Candidates for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a type of surgery that enhances the look of your eyelids. You can have this procedure on your upper or lower eyelids. You can even have it on both. A blepharoplasty can improve the appearance and function of your eyelids. It can also revitalize the skin that surrounds your eyes. If you want to determine what makes a good candidate for eyelid surgery, here is what you should know.

 

Good Health

You should not have serious health conditions if you want to have eyelid surgery. While some people only need a numbing agent on their eyelids, there are rare cases that should have general anesthesia. You need a healthy heart and pair of lungs if your surgeon will use general anesthesia on you. It is also best if you tell your doctor about any drug allergies that you may have. Give a list of your medications, including your supplements as well.

 

Non-Drinker and Non-Smoker

Studies show that alcohol and tobacco disrupt the oxygenation and circulation of your blood. If you are a habitual alcohol drinker and tobacco smoker, you should quit weeks before the surgery. These substances can delay your healing during and after your procedure. To maximize the benefits of your blepharoplasty, you should consider stopping smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol completely.

 

Specific Eyelid-Related Issues

Your surgeon will recommend a blepharoplasty for you if you have the following eyelid conditions:

 

• Fine wrinkles in the lower eyelids. You may have fine lines in your lower eyelids that resemble crepe paper. These lines make you look a lot older. Undereye wrinkles can result from sun exposure, skin damage, poor nutrition, smoking, and aging. It can also be caused by Botox and sagging eyelids.

• Loose skin over the upper eyelids. Excess skin over your upper eyelids can make you look tired and old. If the skin is too loose, it may even obstruct your vision. Botox injections may paralyze areas that aren’t targeted, such as your upper eyelids. This results in the upper eyelid drooping. Certain conditions such as ptosis can also make your eyelids droop or sag.

• Dark circles under your eyes. The common causes of dark undereye circles are fatigue, aging, dehydration, allergies, eyestrain, and overexposure to the sun.

• Excess fat in your upper eyelids. When there is excessive fat in your upper eyelids, they tend to look puffy. This also causes your upper eyelids to droop over your eyelid fold.

Realistic Expectations

The outcome depends on your skin’s health and your healing. If you are a good candidate, your procedure will be tailored to your needs.


 

The success of your blepharoplasty depends on your health and expectations. At Shepard Eye Center, our surgeons and ophthalmologists are trained to perform different types of eyelid surgeries. Please visit our clinics in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Solvang (Santa Ynez Valley), California, for an in-person consultation. You can call us at 805-667-0100 (Santa Maria), 805-793-1800 (Lompoc), or 805-688-0707 (Solvang). We can help you schedule your appointment or answer your questions about our blepharoplasty packages.

Eyelid Surgery makes a great gift for yourself or for a loved one!

_References:

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