Eyelid lifts are not always performed for cosmetic reasons. Many people have sagging skin that interferes with their vision, with plastic surgery a means of correction.
It may seem hard to believe but an eyelid lift,
or blepharoplasty, might be covered by your insurance. While most people undergo this procedure for cosmetic reasons, such as to give their eyes a more youthful, rested appearance, some people have medical conditions that cause drooping.
Eyelid sagging can cause vision problems and discomfort, as well as a diminished life quality. The sagging can make it impossible or dangerous to drive as well as perform other activities such as reading or watching television.
During an eyelid lift, the surgeon makes incisions along the upper arc of the eye, following the natural crease. This makes scarring virtually undetectable following the procedure.
The surgeon then removes the fat and excess skin that is hanging, suturing the remaining tightly into place so it appears natural and smooth above the eye. Once finished, the eyelid appears more lifted with the hanging skin removed. Subsequently, the rest of the face often looks brighter, more open and youthful. Vision problems caused by any sagging skin will be corrected once recovery from the procedure is complete.
Although it seems like a simple surgery, it can take a few months for the full results of an eyelid surgery to be easily visible. Immediately following a blepharoplasty surgery, the patient will be bruised, sore, and their eyes might feel irritated.
They will be required to put an ointment over the area to keep it from drying out. It’s important not to scratch or pull at the stitches during this time. It’s best to keep the eyes rested, which means avoiding reading and watching television. Sleep and relaxation while keeping the head elevated and the skin near the eyes cool with ice will help speed up recovery and provide relief from swelling.
After the first few days post eyelid lift surgery, the doctor will remove the stitches. By this point, much of the initial discomfort has subsided. The eyes may still be overly sensitive to certain stimulus such as light and television, so it is advised to wear dark glasses or keep the lights off. Blurry vision, seeing double, and spottiness are common side effects for the first few days, but the surgeon should be alerted if they persist beyond that. Contact lenses cannot be worn until instructed by the surgeon.
Most people feel ready to return to work and many moderate activities within a week or two of their eyelid lift, but signs of the surgery are often still visible. Bruising can be hidden somewhat with cosmetics or by dark glasses. If you work with computers or other visual devices, you will want to take frequent breaks to rest your eyes as they may tire more easily for the first few weeks.
Contact your insurance company or a qualified plastic surgeon to see if an eyelid lift is covered and can improve the quality of your life. The short term inconvenience and recovery is worth the long term goal of regaining proper vision.
