What Is the Best Age To Get a Blepharoplasty?
Many patients are surprised by the wealth of benefits that come with eyelid surgery. Individuals who struggle with aesthetic issues in their eyelids often receive comments implying that they look ‘tired’ or ‘angry.’ As we get older, our eyelids start to sag more. This can give one an irritated or exhausted appearance, even if they have gotten great sleep and feel happy.
While there are many anti-aging treatments available that promise to reduce signs of aging around the eye area, they are mostly ineffective at treating issues with the eyelids. An eyelid lift gives patients the opportunity to fix the problem through surgical means, restoring youth and vitality to the face.
Who benefits most from these procedures?
The technical name for an eyelid lift is a blepharoplasty. Both a functional and cosmetic procedure, it is performed by extracting a tiny amount of skin and fat from the upper eyelids, attenuating any sagging in the area, and tightening the skin. After receiving a blepharoplasty, patients walk away looking more cheerful and alert than ever before.
The most common cause of eyelid sagging is the natural aging process. Collagen, a protein that is naturally produced by the body, is what helps keep the skin elastic and tight. As we get older, production of this protein begins to slow down, resulting in skin sagging. Wrinkles and fine lines are ultimately the result of this process, as the skin can no longer ‘snap back’ into its proper place.
The aging process also causes the skin to become thinner, as fat deposits start to loosen up or migrate to other areas. The cheeks might appear thinner and the under eye region might develop a ‘sunken-in’ look as a result of volume loss. Sagging can also result from this redistribution of fat.
These effects are most noticeable around the eyelids. The eyelids may start to droop, making the skin around the eyes look more wrinkled and less refined. Patients who are looking to address these sagging folds and restore youthfulness to themselves are usually good candidates for this procedure.
At what age should patients start to consider eyelid surgery?
Approximately 90 percent of eyelid surgery patients are ages 40 and older. Of that 90 percent, over half of them are ages 55 and over. That said, it should be noted that age isn’t always the only factor. Some individuals have naturally hooded eyelids and decide to undergo a blepharoplasty to treat them. Therefore, patients can receive a blepharoplasty procedure at virtually any time in their lives.
That said, patients who are seeking out this procedure due to aging typically see the best results after 40. It is generally recommended that patients who are further along in life avoid the procedure, as it comes with the risk of surgical complications.
Overall, it’s important for patients to ask themselves whether they think their lives would be improved by this procedure or not. That is what truly determines candidacy.
What can be expected from a Blepharoplasty procedure?
Like most surgical procedures, eyelid surgery can be carried out under local or general anesthesia. Following the treatment, patients will typically require one to two weeks of recovery. During this time, it is normal for the eyes to be swollen or slightly bruised, and these side effects will usually subside within 7 to 10 days. Any remaining marks can be easily concealed with makeup. Once the swelling has completely dissipated, the results are noticeable right away. Patients will notice the difference immediately, but the results are subtle and not too over-pronounced. Patients’ peers won’t be able to tell that they have had surgery, but they will notice that they look well-rested and better than ever.
What is the takeaway?
Blepharoplasty is highly effective at treating signs of aging around the eyes. While it is most popular with older patients who are experiencing unwanted changes in their eye region, it can be performed on adult patients of any age. Addressing early signs of aging is a great way to ensure that they don’t progress to a severe extent. As with any procedure, it is vital that patients seek out an experienced practitioner to carry out their treatment.