No more droopy eyes!

We all want those gorgeous eyes that are youthful and alert. But what do we do when factors that are out of our hands cause our eye to look tired with drooping and sagging eyelids? You can turn to eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty to get those youthful eyes. Celebrities like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lawrence among others have opted for this surgery. 

Cosmetic eyelid surgery, also called “Blepharoplasty,” removes the excess fat and wrinkled, drooping skin of the upper eyelids that can make you look constantly tired or sad. It also eliminates bags under the eyes and tightens the lower eyelid skin. The result is a brighter, more alert and rested appearance. There are two kinds of Blepharoplasty —upper and lower. 

When upper blepharoplasty is performed, an incision is placed along the crease or fold of the upper eyelid and finely sutured. Excess skin or fat is removed from this incision. Since the incision is made in the crease of the eyelid, it is not easily visible and can be camouflaged by make-up. 

A lower blepharoplasty can be performed with an incision inside the eyelid or externally, just beneath the eye lashes. If suturing is required, dissolving sutures are used. Excess fatty tissue is removed from the lower eyelid giving the patient a less tired look and reducing puffiness.

You might opt for eyelid surgery if the skin hangs from upper eyelid imparing vision, if you have fine and creepy wrinkles or a puffy upper eyelid etc. 

Both the procedures can be done under local anesthetic. The procedure is painless and takes about 90 minutes for both upper and lower blepharoplasty.   

Before the surgery, the patients are required to stop smoking, taking blood thinning pills and vitamins one week prior to the surgery. Prescribed medicines should be taken. Patients can expect swelling and bruising a day after the surgery, causing some discomfort. This can take up to a week to subside. The eyes might feel tight for some. Patients are advised not to exercise, smoke or drink alcohol during the recovery period as this can slow the healing process. Sutures will be removed after five days post surgery. You will not be able to wear contact lenses for two weeks post-operation and you will need to wear good UV protective sunglasses when exposed to sunlight.

Like any surgery, eyelid surgery too has its complications. Bruising will subside two weeks after the surgery, in case of eye irritation one can use eye drops, if a haematoma occurs, it needs to be removed and in case of infection one will require medicines. This procedure has the ability to reverse age around 7-9 years.

The healing process is gradual. The scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery. Eventually, though, they will fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line. In contrast, the positive results of your eyelid surgery will give you a more alert and youthful look that will last for years. For most people, these results are permanent.

— The writer is celebrity cosmetic and plastic surgeon. Disclaimer: Please check with your doctor before proceeding with this treatment.