Phoenix blepharoplasty - Thinking About Getting Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

Many people consider the eyes to be the "windows to the soul."  Adults and children alike can discern the slightest change in expression or emotion by watching the eyes.  A survey in 2008 showed that men and women alike first look at the eyes of people they meet.  The eyelids, therefore, act to frame and accentuate one of the most attractive and unique features of the human face.  Whether masculine or feminine, our concept of facial harmony always includes eyelids with definition, smooth skin and gradual transition zones.  Of course, the eyelids also serve the vital purpose of protecting and lubricating our eyes. 

 Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both says Phoenix eyelid surgery specialist. It gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making you look more rested and alert.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Changes that affect the upper eyelid include the development of excess skin, the appearance of excess fat (especially near the nose), a drop in the angle of the eyelashes and lowered position of the eyelid.  Sometimes, this can even reduce the vision in the upper fields.

According to Phoenix blepharoplasty expert, the cosmetic operation most commonly performed on the upper eyelids is reasonably minor, but should only be performed by an experienced, properly trained surgeon.  In most cases, the procedure can be performed under light or medium sedation in an outpatient or office setting.  Incisions are hidden such that they are essentially invisible.  The recovery period is 5-7 days before sutures are removed.  The recovery is painless and involves fairly simple care of the healing areas.  Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries (like lower eyelid surgery, facelift, nose surgery, etc.) without significantly prolonged recovery or added risk.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Patients requesting lower eyelid surgery usually are concerned about "bags" or pouches under their eyes, lines in the eyelid skin, changes in the lower eyelid position, changes in the tone or texture of the eyelid skin, or excess tearing from one or both eyes.  The goals of lower eyelid surgery depend on the area of concern for the patient, but in most cases, the contour of the lid is smoothed, bags or pouches are removed, the skin texture is improved, there is a lift in volume and removal of any low spots.

The lower eyelid is more complex but cosmetic surgery in this area in the proper hands can be very rewarding says Phoenix facial plastic surgeon.  Once again, the importance of a properly trained, experienced eyelid surgeon is vital to assure the best outcome.  There are two common approaches - an incision hidden behind the eyelid (transconjunctival) and an incision directly through the eyelid skin below the lashes (subciliary).  The chosen approach depends on the goals of the surgery and each patient's individual preference. 

The recovery period is 5-7 days before sutures are removed (although there are usually no sutures for the transconjunctival approach).  As with upper eyelid surgery, bruising may persist for a few days longer, but are generally easy to conceal.  In some cases, lower eyelid surgery is combined with laser treatment to the lower eyelid skin or the areas around the eye.  As with upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries (like upper eyelid surgery, facelift, brow lift Phoenix, nose surgery, etc.) without significantly prolonged recovery or added risk. 

Phoenix cosmetic surgeon - Facelift and Eyelid Surgery Patients Report Looking Decades Younger

The vast majority of facial plastic surgery patients report being highly satisfied with the results. Facial plastic surgery patients tend to be women over the age of 40, with the average age being 57, who are seeking to rejuvenate their appearance. On average, of those who have undergone a facelift Phoenix patients rate themselves as looking 12 years younger after surgery. 

Patients Love Their New, Rejuvenated Looks

Based on a study by Dr. Swanson of 122 facelift patients between the years of 2002 and 2007, most patients opted to have multiple facial surgeries at the same time for a completed renewed, more youthful appearance. Other popular procedures that are typically performed include: forehead lift, rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery Phoenix doctors have reported. Some patients who received multiple procedures reported their perceived age as 27 years younger following surgery and recovery. That’s almost 3 decades! Of these patients, ninety-seven percent said the results met their expectations, with an impressive forty percent rating the results even better than expected.

The reactions of others to these patient’s new look was equally positive. Only 7 percent reported any negative reactions, whereas 90 percent said they received numerous compliments on their more youthful appearance. Due to both self-perception and other’s compliments, 80 percent of the patients reported an increase in self esteem, while overall quality of life was improved for 70 percent of the patients. 

Recovery and Complications: 

For patients in Phoenix cosmetic surgeons reported temporary complications as the most widely dealt with problems, with a third of patients complaining of skin problems or dry eyes. Only two percent expressed distress due to scarring.

Based on a pain rating scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being unbearably painful, the average pain rating was a middle of the range 5. The majority of patients said the pain was no more than what they expected going into the surgery. The duration of pain was reported to last an average of ten days, with six days on prescription pain medications. However, more than 3 weeks was the average time taken off of work. For normal activities, such as sleeping and driving, patients said the first two weeks were uncomfortable, but they were able to return to normal habits between 2 and 3 weeks after surgery. Patients said it took about one month before they looked "presentable" in public and two-and-a-half months before they were "back to normal." In the case of nose surgery Phoenix patients reported a slightly longer period until they felt “back to normal.”