As a person ages, the skin around the eyes naturally begins to sag, and the muscles that support it begin to weaken. These changes lead to a more aged appearance as well as to the development of fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and skin sagging. These effects can be accelerated by poor lifestyle habits such as inadequate sleep, chronic stress, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. Whatever the cause of their appearance, they are typically unwanted and detrimental to a person’s confidence.
Cosmetic intervention is one of the most effective ways to address aging around the eyes and keep it from ruining your facial aesthetic. Of these interventions, arguably the most popular one for this purpose is upper eyelid surgery. Upper eyelid surgery is specifically designed to refresh the appearance of the eyes and leave patients looking younger and more awake. You may wonder, who is the ideal candidate for upper eyelid surgery? We answer this question below and offer more helpful information about upper eyelid surgery.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Several factors indicate that someone is a good candidate for upper eyelid surgery. These factors must be carefully considered because eyelid surgery is an invasive facial procedure and, as such, does involve some risk to the patient.
Consider the following factors that determine who is an ideal candidate for upper eyelid surgery.
Sagging Upper Eyelids
One of the most common reasons patients get upper eyelid surgery is that they have sagging upper eyelids. As discussed, sagging eyelids can occur over time simply as a result of aging or be brought on by poor lifestyle habits. In the case that aging is the cause of your sagging upper eyelids, this is usually due in part to the fact that collagen and elastin, essential proteins that maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity, decline over time. Specifically, the production of both of these important proteins begins to decline as early as your 20s. The loss of these proteins exacerbates the signs of aging and leads to droopy eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery can address sagging upper eyelids to reveal a more refreshed appearance.
Heavy Eyelids
Ideal candidates for upper eyelid surgery also include those with heavy or puffy eyelids. Upper eyelid puffiness can worsen as you age. The fullness in the upper eyelid can make you look swollen, even if you have had a good night’s sleep. Heavy eyelids can occur due to excess fat in the upper eyelid area. This can occur due to natural aging or fluctuations in weight. Upper eyelid surgery can remove the fat deposits that weigh down heavy upper eyelids. It can also help reduce puffiness, making you look well-rested.
Tired or Unhappy Appearance
A person may also benefit from upper eyelid surgery if their sagging eyes result in a negative outward appearance. The eyes are often the first thing people notice when they look at you. Droopy, puffy, and heavy eyelids can impact your appearance. They can make you look sad, angry, or tired even when you are completely fine. The way people perceive you can impact your confidence and self-esteem, so it is important to feel good about how you look. Upper eyelid surgery can address the signs of aging that impact your appearance. An eyelid surgeon can help restore your youthful appearance, allowing you to look exactly as you feel.
Vision Issues
A person should also consider upper eyelid surgery if their upper eyelid sagging impacts their vision. In this case, upper eyelid surgery is more than an aesthetic benefit. It actually improves your quality of life. Blocked vision can significantly impact your visual field, making tasks like driving and reading extremely challenging.
Beyond the sight issue itself, an eyelid that sags into the area of view can force a person to overcompensate by raising their brows or tilting their head back to see better. These adjustments can lead to other issues, such as headaches and neck pain. Over time, this can lead to pain and a reduction in your overall quality of life. Upper eyelid surgery can remove the excess skin to improve vision issues. This is a huge relief for many patients, as it makes their daily activities much easier. It may even be deemed medically necessary and be covered by your insurance provider.
Upper Eyelid Surgery Candidacy Requirements
If you experience any of the symptoms above, you are likely an ideal candidate for upper eyelid surgery. Skin sagging, heavy upper eyelids, puffiness, and vision issues indicate the surgery will be beneficial. However, it is important to schedule a consultation with a skilled and experienced eyelid surgeon. They can discuss the procedure with you and determine if it is ultimately right for you. Candidates should meet the following requirements to move forward with the procedure.
Good Overall Health
Candidates for upper eyelid surgery must be in good overall health. If you have any medical conditions, they should be well-managed and under control. Common conditions that may impact candidacy include high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, and diabetes. Inform your eyelid surgeon immediately if you have any of these conditions. They are not a bar to surgery, but they do need to be effectively managed. Certain health conditions can increase the risk of surgical complications and make recovery more difficult.
No Smoking
Patients should not smoke, as it is a major concern when it comes to surgery. Smoking and nicotine use can make healing much more difficult. It impacts blood flow and slows down the recovery process. Smoking can also increase your risk of infection. If you do smoke, let your eyelid surgeon know right away. Most surgeons will ask you to quit smoking weeks before and after surgery. To ensure your results last, you should avoid nicotine products for good.
Realistic Expectations
Having realistic expectations is a crucial aspect of being a suitable candidate for upper eyelid surgery. The surgery can have a positive impact on your facial aesthetic and boost your confidence. However, it is important to note that it cannot stop the aging process. You will need to continue caring for your skin after surgery. Living a healthy and balanced lifestyle can also ensure your results last for a long time. Patients who are the most satisfied with their results understand the benefits and limitations of the surgery.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Counter the unwanted visual effects of aging with eyelid surgery. The consultation is an ideal opportunity to discuss your expectations and aesthetic goals. The eyelid surgeon can assess whether you are a good candidate for upper eyelid surgery. They also create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve your ideal look.
If you are interested in upper eyelid surgery, contact Dr. Christopher Zoumalan and his team today to schedule a consultation!
