Most people opt for cosmetic surgeries to help keep a youthful look and great appearance, especially when age catches up with them. Some people don’t have the luxury to wait to get old as accidents may push them to undergo different procedures.
Eyelid surgery is one of the most done procedures for both corrective and cosmetic reasons. It can help an individual maintain their physical appearance by tightening the muscles around the eyes to give a vibrant look or even restoring and improving vision in cases where the eyelids are an obstruction.
Whatever the case, the benefits are worth it. Clinics like The Esthetic Clinics have qualified cosmetic surgeons and facilities that make patients comfortable and keep them looking young and confident.
What is Eyelid Surgery
As the name hints, eyelid surgery is a type of medical or cosmetic surgery that is done on the eyelids to improve the appearance of an individual. Surgeons do this by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the eyelids for a younger and more youthful look.
The procedure involves the surgeon making a small incision in the natural creases of the upper eyelids, removing the excess tissue, and tightening the remaining skin.
Patients can undergo eyelid surgery on both the upper and the lower eyelid. It all depends on why they want the surgery and what they intend to achieve from it. There are many reasons and benefits of eyelid surgery.
It can help improve the appearance of an individual by reducing the appearance of drooping eyelids, bags under the eyes, and wrinkles around the eyes. It can also improve vision by removing excess tissues and skin that obstruct the visual field.
Who is it for?
Anyone can undergo eyelid surgery if they feel they need it. However, a cosmetic surgeon must perform a thorough examination and assess the body to ensure the candidate is fit. Here are some factors to determine;
Has droopy eyelids: This is the main reason most people undergo eyelid surgery. Whether the condition is severe to the extent of obstructing the vision, or they just want to look more alert and visually appealing, an individual with a droopy eyelid is a perfect candidate for eyelid surgery.
This look can be achieved through the removal of excess skin and fat around the eyes during the procedure. It is important for patients to understand that the extent of improvement varies depending on different factors. The plastic surgeon should be able to assess the degree of improvement that can be achieved and set clear expectations.
Has puffiness or bags under their eyes: Eyelid surgery can remove bags under the eyes. The procedure removes the excess fat that causes puffiness, giving the patient a more youthful appearance.
Usually, the procedure involves making a small incision in the eyelid, removing the excess fat, and then tightening the skin to minimize bags. However, note that this is not the solution to all under-eye bag problems. Some puffiness and bags under the eyes may be caused by other factors such as allergies and lack of sleep, and not necessarily excess skin and fat around the eyes, which may need a different treatment.
Has wrinkles or creases around the eyes: Eyelid surgery can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.
By removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles, the procedure can result in a smoother and more youthful appearance. Keep in mind that this is only for those with fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, and may therefore not be the best solution for deep wrinkles on the face. In these cases, other procedures such as facelift or brow lift may be more effective.
Patients should visit a reputable eyelid surgery clinic to discuss with professionals about their needs and how they can be addressed.
Has realistic expectations: The plastic surgeon should explain to the patient what the procedure can achieve and what it can’t in order to set clear expectations
Eyelid surgery can have significant improvements in the appearance of the eyes, but it is not a miracle cure for eyelid problems and wrinkles. Patients should understand that the results may not be as dramatic as they may hope for.
They should also know that their willingness to adhere to the instructions throughout the procedure can determine the end results. Things like avoiding strenuous activity and protecting the eyes from all harm and accidents can help to ensure that the healing process is smooth and that they achieve optimal results.
Is in good overall health: For the body to be able to handle the surgery and support healing thereafter, it must be in full function mode. Patients must be in good health condition and inform their doctors of any health complications, if any, before the surgery.
They should also share any medications they are on in order for the surgeon to determine if it is safe to proceed with the surgery. Any pre-existing medical conditions can cause complications during and/ or after the surgery.
The plastic surgeon must conduct a thorough medical evaluation before recommending any surgery to patients to ensure they are a good candidate for the procedure.
How to find an Eyelid Surgeon in Mumbai
Finding a good eyelid surgery clinic in Mumbai is important. Even more crucial, patients are urged to find the best plastic surgeon, to help achieve the desired results with minimal risks and complications.
