All Eyes On You: Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is commonly known as eyelid surgery and is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States. This procedures help to remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from around the upper and lower eyelids to correct the drooping and puffiness that can make you look older. Contrary to popular belief, it will not remove wrinkles like crow's feet, lift your brows, or correct dark circles. Eyelid surgery also will not make you look like another heritage, so it can be used to correct Asian eyes but will not remove evidence that a person is Asian. Usually, eyelid surgery is done in conjunction with other surgeries, like face lifts and brow lifts.

Like all other forms of cosmetic surgery, there are risks involved with eyelid surgery. The most common side effects include blurred vision for a few days and temporary swelling. However, the real dangers come with the risk of complications during the surgery with the anesthesia or after the surgery with infection. While major problems are rare, you should still talk to your cosmetic surgeon to make sure that you understand these risks before you choose to have this surgery preformed.

Before your surgery, you will have at least one or two consultations with the doctor. He or she will discuss with you how the surgery will work and what results you can expect. In most cases, you will be able to see a digitally enhanced picture of yourself after the surgery so that you and your doctor can be on the same page as to what you want. Before the surgery, you will also be given direction about what you can eat and drink the day of your surgery, and you should also be prepared with a driver to take you home after the surgery and to help you for a few days while your vision may still be blurry.

The first step of your surgery is to receive anesthesia, and you and your doctor can choose whether to have local or general. The surgery itself will most likely be done in the doctor's surgical suite, but you can also have it done at a hospital if you'd like. It will take one to four hours, depending on your specific needs. The cosmetic surgeon will start by making tiny cuts around your eyes to separate the skin for the fat underneath. Excess substance will be removed and the incisions will then be carefully closed. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore afterwards, but in a few days, you should feel a lot better and the results are fantastic.