Choosing to undergo any surgery is a major decision, but this is especially the case with eyelid surgery (also known as an eyelid lift). From cost to recovery time, knowing the details about the procedure often helps our patients determine whether the procedure is right for them.
Eyelid surgery has the wonderful ability to remove sagging skin and reduce wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes. But if you’re still gearing up for this procedure, here are 6 steps to getting ready.
1. Research the surgical process.
Before choosing surgery, you should understand the basics surrounding your treatment of choice. Learn what happens in the operating room so you can ask your doctor more informed questions.
For instance, are you considering upper eyelid surgery or lower eyelid surgery? They are 2 separate procedures, each involving different techniques.
2. Find out if your surgeon is board certified.
You deserve a surgeon who is especially skilled in their field, providing safe, reliable results. One easy way to sort through your options is to find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Board certification is a lengthy process that involves many years of study and practical plastic surgery experience, so those who are certified are worthy of your trust.
3. Review what the typical eyelid lift cost is in your area.
Surgical costs vary according to your individual needs, your surgeon’s experience, and the location of your surgery. Although you can easily find national cost averages online (such as on RealSelf), the best way to understand your potential costs will be to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon in your area. They will assess the degree of eyelid sagging or other concerns and provide you with an estimate.
4. Have realistic expectations about the procedure.
Plastic surgery isn’t meant to change you into a different person. Rather, each procedure should enhance your natural beauty and help you look like a younger version of yourself.
Before deciding on eyelid surgery, it’s good to have realistic expectations about what you will see from your results. Eyelid surgery won’t dramatically transform your entire face, but it will open up your eyes and take years off your appearance.
5. Know what to expect from recovery.
It’s normal to be excited and want to see your plastic surgery results as soon as possible. But as we remind our eyelid lift patients, results take time to develop.
Be gentle on your body and get plenty of rest when recovering. Most patients can return to non-strenuous jobs around 7 to 10 days after their procedure.
6. Consider combining treatments.
Eyelid surgery is an excellent way to remove sagging skin and reduce puffiness around the eyes. However, if you struggle with skin laxity on other areas of your face, you may benefit from combining procedures.
For more comprehensive results, you can add a facelift to raise drooping cheeks and tighten the jawline. Ask your doctor which types of treatments would be best for achieving your aesthetic goals.
Get Started
Browse our before-and-after gallery to see more examples of real eyelid surgery results. If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon in the Richmond, VA, area and would like to learn more, request a consultation online or call us at (434) 924-1234 to schedule an appointment.
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