Here are some tips to find a reputable eyelid surgeon in India:
- Research
The first step is to do a thorough research, online and offline. Patients should check the credentials, experience, and reviews of the plastic surgeon before working with them. Here are some ways to go about your research;
Internet search; the internet is an excellent resource for finding information about eyelid surgeons in Mumbai, so an internet search should be number one on the list. A simple “eyelid surgeon Mumbai” or “plastic surgeon Mumbai” on Google can provide you with an endless list of qualified surgeons in the area.
Referrals; Asking for referrals can save a lot of time and effort an individual would otherwise use searching on the internet, and they get real-time reviews from people they know. This could be referrals from friends, family, or their primary care physician.
Professional Associations; Professional associations like the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) and the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI) have directories of qualified plastic surgeons in Mumbai. Patients can search surgeons’ databases to find one with the necessary qualifications and experience.
Hospital Directories; Many hospitals in Mumbai have directories of plastic surgeons affiliated with their facilities. Check these directories for more information about the surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and field of expertise.
- Check Credentials
While checking the credentials, look for training and experience in eyelid surgery. Here are some credentials a patient should focus on;
Board Certification: A board certification is proof that the surgeon has completed training and can demonstrate their knowledge and skill in the field of plastic surgery.
Specialized Training: Patients are urged to not just pick a plastic surgeon. They should ensure that the surgeon is specialized and qualified in the field of eyelid surgery. Check if your plastic surgeon has completed training such as a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery (a specialized field of plastic surgery that focuses on the eyelids, tear ducts, and orbit).
License to Practice: The license is probably the first thing a patient should check. It not only shows that the surgeon is allowed to practice but it also means he/she is qualified. A surgeon’s license can be confirmed by checking with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC).
Professional Memberships: Find out if the plastic surgeon is a member of a professional organization such as the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) or the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI). This indicates that the surgeon is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and advancements in their respective fields.
- Experience
There are many ways to find out if the plastic surgeon has the necessary experience. Patients can ask how many eyelid surgeries they have done and how they performed. They can also inquire about the number of similar procedures the surgeon has done.
Other factors to inquire about are;
The success rate: If the surgeon has a high success rate, it indicates that they have a good track record of achieving positive outcomes for their patients.
Complications: Ask about the complications the surgeon has encountered during eyelid surgeries and how they handle them.
Before and After Photos: Ask to see some before and after pictures of their previous eyelid surgeries. These photos can give the patient an idea of the surgeon’s skill and the outcome they should anticipate.
- Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with the eyelid surgeon is essential in the process of finding a reputable surgeon in Mumbai. Before making a decision on whom to work with, patients should discuss their concerns and expectations, the surgical techniques, potential risks and complications, recovery, eyelid surgery cost, and everything concerning the procedure.
- Before and After Photos
During research, patients should always ask to see before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone eyelid surgery with the surgeon, to give them an idea of the surgeon’s skills and the results to expect.
Some tips to consider when reviewing photos include:
Consistency: Check the consistency of the results in the before and after photos. The photos should demonstrate the surgeon’s ability to achieve the desired results for their patients.
Natural Results: No one wants to walk around with everyone else noticing that they did the surgery. Only real photos can indicate that the surgeon is able to achieve results that look as natural as possible and proportionate to the face of the patient.
Varied Results: Patients may also want to look for a variety of results in the photos. This proves that the surgeon can achieve different outcomes based on each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Patient Satisfaction: It is easy to see the reaction of patients in the photos. They should look happy and satisfied with the results of their eyelid surgery.
These are some of the main things a patient should check to ensure that they are making the right choice and working with the right surgeon. Other factors they may want to take a look at may include;
- The different surgical techniques the surgeon use
- Facility Accreditation
- Ensure the availability of the necessary equipment
- Good customer service
- Ensure well-trained and qualified staff
- Check the emergency protocols: what happens in case the unexpected happens during the procedure
- Check hygiene
Eyelid Surgery procedure
Eyelid surgery follows different procedures depending on what the patient wants to work on and the extent of the eyelid condition. Generally, it begins with the surgeon administering local or general anesthesia. This depends on the patient’s preference and the extent of the surgery.
