People want to look like their best versions. They are always in the pursuit of methods to look this way. The eyes are probably the most striking features on one’s face. It is also one of the regions affected by age. People usually opt for the surgery on the eyelids, also known as Blepharoplasty, for cosmetic purposes.
Some do it to improve their vision. As one age, the muscles supporting their eyelids begin to weaken, thus causing excessive fat to cause droopy upper eyelids and bags under the eyes. What should you know about the process of eyelid surgery? Find out.
Why is it done?
As you age, the functioning of your eyelids begins to decrease. The muscles that squeeze the eyes close begin to weaken. The eyelids also become looser, which causes it to droop. Sometimes the lower eyelid turns outwards, and for some other people, it turns inwards, causing the eyelashes to touch the eye.
While performing the surgery for the lower eyelid, it is almost always for cosmetic purposes. The drooping of the upper eyelid may act as a factor that reduces your vision. In all these cases, the surgery can be done to improve the vision and to remove the excess fat on the eyelids.
How much does it cost?
Being one of the most popular plastic surgeries across the world, the cost of eyelid surgery is relatively higher than other minor surgery. Its cost varies depending on the medical treatment destination.
The most expensive location for eyelid surgery is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country in the Middle East, where the price ranges from $3000 to $4000. Eyelid surgery costs approximately $2800 in the United States of America (USA) and $2500 in Brazil. Mexico is the place where it is priced reasonably with the amount of $1600.
Whereas Hungary avails it at a low cost of $800 and making it the cheapest in India at $700.
The statistics show that the countries popular for eyelid surgery are Turkey, Singapore, South Korea, China, and Thailand where the cost for this treatment is relatively high. Rates are different when done with and without insurance, which varies across the nation. Health insurance usually does not cover cosmetic procedures.
So if you’re getting it done for any medical reason and if the visual tests confirm, an insurance company may cover it. The cost without insurance is $3500 in the USA, $3230 in the United Kingdom (UK), $1800 in Europe, and $2800 in Canada.
What to expect?
The surgeon numbs the eyelids by injecting such medication into the eyelids. They monitor the effects the medicine has in helping you to relax. If the eyelid surgery is to be performed on the upper and lower lids, the surgeon will most probably operate on the upper lid first.
They cut a little part of the eyelid, on the fold, and they remove some things like an extra skin, muscle, and fat. They then close the cut. They may even do something to provide extra support to the eyelids. While operating on the lower lid, the surgeon may create a cut under the lashes or inside the eyelid. They then remove excess fat, skin, or muscle, and they close the cut.
You can leave soon after the procedure. You may experience some complications after the surgery like blurred vision, sensitivity to light, watering eyes, discomfort, etc. You doctor may suggest a few recovery measures like:
- Use the ointment or eye drops prescribed to you.
- Avoid strenuous activities like lifting weights and swimming at least for a week.
- Place an ice pack on your eyes every hour for ten minutes on the night after the surgery.
- Avoid smoking and rubbing your eyes.
- Avoid supplements that can increase bleeding.
If you experience side-effects like shortness of breath, severe eye pain, chest pain, etc. seek medical help immediately.
Results
The side-effects of eyelid surgery like bruises and swelling usually subside within two weeks. After this period, you can notice a more youthful appearance, with no more droopy eyes. However, one should still be careful to protect their eyes from exposure to the sun. People are often satisfied with the results of the surgery.
For some, the results are permanent, while for others, the droopy eyes may recur. Once the scars and other signs of the surgery fade, people feel more confident in themselves and are able to go out in public more happily and more often.
Most people who undergo this surgery are above 35 years of age. It is always best if you know exactly what you want from the surgery. If droopy eyelids are something that runs in your family, you can seek medical help even before turning 35.
There are instances where the results do not match the facial features of the patient, so you must discuss your goals with the surgeon before the operation.
