Can Upper Eyelid Surgery Help My Obscured Vision?
The aging process can lead to loose, sagging skin, particularly in the upper eyelid area. For some patients, sagging upper eyelids can obscure vision, making daily activities difficult. Fortunately, Dr. Stuart Baker can perform eyelid surgery to rejuvenate the appearance and improve vision in patients that experience impaired vision due to overhanging eyelid skin. To learn more about upper eyelid surgery for obscured vision, contact our Champaign, IL practice today.
What Is Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a procedure in which the skin around the eyes is tightened. During the procedure, small incisions are made within the natural creases of the skin around the eyes, helping to hide scarring. Next, excess skin is removed through these small incisions. The underlying muscles may also be tightened if necessary. The remaining skin is then gently pulled to create the desired firmness and youthful appearance.
Upper eyelid surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis or with an overnight stay in the hospital. In the first few days of recovery, patients may experience dry or teary eyes, temporarily blurred vision, and soreness around the eyes. Many patients can return to work about ten days after surgery. However, a full recovery may take several weeks.
This Risks of Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery, like all surgeries, carries some risks. Although following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions from your surgeon can help reduce risks, it's important to be aware of the potential risks of any procedure you undergo. Some possible risks associated with upper eyelid surgery include:
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Infection at the incision site
- Scarring
- Eye muscle injury
- Issues with closing the eyelids
- Temporarily blurred vision
The Benefits of Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery offers many benefits to patients looking to rejuvenate their appearance, as well as help those with obscured vision. Some benefits of upper eyelid surgery include:
- Rejuvenated, youthful appearance
- Improves vision obstructed by sagging eyelids
- Short recovery
- Can be performed on an outpatient basis
Am I a Candidate for Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Sagging upper eyelids can make the face look tired, leaving many patients unhappy with their appearance. Fortunately, patients with sagging, drooping eyelids may be suitable candidates for upper eyelid surgery. Candidates for upper eyelid surgery should meet the following criteria:
- Healthy enough to undergo surgery
- Free of serious eye issues, like glaucoma, dry eye, or Graves' disease
- Have eyelids that sag
- Have eyelids that sag to a degree that vision is obscured
- Don't drink excessively, as this can interfere with healing
- Don't smoke in the weeks leading up to surgery and throughout recovery, as smoking can also interfere with healing
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Baker
Upper eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the appearance while improving vision obscured by sagging eyelids. To find out more about your plastic surgery options, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baker.