Eyelid Surgery: The Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Though it isn't one of the more talked about forms of plastic surgery, you might be surprised to know that eyelid surgery—or blepharoplasty—is one of the most popular. Because it makes such a dramatic difference both aesthetically and functionally, many of the best plastic surgeons do not hesitate to recommend it to their older patients. The skin around the eyes begins to droop with age, and this can lead to a tired, older appearance. Fixing this can have the same kind of dramatic effect as a facelift, but with only a fraction of the invasiveness.

Obviously, most people interested in eyelid surgery are going to be looking to aesthetic benefits. The extent of such benefits will depend on a number of factors, not the least of which is the extent of the problems. The more dramatic the problem, the more dramatic the result. The skill and technique of the surgeon will play a role as well. Generally speaking, however, most patients who have drooping or sagging around the eyes will find that blepharoplasty can produce the kinds of results that make a difference.

It's important to note that people make a great deal of their judgments about a person based on the appearance of their eyes. We say we don't trust someone because they can't look us in the eye. We determine if a person is tired or intoxicated in some way depending on how bloodshot their eyes are. And we make judgments regarding their age based on the skin around their eyes. These assumptions are often way off, but it is still a common way for individuals to make quick and dirty analyses of each other. If you have drooping skin around the eyes, it could cause people to judge you in an unfair light. Having eyelid surgery will correct this problem and force people to see you in a different way.

What some people don't think about is that eyelid surgery has functional benefits in many cases as well. Often, drooping skin around the eyes can lead to a loss of peripheral vision, one that might come on so gradually that you don't even notice it is gone. Removing that skin can allow you to see the world fully again. Though most forms of cosmetic surgery are not covered by insurance plans, blepharoplasty sometimes is, just for that reason. If you've wanted the procedure but aren't sure how you would pay for it, you could qualify for insurance assistance if you have a doctor confirm that it could positively affect your vision.