One of the first things people notice about you is your eyes, which are sometimes referred to as “the windows to the soul.” According to research conducted by the Psychology Department at the University of Winchester, the eyes are the most essential facial characteristic for most people when considering another as a romantic interest.
The upper and lower eyelids as well as the undereye area all contribute to how attractive your eyes are. The skin in these areas is very tender and sensitive, making it prone to wrinkles, lines, sagging, and other natural signs of the aging process. This can cause you to look haggard, sad, or older than you actually are.
Cosmetic eye surgery can refresh the areas around your eyes, creating a more refined, rested, and youthful appearance. Today we are going to share some of the most popular procedures that are used to address cosmetic concerns around the eye area.
Types Of Cosmetic Eye Surgery
Blepharoplasty is a term used to describe cosmetic surgery that repairs under-eye bags, droopy eyelids, under-eye fat deposits, saggy upper or lower eyelid skin, eyelids that hang down and impair vision, etc.
The cosmetic surgeon can perform cosmetic under-eye surgery (a lower blepharoplasty) or repair issues related to the upper eyelid (an upper blepharoplasty) or both, depending on the specific needs and concerns of the patient.
1. Upper Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery
An upper blepharoplasty corrects concerns such as puffiness, sagging, and creases. It refreshes the appearance and can remove the issues that cause you to look old, tired, or sad.
The procedure normally takes between one and two hours and involves the surgeon making carefully placed incisions along the natural creases of your eyelid. Once the incisions have healed, any tiny, thin scars that may result will be well hidden.
The surgeon may tighten the eye muscle a bit, remove any loose excess skin, and eliminate or reposition fat to provide a refreshed but natural-looking upper eye area.
Patients normally recover in about two weeks from upper-eye cosmetic surgery. The results typically last anywhere from 8 to 10 years. While it is impossible to stop the natural aging process, the longevity of the results can be extended through proper care of the delicate eye area, a healthy diet, proper hydration, and avoiding sun exposure.
2. Cosmetic Under Eye Surgery
One of the first places that the signs of an aging manifest is around our eyes, especially under our eyes. Dark circles can form, and fat deposits can settle under the eyes and make us look tired and older than we are. Thankfully, a cosmetic surgeon can do wonders with a lower blepharoplasty.
During the one- to two-hour surgery, an incision will be made on the outside edge of the eye, just below the lower lash line. The surgeon will then remove any excess skin and fat to create a smoother, tighter appearance, and then tiny sutures will be used to close the incisions. This will significantly reduce undereye bags and dark circles and present a more “well-rested” look.
Similarly to upper eye cosmetic surgery, the recovery time is about two weeks, and the results can last up to 10 years with careful and proper care. Patients are advised to wear sunglasses after surgery to help avoid eye irritation.
3. Bilateral Cosmetic Eye Surgery
Combining both an upper eyelid lift and lower eyelid surgery is known as “bilateral blepharoplasty” and can make a dramatic difference in your appearance if you have both droopy upper eyelids and under-eye bags.
The surgery normally takes two to three hours and is performed as outlined above, but the surgeon completes both the upper and lower blepharoplasty in one surgical session.
Patients can use cold compresses to help with swelling for the first 24 hours, but they should not experience any significant pain.
The recovery can take just a little over two weeks after having both procedures completed at once, and patients are advised to refrain from activities that can irritate the eyes, like watching television or computer usage, for seven to ten days. Individuals who wear contacts should avoid using them for two weeks after their cosmetic eye surgery.
4. Double Eyelid Surgery
Some individuals do not naturally have well-defined upper eyelid folds, such as those of East Asian descent. Some patients choose to have a type of cosmetic eye surgery that creates an eyelid that is visibly defined and makes their eyes look wider open.
This surgery is often called Asian blepharoplasty and is done to create a permanent crease or natural-looking fold in the upper eyelid to accentuate the natural eye shape. Some surgeons use incisions to complete this procedure, and some use a special suturing technique.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Cosmetic Eye Surgery?
An upper eyelid lift may be a good choice for you if you:
- Have excess skin folds or droopy upper eyelids;
- Have excess fat in your upper lid area that appears puffy;
- Are in general overall good health;
- Do not smoke;
- Understand the procedure and expected results.
Lower under-eye bag cosmetic surgery may be the proper procedure if you:
- Chronically look tired despite getting adequate amounts of sleep;
- You have under-eye bags all day, not just in the morning;
- You have visible fat deposits under your eyes that look puffy;
- You are in good health;
- You do not smoke;
- You have realistic goals and expectations for the results.
We are fortunate to have access to cosmetic surgeries and procedures that can help us be the best versions of ourselves. Cosmetic eye surgery can refresh your appearance and provide a wide-eyed, well-rested, confident, more youthful, and completely approachable first impression to those who meet you.
Knowing you look your best boosts self-confidence, which then radiates into all parts of your life. If you have been contemplating cosmetic surgery, you should consider cosmetic eye surgery for its dramatic results, minimal discomfort, and quick recovery.
Contact SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics to find out more about cosmetic surgery for the eyes and which procedure would be right for you. Dr. Angelina Postoev, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, uses her skill and creative artistry to enhance your upper eyelid and under-eye area to rejuvenate and transform your countenance. Some say “the eyes reveal all,” but let’s keep them from giving away your age! Set up an online consultation today!
