Eyelids that are hooded, heavy, bulging, or saggy make the face look older. This is true even when the signs of aging on other parts of the face are relatively mild. The effects of blepharoplasty, a surgical eyelid procedure, can be so profound that the entire face looks younger and more energetic afterward. Some people who were considering facelift surgery but decided to focus first on their eyes have been so impressed with their results that they lost all thought of the facelift they felt they needed. Now, is that true for everyone? Probably not. The point is that eyelid rejuvenation surgery is popular for a reason, it significantly improves appearance. Here, we discuss what patients can do to improve their recovery after this conservative procedure.

Your Blepharoplasty Recovery

Blepharoplasty patients are advised to anticipate a recovery period of 10 to 14 days. It is during this time when the vast majority of surgical side effects resolve and the rewards of surgery are most profound. It is also during this time when patients may not feel completely thrilled about their appearance. After blepharoplasty, the area around the eyes looks bruised and swollen. Incisions are red and the stitches may be visible on the upper eyelids. In light of this, patients can prepare for their blepharoplasty recovery by understanding that they will have to wait a short time for the results they expected. A healthy mindset and lots of entertainment can go a long way in this regard.

Self-Care After Blepharoplasty

There is something about blepharoplasty recovery that can be challenging if you’re not prepared. Yes, you understand that you will need to rest, but the way that you rest may be different in real life than it is in your mind before you have your procedure. As you prepare for your eyelid rejuvenation surgery, consider ways to keep boredom at bay that do not involve using your eyes. When we hear that we should rest, we might envision playing some computer games or binge-watching a season of that show we’ve heard so much about. With this in mind, the reality of resting after blepharoplasty may come as a shock. While you can watch a show here and there while you recover from this procedure, screen time should be limited. This is because your eyes tire more easily and we want to prevent unnecessary fatigue and dryness. These can cause more discomfort than is necessary. Instead of watching or reading activities, consider something new, like listening to podcasts or a few audiobooks. As long as you wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat, you might feel up to taking short walks outdoors or sitting outside in the shade. The rest in blepharoplasty doesn’t have to feel boring. It can be truly reinvigorating when you plan well for this short time-out from life.

Would you like a fresh outlook on your appearance? Contact us at 513.985.0850 to schedule your consultation at our Cincinnati office.

Many people seek ways to look a little younger. Maybe you’ve tried the best serums and moisturizers and are still struggling to correct the advancing signs of age around your eyes. This is a challenging area to maintain because the tissue that makes up the upper and lower eyelids is very thin. As such, when it weakens, it shows. Thinning, loosening tissue on the eyelids looks different than on other areas of the body, too. Here, aging may cause bags to form under the eyes, or the upper eyelids to look very heavy and droopy. These cosmetic changes affect the overall expression of the face, making us look either angry or sad. Correcting them, then, could revitalize the entire face.

What is Eyelid Surgery All About?

Eyelid rejuvenation, called blepharoplasty, is all about beauty. It may also be about functionality when the skin has dropped into the field of vision. Blepharoplasty may address this on the upper eyelids, or it may reduce cosmetic and functional concerns on the lower eyelids.

Upper Eyelid

To correct sagging of the upper eyelid, Dr. Krummen makes incisions in the natural crease of the eyelid. Small instruments are used to trim excess skin and reposition fatty tissue as needed to maintain shape. A slight amount of fat may be removed if needed to reduce the bulging that has occurred in the upper eyelid. Tissue is trimmed in an ellipse shape to preserve the natural curve of the eyelid. Fine sutures are then placed to close the incision. The resulting scar is usually very light and thin once the skin has healed.

Lower Eyelid

Lower blepharoplasty may be performed in one of two ways. Dr. Krummen may make a transconjunctival incision just inside the lower lid to remove excess fat. Alternatively, a subciliary incision may be made just at the lash line to remove fat and tighten the skin of the lower lid. This approach may be best for people who have poor tissue elasticity that may prevent the tissue from retracting naturally. In this instance, the incision heals as a scar that is hidden in the lash line.

Are You a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty offers benefits such as:

• Younger looking eyes can refresh the entire face.
• Recovery is relatively quick, most side effects fade within 7 to 10 days.
• Blepharoplasty can improve vision.
• Eyelid rejuvenation can be combined with other procedures.
• Results can last several years.

If you would like to achieve benefits like these, contact our Cincinnati office at 513.985.0850 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Krummen.

The topic of aging is ongoing, never-ending really. We don’t expect this to change anytime soon. Why would it when the solutions for anatomical changes keep getting simpler and more successful? We may not be able to stop tissue around the eyes from sagging, but we can address the aging eyes with proven techniques. Here, we discuss the differences between blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery and the way that each can refresh the eyes.

There are two particular reasons why the eyes are typically the first part of the face to show the signs of aging. One is that the skin on the eyelids become loose. This happens because collagen, the protein that firms the skin, degrades over time. This could be due to aging, sun exposure, and other factors. Additionally, the eyebrows sink further downward with age. This could also relate to collagen loss, but also has to do with the muscles on the forehead pulling the brows South.

Refreshing the Face Through the Eyes

The eyes have been called the windows to the soul. This could be because this part of the face reflects our emotions. The eyes also portray our inner vibrancy. If tissue is sagging over the natural crease of the eyes or, in severe cases, over the lash line, we look tired. If the eyebrows are not in proper position, we may look downright unapproachable. Neither is acceptable. The key to resolving this issue is to know where the problem lies. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can identify the problem and how to fix it.

Rejuvenating the Eyelids

Upper blepharoplasty is the technique that surgeons use to tighten up loose eyelid tissue. This procedure is conducted through small, discreet incisions through which muscle and fatty tissue are removed or repositioned on the eyelid. The overlying skin is then pulled upward and trimmed as needed to restore a smooth surface.

Lifting the Brow

The brow line has a specific location. On men, this is just at the curve of the upper orbital rim, the bony structure above the eye. On women, the brows should sit just above this ridge. If your eyebrows are below that target, the tissue on your upper eyelids may be pushed down. You can know if your eyebrows are the problem by using your fingers to pull the brows up. If this lifts your upper eyelids to the point at which you can see your natural crease, a brow lift may be your ideal solution. Sometimes, a sagging brow coincides with upper eyelid laxity and a combination blepharoplasty and brow lift is needed.

A brow lift involves incisions behind the hairline. Through these small openings, muscle and connective tissue on the forehead can be lifted and secured into a higher position. This not only lifts the brow to the upper orbital rim but it also smooths frown lines and worry lines.

Is it Time for a Refresher?

Dr. Donna Krummen is an esteemed plastic surgeon who is happy to serve patients in the Cincinnati area. To consult with her about how to refresh your eyes, call 513.985.0850.