Are You a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?
Are You a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?
If you’re considering upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) your plastic surgeon will be able to provide guidance on whether eyelid surgery is the right procedure for you. Because the eyes don’t exist in a vacuum, there are several critical variables to take into consideration.
For example, a good plastic surgeon cannot evaluate the eyelids without considering the positioning and shape of the brows. These structures intrinsically linked and without examining the two as relating to each other, the results may not achieve your desired goal. This is why eyelid surgery is often done in conjunction with a brow lift and/or fat transfer procedure.
However, if you are considering eyelid surgery, the following are some common reasons why the procedure may be right for you:
What Is the Right Age for Eyelid Surgery?
Ultimately age does not matter so much because your surgeon will look at the condition of your skin regardless of age. Depending on your genetic makeup and lifestyle, you could be as young as 35, or old as 65 years of age. However, that being said, most of our blepharoplasty patients are over 35 years old.
Eyelid surgery is typically for those patients who are seeking to reduce droopy eyelids, or “bags” under the eyes, for a younger, more open-eyed look. But the surgery has also a functional purpose in that some people’s eyelids are sagging to such a degree that it actually interferes with their vision. In these cases, the procedure can make a huge improvement to their daily life.
Eyelid Surgery Can Help If You Have…
- Excess or loose skin that hides the natural fold of the upper eyelids
- Loose upper eyelid skin that impairs vision
- ‘Puffy’ upper eyelids, making eyes look tired and ‘sad’
- Fine, ‘crepe paper’ lower eyelid wrinkles
- Under-eye ‘bags’ or large dark circles
- ‘Hooded’ upper eyelids
Are You of Good Physical Health?
As with any plastic surgery, the results will be optimal if you are in good general health and a non-smoker. Also, a positive attitude and realistic expectations help to make you a good candidate for this procedure. Eyelid surgery will refresh and rejuvenate the upper, eye area of the face, but if you’re seeking more extensive facial rejuvenation you may want to consider a facelift or pan facial rejuvenation.
You Might Not Be a Good Candidate If…
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please let your plastic surgeon know at your very first appointment because it may mean the difference between your ability to have surgery or, alternatively opt for a non-surgical alternative.
Most specifically, if you have glaucoma or diabetes we may recommend an alternative solution to eyelid surgery.
