Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Miami
For many people Miami, their eyes are one of their most striking features. Women of all ages go to great lengths to enhance them, applying shimmering eye shadows, liner and mascara to further accentuate this facial focal point. Unfortunately, though, your eyes are also the first thing to belie your age, as sagging skin and deepening crow’s feet can gradually take away from that youthful gleam.
Over time, the very tricks you used to make these features stand out could work against you, drawing more attention to the signs of aging you despise. However, it is possible to revive your favorite facial feature and restore those baby blues – or greens – or browns – to their former vibrancy with the help of a Miami plastic surgeon.
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How Eyelid Surgery Can Help
If you’ve noticed that no one seems to compliment your eyes the way they used to, or that friends, loved ones and coworkers keep commenting on how exhausted you look, eyelid surgery may be the right choice for you.
Through eyelid surgery, known clinically as blepharoplasty, your Miami plastic surgeon can address common problems like sagging upper eyelids, excess skin, droopiness and fine lines. This procedure can even help get rid of those stubborn bags that seem to form under your eyes no matter how well-rested you feel.
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What Does Eyelid Surgery Entail?
Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort. You should not feel any pain during the procedure. Dr. Craft begins by making small incisions in the natural folds of the eyelid skin. Through the incisions, he removes excess tissue, removes or repositions displaced fat and tightens the muscles to create flatter and firmer-looking lids. When Dr. Craft is finished, he closes the incisions with tiny sutures.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. After your procedure, you will be monitored for a short period of time by the nursing team. Then, you will be released into the care of a family member or friend, who should drive you home and help you get into a comfortable recovery position.
First Few Days
For the first few days following your procedure, you should focus on resting and relaxing. Your eye area may feel swollen, bruised and tender during this time. If you experience pain or discomfort, you can manage it using prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Applying cold compresses can also manage swelling, bruising and discomfort. If Dr. Craft prescribes eyedrops or ointments, use them as directed.
It is important to avoid any activities that could increase blood flow to your eyes or dry them out. This includes lying flat on your back, bending over, heavy lifting or straining. It also includes activities like watching extended amounts of television or working on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
Follow your incision care instructions from Dr. Craft and keep your incisions clean and dry. Refrain from rubbing or pressing on your healing eyelids and wearing contact lenses or eye makeup. Eat light, healthy meals, get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated. Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum and do not smoke or vape.
One Week After Surgery
Approximately one week after your surgery, you should notice that any pain has subsided and your bruising and swelling are improving. At this point, you can return to desk work and other normal day-to-day activities, as long as you avoid anything physically strenuous or that could draw more blood to your eye area.
If your job is physically demanding, Dr. Craft will advise you of when you can return.
Walking is good exercise if you feel up to it. Whenever going outside, cover your eyes with sunglasses and a hat for protection. Exposing your healing incisions to the sun is detrimental to scar formation.
Two to Three Weeks After Surgery
The majority of your bruising and swelling should subside after two to three weeks, and your surgical results will become more visible. Your eyes should look brighter and more rested, and your face may look younger.
Dr. Craft will clear you to resume wearing your contacts and applying eye makeup. You can gradually ease back into your normal exercise routine, but you should stop and dial back your activity level if you feel any discomfort or pain.
Four to Six Weeks After Surgery
At four to six weeks after surgery, you should have very minimal swelling and bruising (if at all). Remaining restrictions on activities are generally lifted at this time. You should continue to protect your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and a hat.
Follow-up Appointments
Throughout your recovery, you will follow up with Dr. Craft at his office so he can check your healing eyelids and monitor your progress. These appointments are a good opportunity to ask questions and bring up any new symptoms you are experiencing.
As you continue to heal, Dr. Craft can recommend complementary procedures or skin care products to accentuate the results of your eyelid surgery.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
Does eyelid surgery leave scars?
Dr. Craft carefully places the incisions in the natural creases of the skin to hide any scarring that occurs. As long as you follow your aftercare instructions, your scars should fade very nicely after surgery and should not be detectable to the naked eye.
What do I need to avoid doing after eyelid surgery?
For approximately one week following your surgery, you will need to avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup. You must also avoid bending, heavy lifting or any strenuous activity for up to a few weeks after surgery.
Will eyelid surgery get rid of my dark circles?
Whether eyelid surgery eliminates dark circles depends on the underlying cause. In cases where displaced fat creates hollowness under the eyes that casts dark shadows, restoring the fat to its proper position may help.
Is there an age limit for eyelid surgery?
There is no upper age limit for eyelid surgery. The procedure may be suitable for candidates as young as 18 who may have inherited baggy or puffy eyelids.
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Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you:
- are in good health with no pre-existing medical conditions that
- could jeopardize the safety of your procedure
- do not have any eye diseases such as glaucoma or dry eye
- have realistic expectations about what you hope to achieve
- can commit to following Dr. Craft’s aftercare instructions
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Why Choose Dr. Christopher Craft for Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Christopher Craft is a board-certified Miami plastic surgeon who has helped countless men and women in the area regain their youthful good looks through cosmetic surgery. If you are dissatisfied with the way you look, it’s in your power to make a positive change.
Dr. Craft can provide the information you need to do so, and is known for the discretion, respect and support he bestows upon every patient.