Just the Facts: Understanding Eyelid Surgery

As you age, your face will undoubtedly go through many changes. By the time you enter your 40's, your eyelids in particular begin to stretch and lose their elasticity. Eyelids that begin to sag or droop with age are not only unattractive, but they may also feel heavy and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, little can be done to prevent your eyelids from sagging, as it is largely hereditary. Yet, there are ways you can correct sagging eyelids: through plastic surgery.

Eyelid rejuvenation surgery is also known as blepharoplasty. This is a common plastic surgery procedure, which can return your youthful eye appearance and reduce some of the discomfort associated with droopy eyelids. It is useful for individuals with drooping upper eyelids that hang or sit close to their lashes. And it is beneficial for individuals with protruding lower eyelids or bags under the eye.

In 2012, eyelid surgery was the third most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure and this number continues to grow each year. What can be corrected with blepharoplasty?

• Puffy upper eyelids
• Excess fat deposits on upper eyelids
• Loose or sagging skin around eyes
• Excess wrinkles of the lower eyelid
• Bags under the eye
• Droopiness of lower eyelids
• And more

What makes Blepharoplasty so Popular?

Eyelid rejuvenation surgery is a relatively easy way to achieve a more youthful appearance, without having to undergo a complete facelift. There is often minimal cost associated with blepharoplasty and minimal recovery time as well. This makes it an attractive solution for individuals who wish to obtain good cosmetic results without undergoing an expensive or lengthy plastic surgery procedure.

Often blepharoplasty is performed in an outpatient or ambulatory surgical center and there is minimal recovery time afterwards. Patients are usually able to return to daily activities within a week. While there may be some initial discomfort, pain, and eyelid swelling after the surgery, most individuals recover from eyelid rejuvenation surgery very quickly and complications are rare.

Is Everyone a Candidate for Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery?

While not everyone will be a good candidate for eyelid surgery, most healthy individuals will qualify. It is best if you are a non-smoker, have healthy facial tissue, and do not have a medical condition that would impact your ability to heal after surgery. Before undergoing any plastic surgery procedure, however, it is important to discuss your health with your surgeon and review the complications and risks.

It is also important that patients have a realistic goal for improving their upper and lower eyelids. Not all eyelid droop can be corrected and you may not be able to achieve the look you desire by undergoing eyelid rejuvenation surgery alone. It is important to discuss your expectations and your fears with your plastic surgeon, so you can choose the procedure or procedures you desire. In some cases, a forehead lift may be necessary to achieve the desired look and to increase peripheral vision.

Contact Our Pasadena Plastic Surgeons

If you are considering eyelid rejuvenation surgery, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon carefully. There is a reason so many Pasadena men and women choose Dr. Ruhge to perform their eyelid surgery. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure. If you would like to learn more about eyelid surgery, facelifts, or other type of plastic surgery, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online. We can help you achieve the look you want!