What is a Blepharoplasty?
If you constantly look tired and you wake up every day with drooping eyelids, rest assured that you’re not alone. The delicate skin surrounding the eyes begins to age relatively early, and many people find that natural remedies aren’t effective for restoring the aesthetics of the eyelids. When the eyelids begin to droop, blepharoplasty can be the perfect solution for younger-looking eyes and a more vibrant expression. Dr. Ahmed Sufyan is pleased to offer blepharoplasty to men and women in the East Lansing area who are noticing the effects of aging in the eye area. Blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery, is the third most popular cosmetic procedure after liposuction and breast augmentation. It’s an effective way to reduce bagginess from your lower eyelids and remove excess skin from your upper lids.
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How Aging Affects the Eyelids
Aging causes our skin to lose elasticity, volume, and firmness. For this reason, you may notice loose folds on the skin of your upper eyelids and deep creases on your lower lids. Your muscles may also slacken and cause fat to bulge forward and create bags underneath your eyes.
The good news is that there is a way to resolve these issues and restore an alert and youthful appearance. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can do wonders for your facial aesthetics and give you the confidence you deserve.
Ideal Candidates for Blepharoplasty
Dr. Sufyan recommends blepharoplasty in mid Michigan to men and women who are bothered by excess skin, changes in expression, and other signs of aging in the eye area. Good candidates are adults who are in good health and have realistic expectations for the surgery.
Patients with certain health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, dry eyes, glaucoma, or hypothyroidism should not undergo this procedure. While the majority of Dr. Sufyan’s blepharoplasty patients are 35 years of age or older, a younger patient who is in good health but unhappy with their eye aesthetics may benefit from blepharoplasty as well.
What to Expect During a Blepharoplasty Consultation
Anyone who believes a blepharoplasty may be a good choice for them is encouraged to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Sufyan. Consultations start with Dr. Sufyan evaluating the patient’s medical history and closely examining their eye region. Dr. Sufyan will also ask patients about their expectations and share before-and-after images so they have an idea of what type of results they can expect. Prospective patients should come to the consultation with a list of questions to ask to help them make a decision.
Preparing for Blepharoplasty
There are certain pre-surgery directions that blepharoplasty patients must follow. Patients should stop taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or aspirin at least two weeks before the surgery, as they may cause increased bleeding. In addition, patients who smoke are required to quit at least a month before surgery. Smoking can hinder the recovery process and significantly increase the risk for complications. Additionally, patients should ask a trustworthy friend or family member to drive them to and from the procedure and avoid wearing any makeup or lotion on their face on the day of the eyelid surgery.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Eyelid surgery is performed in our East Lansing area surgery center to ensure optimal convenience and safety. Patients will be under IV sedation while Dr. Suyan carefully removes excess folds of skin and addresses fat pouches from their lower and upper eyelids. Dr. Sufyan strategically makes the incision lines so that the scars will be well hidden within the natural structures of the eyelid area.
To resolve droopy upper eyelids, Dr. Sufyan will make an incision within the eyelid’s natural crease to allow for the repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles and tissues, and removal of excess skin. In order to correct lower eyelid conditions, he will make an incision right below the lower lash line and remove excess skin. In most cases, blepharoplasty takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete. Some patients may only need the lower or the upper lids addressed, not both.
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Recovering From Blepharoplasty
After eyelid surgery, patients will be able to return home with tape over their incisions. At their first post-surgery appointment, about two days after the procedure, the tape will be removed. Patients can expect their sutures to be removed at their second post-surgery appointment, about five to seven days after surgery.
Dr. Sufyan will encourage patients to rest and avoid any strenuous activities during the initial recovery period after surgery. Patients will notice some swelling and bruising around the eye region and can take prescribed medications to control any discomfort. Typically, patients may return to work and feel comfortable in social situations within eight to 10 days.
It is important to note that for the upper lids, eyelid surgery results can be expected to last around seven years. This is because the natural aging process may cause skin and fat on the lids to accumulate once again. Some patients may choose to undergo another eyelid surgery for their upper lids as the aging process progresses. Fortunately, the lower lids rarely require a second procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the eyelids to sag?
Since the eyelid skin and underlying supporting fascia are very thin, the eye region is one of the first to show signs of aging. Genetic factors such as skin thickness and environmental factors like sun exposure and smoking can all determine when you start to experience drooping eyelids. Since drooping eyelids are such a common concern, blepharoplasty is one of the top plastic surgeries in the country.
Will blepharoplasty or Botox provide me with my desired results?
If your goal is to permanently remove excess fat and skin from your eyes so that you look years younger, blepharoplasty in Michigan is the ideal choice. However, if you’re searching for a more temporary, less-invasive way to improve surface wrinkles in the eye region, you may want to consider Botox. Dr. Sufyan can make a custom recommendation for you during a private consultation.
What will a blepharoplasty be unable to improve?
An eyelid surgery can make you look more refreshed and relaxed. However, it is not intended to erase crow’s feet, dark circles, or other wrinkles that surround the eyes. If you are concerned about these wrinkles, Dr. Sufyan can suggest other procedures.
Will my results appear natural?
Under the care of Dr. Sufyan, a highly skilled and experienced board-certified surgeon, you can expect natural-looking results. After eyelid surgery, you will look well-rested and rejuvenated rather than overdone. Your friends and family members will notice you look better but may not be able to point out exactly what has changed because the results are generally so natural.
How much time do I need to take off from work after undergoing eyelid surgery?
If you have a desk job or one that does not involve intense physical activity, you will likely be able to return to work around 5 days after the procedure.
Can I wear makeup, wash my hair, or shower after blepharoplasty?
Most patients are cleared to shower and wash their hair the day after surgery. Dr. Sufyan suggests that patients stay away from wearing any eye makeup for at least two to three weeks. Once any scabbing or crusting has resolved itself, patients may apply makeup.
Does eyelid surgery interfere with LASIK?
Eyelid surgery will not interfere with LASIK results or make it unsafe for someone to receive LASIK in the future. Fortunately, these procedures are compatible.
Can eyelid surgery change the shape of my eyes?
If your intention is to change the shape of your eyes, blepharoplasty can help. However, the goal of most eyelid surgeries is to refresh and restore the eyelids and achieve a more youthful, well-rested appearance.
Can eyelid surgery be considered a medical necessity?
Some patients undergo eyelid surgery due to medical issues. For instance, if your upper eyelids droop so far that they obstruct your field of vision, the procedure may be considered a medical necessity.
Are there risks with eyelid surgery?
Risks and complications may occasionally arise, as blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure. These risks and complications may include swelling, infection, dry eyes, asymmetry in scarring, or blurred vision. The good news is that when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon like Dr. Sufyan, the chances of these risks and complications occurring is very low.
Why Choose Dr. Sufyan for Blepharoplasty in Michigan
If you are in the East Lansing area and interested in blepharoplasty, Dr. Sufyan is an invaluable resource. He is a board-certified surgeon who has years of experience successfully performing surgical procedures that involve the eyes and eyelids.
Dr. Sufyan will meet with you to determine your particular goals and design a treatment plan that is ideal for your specific needs. From your initial consultation to months after your procedure, you can count on him to answer any questions you may have and provide you with individualized pre and post-surgical instructions.
Schedule a Blepharoplasty Consultation Today!
If you’re tired of looking tired and ready to shed years off of your face, you owe it to yourself to schedule a private blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. Ahmed Sufyan today.
Call 517-332-0100 or fill out our convenient online contact form today. Dr. Sufyan looks forward to bring your dream of a youthful, well-rested look to life.