The airlines industry, much like every other industry, is quite demanding in its own way. And one of the pressures that people working in it face is to always look fresh and lively, no matter what time it is. This is especially so, for those who are in customer-facing roles, just like Susan, a 49 year-old flight attendant. She was quite frustrated with relying on make-up to help her look fresh, even at odd hours of the day. So, she decided to go in for blepharoplasty, a surgery that has helped her get rid of a perpetual tired look and appear refreshed.
Understanding Blepharoplasty – Reviving the Freshness in Your Eyes
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that many have come to rely on, to repair signs of fatigue that set in our eyes. Some of these signs include drooping or sagging upper eyelids and baggy lower eyelids – all of which can be caused by the addition of skin and fat, over the years. In a few advanced cases, it can even decrease peripheral vision or even prevent the eyes from opening up entirely, if there is an excess of sagging skin. With blepharoplasty, you can get rid of all these issues and make your eyes appear more fresh and alert.
Myth-Busting – Goodbye Misinformation, Hello Knowledge
While blepharoplasty is a rather simple surgical procedure that has more advantages than disadvantages, it is surprising how many myths surround it. I have come across several over the course of time. And here I have compiled a few of the more frequent ones that I have heard:
Myth: Crow’s feet will disappear with blepharoplasty.
Fact: Crow’s feet will continue to appear, as it is caused by eye movements that cannot be restricted by any surgery.
Myth: Blepharoplasty is a one-time procedure.
Fact: Every person is unique, and so is their body’s ability to resist ongoing stimuli that causes tiredness. Some people retain the effects of blepharoplasty longer than others, who may need repeat procedures.
Myth: Dark circles vanish with blepharoplasty.
Fact: Blepharoplasty does not have a direct impact on dark circles. However, it can give the eyes an overall fresher appearance.
Pre-procedure: Getting Ready for Blepharoplasty
Information Gathering and Sharing
Prior to the surgery, you will have a consultation with your surgeon (a specialist in eye plastic surgery) to firstly find out what you expect to gain out of blepharoplasty and secondly to give him/her an understanding of your medical history, which will include information about your overall eye health and other medical conditions like diabetes. Be prepared to discuss your complete medical history with your surgeon.
Pre-surgery Procedures
Post discussions, typically, the surgeon will take you through a series of small processes that are critical steps before the surgery is performed. This will comprise of a complete examination of your eyes – so that the surgeon has an idea about your current eye health. The next will be a vision test, which will give insights into your vision.
Lastly, the surgeon will also take images of your eyes from various angles to better plan your surgery based on your external eye conditions like sagging skin. Depending on your surgeon’s assessments, he/she may ask you to make changes to your diet, medications or other factors in the days or weeks leading to the surgery.
Procedure: At the Blepharoplasty Appointment
Generally, blepharoplasty is conducted as an outpatient procedure, which means you walk in for the surgery and walk out the same day, without getting admitted. However, this may vary from patient to patient – your surgeon will advise you on what is best for you.
- A numbing medicine/anesthetic is given locally, on the eyelids.
- In case a patient goes for both blepharoplasty on both upper and lower eyelids, the surgeon will begin with the upper.
- This will include making an incision on the eyelid and removal of excess fat, skin or muscle, as the case may be.
- The incision is closed off, to be removed a week later.
This is typically what constitutes a blepharoplasty procedure.
Post-procedure:
*What to expect: Once the surgery is over, there are a few things you may experience – stay alert for any of these signs and speak to your surgeon about it if anything cause concern to you:
- Blurry vision
- Watering in eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Double vision
- Irritation or dryness of eyes
- Strain when trying to close eyes
- Swelling, puffiness and bruising are common (but will subside within a week)
- Pain around eyes
In case you face any other health issues too post-procedure, ensure you get in touch with your surgeon for a consultation.
*How to care for yourself: After the surgery, it is essential that you care for your eyes the way your surgeon recommends you do. This will typically include:
- Using ice packs intermittently
- Avoiding smoking
- Avoiding strenuous activities
- Avoiding contact lenses
- Cleaning eyelids gently
- Elevating head while sleeping
- Protecting eyes against sunlight
Blepharoplasty is fast becoming a popular cosmetic surgery, with about 100,000 procedures being performed every year in the US. If you too would like to experience the difference blepharoplasty can make to your eye, please get in touch with me to get a consultation.