Eyelid Surgery: Important Facts You Should Know

Many people are unaware that their drooping eyelids can be fixed. If you are tired of your lids sagging over your eyes, you might want to get eyelid surgery, in which the excess skin is surgically removed so that you look more alert and younger. If you are interested in this procedure, consider the basic facts about it before you get an initial consultation. The skin that is coming down over your eyelids will be removed during the operation, and you will have stitches placed in the area for about a week. Swelling and bruising are both common during the recovery process. While you can expect to see results within a couple weeks of eyelid surgery, you are advised not to get the procedure done just weeks before a big event or photo session. This is because mistakes do happen during an operation, and if something goes wrong, you will want some time to get it fixed. Therefore, try to get this procedure done at least a couple months before an event like a high school reunion or a wedding, allowing you to be sure to look your best by then. There are some risks to eyelid surgery, just as with any other surgical operation. For example, you may experience more bleeding than expected, as sometimes the incision does not heal, as it should. In addition, it may become infected, causing redness, pus, and a fever. Having a doctor who is experienced at this operation can help prevent these issues, but mistakes still may occur. Another possible problem is that too much skin is removed so that you cannot close your eyes, requiring revision surgery. Other long-term effects include possible loss of vision, as well as dry eyes. Make sure the outcome is worth the possible risks, however low they are. If you are intent on looking younger and more alert, and also want to stop excess skin from ruining your vision, consider this procedure. One detail you might not know is that health insurance sometimes covers eyelid surgery. This is because in extreme cases, the extra skin sags down so much that it covers the eyes, either partially or completely. This can inhibit your vision, making it dangerous to drive and difficult to work. If this is the case, you need to have your doctor write your insurance provider a letter about the problems the issue causes you. This serves as proof to your provider, since otherwise the company may assume you just want an elective procedure performed to improve your looks. While your appearance will certainly be affected positively afterward, you need to show your insurance company that it will also improve your ability to see clearly. Now that you know the basic facts about this operation, it is time to get an initial consultation from a plastic surgeon near you. This allows you to get any questions answered, and will also let you determine whether you feel comfortable with your doctor. The more you learn about both this process and your doctor’s experience with it, the better your outcome should be.