Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Droopy, Saggy, Tired Eyelids
Our eyes can be one of the first facial features that people notice. However, when our eyes begin to droop or sag, it can impact our overall appearance, making us appear tired and less youthful.
Patients who have eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, are able to reduce the appearance of heaviness or droopiness around the eyes, making them look more youthful in appearance. At Rizutto Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery, board-certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Rizzuto is happy to offer a blepharoplasty to patients looking to improve the appearance of their eyelids in Rhode Island.
What Is a Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty restores a youthful appearance around the eyes, decreases the feeling of heavy eyelids, and can help improve vision in serious cases. This procedure involves removing excess skin and tissue from the upper eyelid, with an incision made at the eyelid crease. This results in a natural-looking, more awake, youthful appearance. Reasons for acquiring an Upper Blepharoplasty may be cosmetic or functional.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are adults who are in overall good health and have drooping, sagging, or excess skin on their eyelids. This procedure can also benefit people with puffiness in the upper eyelid or eye bags. If someone is interested in getting blepharoplasty to reduce the appearance of aging, they should be at least 35 or older. After this age, drooping in the eyes becomes more apparent, and the results from a blepharoplasty can be more noticeable.
What Are the Contraindications for Blepharoplasty?
Contraindications to blepharoplasty include patients with dry eye, diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, or glaucoma. Patients who suffer from inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may not be suitable candidates for this procedure.
How Do I Prepare for Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Preparing for your blepharoplasty can help make your procedure and recovery process more manageable. Before showing up to your appointment, it’s important to prepare with these important steps:
- Consult your primary doctor about stopping certain medications that may interfere with this procedure.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medications.
- Avoid smoking two weeks before and after your procedure.
- Wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily to protect your skin from sun damage before your procedure.
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight before your surgery.
- Arrange transportation with a loved one and coordinate with them to stay with you for your first 24 hours of recovery.
Are There Any Risks With Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Just like any other surgery, blepharoplasty does come with several risks. These risks can include an allergic reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, blood clots, and cardiovascular complications such as deep vein thrombosis or a stroke. However, these risks can be easily avoided under the care of Dr. Rizzuto, who prioritizes patient safety and comfort with each procedure.
How Painful Is This Procedure?
Blepharoplasty is known to be one of the least painful cosmetic procedures. Any surgical procedure on the eyelids is usually painless. Although some discomfort may be felt on the day of your surgery, it may resemble a skin excision or paper cut and can disappear within a day.
What Is Recovery Like After a Blepharoplasty?
After the blepharoplasty procedure, patients may experience watery, dry, or itchy eyes. Increased light sensitivity may also occur. If your vision appears blurry over the course of the next few days, that is normal and will improve over time. Patients will be sent home with bandages and will likely notice swelling in the eyes decreasing. Within a week to ten days, most patients can return to their regular routines.
Schedule a Consultation for Eyelid Surgery in RI
If you are interested in blepharoplasty or want to learn if this procedure is right for you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Rizzuto by clicking here. With convenient locations in Middletown and Providence, RI, our team is happy to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Call (401) 274-6622 to learn more.