A Closer Look at Eyelid Surgery

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If you’ve been reading Perilously Pale (now Realizing Beauty!) for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that I have an interest in blepharoplasty, known to you and me as cosmetic eyelid surgery. I’m not the biggest fan of my hooded, sagging upper eyelids, and I know that even the most ingredient-rich eye products can’t really create the lasting results that surgery can. Lately I’ve started looking further into the surgery, and I’ve learned some surprising things about it and the people who have it. Here’s what I’ve discovered.

The Scars Are (Almost) Nonexistent

According to the eyelid surgery page of Toronto surgeon Dr. Derek Ford, blepharoplasty incisions are made along the natural contours of the eyes. Once they’ve fully healed, the resulting scars are pretty well hidden within these contours. In fact, this is the case with many facial plastic surgery procedures. For example, a typical facelift uses incisions made around the ears and behind the hairline for maximum discretion. Brow lift (sometimes called forehead lift) is often performed endoscopically, which means it uses extremely small incisions that won’t be easily seen once they’ve healed.

Dark Circles Are Their Own Thing

There are lots of products available that claim to remedy dark circles, but they often have mixed results. That’s because no one thing causes them. In some cases, dark undereye circles may be due to hollowness beneath the eyes, which creates shadows. Blepharoplasty can help remedy these types of dark circles, because your surgeon can reposition fat and other tissue to add volume to the area. In other cases, dark circles are caused by pigmentation irregularities, thin skin, or even seasonal allergies. Blepharoplasty won’t work on these types of circles, but there are plenty of products available to give you good results.

The Ministry of Health Might Cover It

Yes, you read that right. But before you run off to your nearest plastic surgeon, consider that coverage is only extended to patients who have a medical reason for pursuing the surgery. Typically, this applies to patients whose eyelids are so lax that they interfere with vision. In these types of cases, blepharoplasty is the only lasting option to restore vision. The Ministry requires there be at least a 50% reduction in your visual field caused by the position of your eyelids in order to obtain coverage.

Keep Your Eyes Naked for a Bit

This one may be especially hard for makeup devotees, but it’s worth it. After your surgery, it’s important to allow your eyes to heal completely unencumbered. That means no contact lenses and no eye makeup for about a week and maybe longer, depending on your surgeon’s instructions. By swapping your contacts out for glasses and letting your lids and lashes go bare (sunscreen is still necessary, though), you can reduce swelling and the risk of potential complications, allowing your eyes to heal healthfully. Thankfully I already know from my experience with laser eye surgery that the world won’t end if I go without makeup for a while. I actually had my lashes tinted before that surgery which made a huge difference in my makeup free comfort level.

Have you ever considered eyelid surgery? I’d love to hear your thoughts!