Many patients are thrilled with the results—a more youthful appearance and improved vision that can last for years. For some, these benefits may last a lifetime, while others may experience a gradual return of eyelid drooping.

If droopy or sagging eyelids are holding you back, blepharoplasty with Dr. Beers at Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group could be the right step. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn more about this life-changing procedure.