By Jerome Edelstein, MD
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic surgery which can help remove puffiness underneath the eyes as well as bags and dark circles. It’s important to understand what blepharoplasty is not. This procedure isn’t intended to remove wrinkles at the corners of the eyes (such as crow’s feet), although the procedure can have a dramatically positive cosmetic effect. For some patients, functional blepharoplasty may be needed, as opposed to an operation which is strictly cosmetic. In these cases, it’s usually administered to correct ptosis, a condition in which the upper eyelid sags, droops, or is otherwise too long and enters the patient’s field of vision.
How Can Blepharoplasty Remove Puffiness?
Since eyelid surgery is a procedure which involves the removal of unnecessary, additional skin from around the eyes and the eyelids, this tightening effect—along with the tightening of the underlying tissue near the eyes—will substantially smooth out the area beneath the eyes. This will result in puffiness, dark circles, and bags to be substantially abated or removed entirely. In some cases, a plastic surgeon may remove small pockets of fat from the patient’s eye area as well, which can further enhance the desired effect.
It’s important to understand that no two blepharoplasty procedures will ever be performed in exactly the same way—that’s because each patient has a unique anatomy that needs to be understood and analyzed before the procedure. Depending on your specific needs and goals, the procedure will be customized to fit your aesthetic desires.
How Long Will the Puffiness Be Gone?
Blepharoplasty offers very long lasting results for most patients. While there isn’t any form of plastic surgery that could ever be considered truly permanent, it is true that in most cases eyelid surgery will offer benefits that last for many years—even decades. Many patients choose to discuss an ongoing treatment plan with their plastic surgeon to maintain and extend the benefits of blepharoplasty and any other cosmetic procedures he or she may choose to have. In these cases, patients can usually expect long term benefits. Maintenance programs are common and will likely be a topic of discussion between you and your plastic surgeon during your consultations with them.
Consulting with a Plastic Surgeon
One could argue that the most important part of having blepharoplasty or any kind of cosmetic treatment will be the consultations you share with your plastic surgeon. It’s during these appointments that you’ll have the chance to ask questions, get answers, and learn more about the procedure that you’re interested in and how it can benefit you specifically. Again, everyone’s anatomy is unique—that’s why you need to be physically evaluated and have questions answered as they pertain to your unique anatomy and goals. Furthermore, you’ll get the chance to verify your surgeon’s qualifications and educational background, as well as to learn more about their experience with the procedure that you’re interested in having. In this case, the surgeon should have a great deal of experience with blepharoplasty.
Saying Goodbye to Puffy Eyes for Good
If you’re ready to take charge of your aesthetic goals and rid yourself of puffiness, bags under your eyes, or dark circles, the first and best step to take will always be to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. It’s because this will give you the opportunity to learn more about your unique anatomy, needs, and how to get the best possible results for you personally. If you live in or will be near the Toronto area, consider working with Edelstein Cosmetic, a clinic staffed by experienced medical professionals. To schedule a friendly consultation, please consider yourself warmly invited to call (416) 256-5614 at your earliest convenience.