Eyelid Surgery After Weight Loss
For most people in Sacramento and beyond, eyelid surgery can be easily added to a plastic surgery after weight loss plan. Known medically as blepharoplasty, the procedure is becoming increasingly popular as more people find out it offers maximum impact on their looks with a fairly low-impact recovery process. The procedure appeals to a wide variety of people; men and women, young and old.
Over time, droopy skin on the upper eyelid can obscure your once bright, alert eyes. And fat pockets can accumulate and cause puffiness above and below the eyes, whether you're over or under your ideal weight. The effect? You may look angry or sad, no matter how happy you feel. You may look like you never get enough sleep, even though you don't toss and turn at night. What's worse, you really can't do anything about the skin around your eyes. Home remedies or expensive cosmetic concoctions — it really doesn't matter. They don't help much.
If you're looking into surgery after weight loss and facial rejuvenation is on your list, it makes sense to look into the benefits of blepharoplasty. In your consultation, Dr. Kaufman can help you learn about the procedure and decide if it's an option for you.
Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
Most candidates for eyelid surgery are nearing or into middle age, though some younger people with inherited baggy eyes can benefit from blepharoplasty also. Some patients seek the procedure well into old age, especially if upper eyelid skin obscures their vision. In this case, some insurance plans will cover the procedure.
For most people, risks of blepharoplasty are minimal. Beyond the normal surgical risks of infection, swelling, adverse reaction to anesthesia and minor asymmetry, eyelid surgery may rarely result in vision problems which resolve after a few days.
If you have medical conditions that may increase your risk, such as high blood pressure, it's important to let Dr. Kaufman know. If you have any eye conditions, such as glaucoma or dry eye, you should check with your ophthalmologist prior to surgery for clearance.
Eyelid Surgery and Recovery
Blepharoplasty is most often performed in an outpatient facility under local anesthesia with sedation, and occasionally under general anesthesia. The surgery takes one to two hours. The incisions are made in the natural creases of your eyelids; any scarring should be practically invisible after healing is complete.
You can expect some soreness around your eyes after surgery, but the discomfort is normally fairly mild. You'll have a post-op routine you need to follow, which includes keeping your head elevated and cleaning around your eyes. You'll be asked to engage in just light activities for a few days and avoid straining and raising your blood pressure. Rest will help you heal faster.
Bruising and swelling will peak a few days after surgery and gradually dissipate. Most people feel they look good enough to go back to work and out in public in about a week to a week and a half.
If you're feeling happy about your weight loss and proud of your new body but your eyes don't show it, blepharoplasty may be the right move. It can be combined with a facelift and brow lift for a complete facial makeover. Call (916) 235-8838 and plan a visit to Dr. Kaufman's Folsom office. He is skilled in facial rejuvenation for patients of all kinds, and he'll help you decide if eyelid surgery in Sacramento is right for you.