The surgeon then makes small incisions in the natural creases of the eyelids, which allow him/ her to access the underlying tissues. Any excess skin, muscle, or fat that is causing the drooping or sagging of the eyelids is then removed.
If the patient wants to remove bags under their eyes, the surgeon will remove or reposition fat deposits in the lower eyelid. Once done, the surgeon will use fine sutures to close the incisions.
After the procedure, patients are given specific instructions to help them care for their eyes and ensure healing takes place as expected. They may also be asked to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting that may affect the surgical site for a couple of weeks after the surgery to promote proper healing.
How to Prepare for an Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Preparing for eyelid surgery should not be a complicated process, as long as the patient has the best plastic surgeon like Dr. Debraj Shome. Here are some measures that can help them relax and be ready for their eyelid surgery:
Consultation with a qualified surgeon: The first step in preparing for eyelid surgery is to consult with a certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Debraj Shome, who specializes in eyelid surgery. During the consultation, the surgeon will examine your eyelids, assess your overall health, and discuss your aesthetic goals and any functional issues you may be experiencing. This gives you some insights into what to expect.
Medical evaluation: Medical evaluation is important in preparing for any surgery, as patients should be healthy enough to undergo surgery. To determine their health, they may need to do physical exams, blood tests, and an EKG.
Medications and supplements: During preparations, the surgeon may advise patients to stop taking certain medications and supplements that may increase risks such as bleeding. It is also important for the surgeon to be aware of any medications or supplements the patients are taking.
Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Therefore, patients will be asked to avoid it for several weeks before and after the surgery.
Recovery plan: even before the procedure takes place, the patient should be aware of the recovery plan. The surgeon will give instructions on how to prepare for the surgery and what to expect during the recovery period. Patients may need to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery and assist them during the first few days following the surgery.
Preparing the home: This is an important factor to add to the list of things to do during preparations. Before the surgery, patients are advised to prepare their homes for when they return from the surgery. This may involve setting up a comfortable recovery area with pillows, ice packs, and other supplies that they may need during this period.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Eyelid surgery recovery is a process that should not be hastened. Patients should be willing to walk through the process of recovery with patience and make some lifestyle changes like stopping drinking and/ or smoking.
Here is a breakdown of eyelid surgery recovery in detail;
- Immediately After Surgery
Immediately after the surgery, patients are closely monitored by their surgeons in a recovery room until they are stable enough to be discharged. Some patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising around the eyes, alongside other symptoms. When and if this happens, the surgeon may recommend applying ice packs to reduce swelling or prescribing pain medication to manage pain.
Patients are urged to follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully, particularly during this initial phase of recovery. They may be asked to avoid rubbing, touching, or scrubbing their eyes, and avoid activities such as bending over or lifting heavy objects, as this can increase blood flow to the eyes.
- The First Few Days
Patients are advised to take as much rest as possible and keep their heads elevated to reduce swelling. They can use ointment or eye drops to keep the eyes moist and use a cold compress on the eyes to relieve pain and swelling.
They may also experience mild discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, with a doctor’s direction. Be cautious of blood-thinning medication such as aspirin, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
A week after surgery, patients may begin to notice improvements in symptoms and appearance as the swelling and bruising begin to subside. Still, it is important that they be cautious and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
To monitor the recovery progress and healing, the cosmetic surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments.
- Weeks 2-4
By this time, there are noticeable changes and patients are allowed to resume their normal activities. However, they still need to attend any follow-up appointments and adhere to some instructions like not indulging in strenuous activities.
Some patients may experience mild swelling, and the surgeon may recommend gentle massages to help reduce it. He/ she may also recommend using sunscreen and sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun.
- Long-Term Recovery
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To attain the full results of the surgery and completely heal, it may take several months. Patients are advised to continue following their doctors’ instructions and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled.
