How do Ageing Changes Occur Around the Eyes?
Because the elastic fibres within the skin tissues are lost as we age, the eyelid skin often shows the first signs of ageing, resulting in a loss of resilience and a sagging appearance of the skin. The underlying orbicularis oculi muscle loses tone and becomes loose with redundant muscle bulk as the skin ages.
The forward movement of fat from the eye socket is a significant aggravating factor. The orbital septum normally holds this fat in place, but as it ages, it weakens, allowing fat to herniate forward, resulting in the telltale bulges in the inner aspect of the upper eyelid as well as lower eyelid bags.
The descent of the midface is another important ageing change. The cheek and the lower eyelid share a harmonious contour in a youthful lower eyelid. As the midface descends, the ageing lid often becomes disjointed from the cheek, making us appear older.
Furthermore, a youthful face has a lot of volume, which diminishes with age, resulting in lines and hollows, as well as a gaunt appearance. Although these are all-natural ageing changes, smoking, sun exposure, and hereditary factors hasten them.
At What Age Should You Get a Blepharoplasty?
When the signs of ageing have manifested, eyelid surgery is usually performed in the late 30s or later. However, because there is no minimum age for blepharoplasty, it is truly a matter of personal preference.
If there is a serious underlying problem, surgery can be done in your early twenties. At this age, many patients with constitutional lower lid bags will have surgery.
How Should I Prepare for Blepharoplasty Treatment?
All patients undergoing local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia should disclose any allergies or side effects to any and all medication. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing make-up or applying creams the day of surgery. Every patient should plan ahead of time how they will get home and ask a friend or family member to accompany them.
Patients will be asked about their medical history prior to surgery, including current medications, allergies, smoking habits, previous surgery, and more. Patients who take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen or Voltarol, are advised to stop taking them two weeks before surgery.
If these medications are required to treat heart conditions, Dr. Adarsh will consult with the patient’s cardiologist. Patients will also be told to stop smoking for a certain amount of time before and after the procedure.
Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?
Fortunately, blepharoplasty is rarely associated with significant pain, though you will be given appropriate painkillers to keep on hand in case you need them. You should be able to get up and walk around the evening of your surgery or the next morning.
