One of the most commonly performed facial aging procedures is that of the blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery. While it could be most common because there are four eyelids (and only one nose for example), it is frequently performed for other reasons. It is the earliest sign of facial aging...and it often bothers patients the most because aging eyes are seen by all and make an impression (usually wrong) of being tired or worn out. Every conversation that you have ever had, you spend most of your time (or you should) looking into the other person's eyes. Tired eyes are seen by all!

Of all the facial aging procedures, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery or eyelid tucks) often makes the greatest difference in your appearance because of their social visibility. Removing a little excess skin and fat can really clean up your eyes and make you look less tired and more vibrant. This is why I always call blepharoplasty the best value of all the facial aging procedures. It causes the greatest positive change in your appearance.

One of the more interesting things about blepharoplasty is that it is painless to go through for most patients. Yes, there is some noticeable swelling and bruising around the eyes but remarkably, there is usually no pain. You look 'beat up' but you don't feel so. Recovery from blepharoplasty is what I call social recovery. When you feel comfortable again going out in public is what makes up blepharoplasty recovery. For some patients, they are not concerned about their appearance and they are out in public again in 3 to 5 days. Most patients do care, however, so their full return to the public eye may be closer to 7 to 10 days.

Blepharoplasty is one plastic surgery where what you do before and after the procedure can make a big difference in the amount of bruising and swelling that occurs. Ceasing to take medications that can cause excessive bleeding, such as aspirin and non-steroidal medications, is the first step. Taking arnica tablets beginning one week before and after surgery is the next step. Keep your head and your eyes iced for the first 24 hours after surgery. I also place an Actipatch Eye Recovery mask immediately after surgery and onto this is where you place the ice. ActiPatch emits pulsed electromagnetic waves which help reduce swelling on the traumatized eyelids. After the first day after surgery, your main efforts are over other than keeping your eyelids moist with a light coating of antibiotic ointment. (this keeps the sutures soft so that they are easier to remove)

In 10 - 14 days, you will look 'non-operated', even though there is still some small amount of swelling and perhaps some line of bruising along the lower eyelid. By 3 weeks after surgery, you will be able to enjoy the full benefits of your blepharoplasty surgery! You will looke more refreshed and that will undoubtably be noticed...even though most will never figure that it was due to eyelid surgery. (unless you told them!)


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Dr Barry Eppley, operates a private plastic surgery practice at Clarian North and West Medical Centers in suburban Indianapolis. He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com