How Long Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Take? A Complete Guide

Are you unhappy with the appearance of your eyelids? Do they seem to make you look older or tired and do nothing for your overall look? If this is so, then perhaps it’s time to consider something more than just eye cream. Blepharoplasty is an increasingly popular surgery that helps to improve the shape of your eyelids while also lifting sagging skin in the process. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly blepharoplasty is, how long it takes to have the procedure completed and all risks involved. No more hiding behind dark sunglasses!

Why is Blepharoplasty done?

Typically blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is performed for cosmetic reasons. As we age, our skin loses laxity and everything starts to sag. This tackles the “tired look”. Most people want to get their youthful appearance back! Not only is it a cosmetic game-changer, but it’s also used to treat medical conditions such as ptosis (drooping eyelids) and entropion (inward-turning eyelids). However, a lift does not eliminate dark circles, crow’s feet, or forehead wrinkles. If those are your problems, you should instead look into other treatments like laser skin resurfacing, fillers, or neurotoxin injections.

close up of a beautiful eye with shimmery gold eyeshadow on

How long does blepharoplasty surgery take?

Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a common cosmetic surgery procedure that can take anywhere from one to two hours to complete. Depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether fat needs to be repositioned, the time can vary. Generally, if both upper and lower-eyelid surgery is done together, it will take around 1-3 hours. After the procedure, recovery can be broken down into three parts: bruising, swelling and maturation of the incision/scar. Bruising usually goes away within 2-3 weeks while swelling may take up to 6 weeks before you start seeing the final result.

Options for Eyelid Lift Surgery

There are several options for eyelid surgery depending on your individual needs and goals. Your doctor will discuss with you what type of procedure is best for you based on your medical history and desired outcome. The most common types of eyelid surgery include:

Upper-eyelid surgery – The procedure involves cutting into the creases of the upper lids to trim away any excess skin, muscle, or remove fat.
Lower Blepharoplasty – This procedure removes excess fat and skin from the lower lid to reduce puffiness or bags under the eyes. It may also involve tightening loose muscles in order to improve eye shape and contour.
Ptosis Repair – This procedure corrects droopy upper eyelids by tightening muscles around the eye area to lift them up into a more natural position.

It’s important to discuss all of your options with your doctor before deciding which type of eyelid surgery is right for you. Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you have about risks, benefits, recovery time, and cost associated with each type of procedure.

how long does blepharoplasty surgery take, woman applying eye cream

Who is a good candidate?

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are those who have healthy facial tissue and muscles, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. You should be in good physical health with no underlying medical conditions that could impair healing. Additionally, they should not be taking any medications that could interfere with healing or increase bleeding risk during surgery.

If you are considering blepharoplasty, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your individual needs and determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your goals and expectations as well as any potential risks associated with the surgery.

How do you prepare?

If you’re considering this surgery, it’s important to understand the preparation process. Before the procedure, your doctor may recommend lab testing or a medical evaluation. You may need to adjust or stop taking certain medications prior to surgery, and you should stop smoking if you are a smoker. On the day of your surgery, do not eat or drink anything after midnight and wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to remove. To ensure a successful outcome, you must follow your doctor’s instructions for pre- and post-operative care.

How Long Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Take? A Complete Guide

How painful is blepharoplasty surgery?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a relatively minor cosmetic procedure that can be performed with minimal discomfort. While some patients may experience slight pain on the day of the surgery, most report that it is very manageable and short-lived. Recovery time is usually quick and patients can see results soon after the procedure.

The amount of pain experienced during blepharoplasty surgery depends on a variety of factors such as the type of sedation used and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, local anesthesia is used for blepharoplasty and this can help to reduce any discomfort during the procedure. Personally, I would have to use general anesthesia because I would freak out. And, that is an option, if required. Afterward, patients may experience tightness and soreness around their eyes as well as watery, dry, sticky, or itchy eyes. Vision may also be blurry for a few days following surgery.

Recovery

How long does it take to heal from eyelid surgery?

Recovery from eyelid surgery typically takes between seven to fourteen days, and during this time it is important to take time off from work and avoid activities such as bending or lifting items heavier than five pounds. To ensure proper healing and prevent dryness in your eyes, artificial tear drops are prescribed for 24-48 hours after surgery. Bruising and swelling are common side effects of the procedure, but these should subside within two to three weeks.

What to do during healing process?

Additionally, cold compresses can be used to help reduce swelling, discomfort, and sensitivity in the days following blepharoplasty surgery. It’s important to avoid any trauma to your eyes during recovery such as rubbing them or wearing contact lenses until you have been given clearance by your doctor. With proper care and rest, you should be able to return to your normal activities in around ten to fourteen days after the surgery. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments and always follow your surgeon’s directions.

Sun protection after surgery

Eyelid surgery is a delicate procedure that requires special care and attention during the recovery process. Sun protection is an important part of the healing process, as it can help to prolong the results of the surgery and avoid any potential problems with the appearance of incisions. It is recommended to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection whenever going outdoors, as well as sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that protects from UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, avoiding sun exposure two weeks before surgery can maximize your plastic surgery investment and help you avoid skin cancer. Following these guidelines will ensure that you get the best results from your eyelid surgery.

Risks

Like any other surgical procedure, there are risks associated with blepharoplasty. These include anesthesia risks, bleeding from the incision lines, changes in skin sensation or numbness, difficulty closing the eyes completely, dry eyes, infection, injury to eye muscles, lower eyelid drooping away from the eye, scarring and tissue irregularities and ptosis and lid retraction. In rare cases blindness and embolic complications may occur.

To minimize these risks it is important to choose a qualified surgeon who has experience performing blepharoplasty procedures. Additionally it is important to follow all pre-operative instructions given by your doctor to ensure a safe recovery process.

Combining with other plastic surgery procedures

Combining eyelid surgery with another procedure is becoming increasingly popular for people looking to achieve a more youthful and alert appearance. Other procedures that can be combined with eyelid surgery include facelift and neck lift, rhinoplasty, brow lifts, and more. Combining these procedures can help you achieve the desired results faster than if you were to have each procedure done separately. It’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine which combination of procedures you can schedule.

Now you can go get those fake eyelashes you always wanted!