Aging may be a natural thing but that doesn’t mean you have to like everything about it. Case in point: droopy eyelids that make it difficult to see the world around you.
Sound familiar? If your eyelids have gotten so droopy that you can’t see anything, it’s a problem.
The good news? There are things you can do about your droopy eyelids to regain your sight! Keep reading to learn more!
Why are my eyelids so droopy and saggy?
There’s plenty to expect about aging but who said anything about your eyelids stretching and drooping? It’s not pretty but it is a normal part of the aging process.
For some people, this comes down to being unable to see. If this happens, you might need a procedure called a blepharoplasty.
Why would you need blepharoplasty? With age, the eyelids stretch. As they stretch, the muscles that support them also start to weaken.
You may not notice it, but excess fat will start gathering both above and below your eyelids. It doesn’t mean your eyelids or eyebrows are obese!
Instead, it results in sagging eyebrows, large bags under your eyes that won’t go away, and droopy eyelids. For some people, they merely start thinking they look older and more tired than they used to.
But for others, it can be a real detriment because it blocks their vision. Getting blepharoplasty is a safe and effective way to treat your saggy, droopy eyelids, deep undereye bags, and look younger all at the same time!
What is having blepharoplasty like?
f you’re determined to be a good candidate for blepharoplasty, one of the skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeons at Takle Eye Group will perform the procedure. Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home after it’s over.
To start, you’ll have numbing medication injected into your eyelids. This ensures you won’t feel any pain throughout the procedure from start to finish.
Most patients also opt to have a sedative which is administered through an IV. You may be a little groggy after receiving this but you’ll still be awake.
Once the numbing medication completely numbs your eyelids, the blepharoplasty procedure can begin. This involves your surgeon cutting along the fold of the eyelid.
They will then remove any excess skin, as well as muscle and fat before closing the cut in the fold of the eyelid. For your lower eyelid, your surgeon will make a cut that’s right below your eyelashes.
This is in the eye’s natural crease or inside of the lower eyelid. The excess fat, sagging skin, and muscle is then removed or redistributed as your surgeon sees fit.
After this step, your surgeon will then close the cut. You’ll spend time in a recovery room after blepharoplasty is over. Our staff at Takle Eye Group in Griffin will carefully monitor you for any complications. Once you’re cleared, you can go home where you’ll begin your recovery process.
What is the recovery process like after blepharoplasty?
Like any surgical procedure, the recovery process after blepharoplasty is incredibly important.
Recovery right after blepharoplasty
First things first, once you’re cleared to go home, you may notice that your vision is a little blurry.
Apply the ointment you’re given
This is normal and is likely due to antibiotic ointment applied to the eye to keep the surface from getting too dry. Your ophthalmologist at Takle Eye Group will provide you with this ointment.
Dry eyes are normal
Make sure to use it exactly as directed! If your eyes feel drier than you’re used to, this is also a normal part of the recovery process after having blepharoplasty.
When it comes to dry eyes, it’s best to be proactive. That means that you’re better off using artificial tears before your eyes feel dried out.
Use ice packs and sleep sitting up
If your eyes feel sensitive or swollen, you should use ice packs for 24-48 hours after having blepharoplasty. You’ll also be told to sleep sitting up, which can help if you’re very swollen since it can reduce fluid accumulation.
Keep water below your head when showering
You can take a shower or bath 1-2 days after blepharoplasty, but the key here is to be careful. Your eyes must be kept dry! Use your shower head and adjust it as necessary to keep any water below your head.
Wash your hair in the sink and get assistance
If you need to wash your hair, it’s safest to wash it in your sink and grab a hand from someone else. If your eyes get wet, it’s okay, but you want to keep moisture away from the wounds where the blepharoplasty took place, which is the eyelids.
Wash your eyes gently with soap and water
You can start washing your eyes gently with soap and water 3-7 days after your procedure. A week after blepharoplasty, you’ll usually have any sutures removed, allowing you to go back to any regular showering routines.
Avoid strenuous activities
If you want to have a successful recovery from blepharoplasty, you need to avoid strenuous activities. This means heavy lifting and exercising are not allowed for at least 7 days after your procedure. If you must move around, gentle walking is acceptable.
Recovery two weeks after blepharoplasty
During the second week of your recovery after having blepharoplasty, it’s recommended that you continue to take it easy. Your eyes may become more tired more quickly than they used to.
Take naps a few times a day if you need to
It’s okay to take naps a few times a day to give your eyes the rest they need. If you have to go outside, make sure to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from both the sun and any irritants like dust, particles, and even the wind.
Swelling and bruising are normal
Your eyes may still be more sensitive than normal. If you’ve had an upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, you may still have some bruising and swelling two weeks after your procedure.
Check that you’re allowed to wear makeup again
About two weeks after blepharoplasty, you’ll be allowed to wear makeup again. Double-check with your eye doctor to confirm that everything has healed the way it should and you’ve hit all timelines.
Ask your ophthalmologist any questions you may have
Always ask your ophthalmologist if you have any questions about your care or have any concerns about how your eyes are healing.
Wondering if blepharoplasty may be the solution for your saggy eyebrows or drooping eyelids? Schedule an appointment at Takle Eye Group in Griffin, GA to find out if blepharoplasty is right for you!
