Aesthetic procedures can often feel like a double-edged sword: you’re excited about your new rejuvenated look, but at the same time, doubts over everything from side effects to unexpected outcomes still linger. This is often especially true of cosmetic eyelid surgery. They say your eyes are the windows to your soul, so what happens if you’re stuck with curtains you just don’t love?
Pre-surgical fear is completely natural, but cosmetic eyelid surgery is not as scary as you may think. Let’s make short work of a few needlessly frightening myths, shall we?
“I’m Going to End up Looking Lopsided.”
If you’re struggling with the appearance of both your upper and lower eyelids, the prospect of tackling just one area may make you feel like the finished product will be somewhat lackluster. Luckily, there are aesthetic solutions for each area, so your surgery can be tailored to whatever problems you’d most like to resolve.
For the upper eyelids, your doctor will make an incision into your natural crease and address any drooping by manipulating fat deposits, tissue, and muscle. You may have excess skin removed or it may be more about contouring and reshaping as needed. Procedures for the lower eyelids are similar. An incision is made just below the lash line and skin and muscle are tightened to draw up any bagginess and create a more youthful silhouette.
“I Might End up Looking Like Catwoman.”
Ending up with a feline look is an extreme fear, but concern that you might end up with tight, immovable eyelids or an eye shape that is distinctly unnatural is absolutely common. The key word with cosmetic eyelid surgery is “personalized.” There is no one approach that’s best suited for every patient. Instead, your skilled cosmetic surgeon will discuss your specific concerns, conduct a thorough examination, and make recommendations based on those findings. The goal is to refresh your look, not change it completely.
“It’s Major Surgery.”
Any surgical procedure comes with risks to match the possible rewards, but cosmetic eyelid surgery isn’t a procedure that’s going to require days or weeks spent in the hospital. Typically, your eyelid revision will be performed under light sedation. You’ll be given a local anesthetic to help with your comfort levels, and, before you know it, you’re in recovery and ready to head home.
“Everyone Will Know.”
Not unless you tell them! Prepare to hear comments like “Have you been sleeping better?” and “You look fabulous!” Remember, cosmetic eyelid surgery is meant to refresh your look, not to remake it, so you should look well-rested and glowing— and who doesn’t love that idea? Plus, many patients don’t experience overnight results due to swelling and the need for tissue and muscle to “settle in.” Your results could take weeks or months to become fully visible, so you may just keep looking better and better as time passes.
“Recovery Is Going to Be Really Tough.”
No surgical procedure is completely without side effects, but cosmetic eye surgery is comparatively benign. Swelling is common, as is some redness, and you may experience dry eye. Regularly applying eye drops and cold compresses will help minimize discomfort, and many doctors recommend avoiding makeup and contacts for 2-3 weeks post-surgery to allow incisions to heal without risk of infection or irritation. Pack a pair of fashionable sunglasses, and give your peepers time to rest up and reach their maximum potential!
Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from achieving your aesthetic goals. If you have questions about cosmetic eyelid surgery, Peoria, IL, is home to talented and experienced doctors who would love to help guide you through the research and decision-making processes. To schedule your consultation, call us at (309) 243-2400.