The Definitive Guide to Eyelid Surgery

Did you know that eyelid surgery is now one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments in the world? If you’re eager to discover the potential benefits of eyelid surgery, or you’d like to know more about what the procedure entails, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore the treatment in detail, providing you with all the information you need to decide whether or not eyelid surgery is right for you. 

What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess fat and tissue from the eyelids to create a more youthful aesthetic. Apart from making you look and feel younger, eyelid surgery can also improve your field of vision, providing greater clarity and confidence. The procedure is suitable for both the upper and lower eyelids. Although treatment tends to be more popular in women, the demand for cosmetic procedures like blepharoplasty is increasing amongst men. 

Statistics show that eyelid surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures, with over 206,500 procedures carried out in the US alone in 2018. Currently, blepharoplasty is the fourth most sought-after treatment behind breast augmentation, liposuction and rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). 

What are the benefits of eyelid surgery?

A youthful look

Most people who opt to have eyelid surgery do so to achieve a younger-looking appearance. As you get older, the skin starts to lose elasticity and firmness due to depleted stores of collagen and elastin. The eyelids often start to show signs of aging before other areas of the face and body, becoming fleshier as a result of loose skin. As the muscles become slack and the skin loses its natural, youthful bounce, it’s common for the eyelids to look saggy and for creases and folds to develop. Once you spot lines on your face, and your eyelids start to droop, it’s very easy to focus on them when you look in the mirror. You might worry that you look older than you feel or that you look tired all the time. Eyelid surgery is an effective means of rejuvenating the eyes to make you look like a million dollars and give your confidence a boost.  

Safe, effective treatment

Our expert surgeons at VIDA Wellness and Beauty have extensive experience in performing eyelid surgery, and they use cutting-edge techniques to create stunning results in a safe, comfortable setting. Surgery is an effective way to combat the signs of aging in the long-term and to make a dramatic difference to the eyes while maintaining a healthy, natural aesthetic. 

Confidence

We all want to feel confident when we look in the mirror. It’s impossible to turn back the clock or to freeze time, but there are ways to recapture your youth and increase your self-confidence. If your baggy or droopy eyelids are getting you down and making you feel self-conscious, blepharoplasty can have an incredibly positive impact on your self-esteem and confidence. 

blepharoplasty in mexico

Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is suitable for a diverse range of individuals, including those who have:

  • Excess skin in the upper eyelids, which affects the field of vision and the look of the eyes: some people have more skin than others while environmental and lifestyle factors can also contribute to accelerated aging. 
  • Baggy, saggy, puffy lower eyelids
  • Dark circles and creases

It is important to note that surgery is suitable for adults only and to understand that eyelid surgery will not be recommended for everyone. Ideally, this is a procedure that is designed to benefit those who already have noticeable signs of aging. Eyelid surgery is most popular among females, with 85% of procedures in the US in 2018 carried out on women. Most patients are aged between 40 and 70 years old. 

What does eyelid surgery involve?

Eyelid surgery can target both the upper and lower eyelids. The procedure will vary, according to the part of the eye being treated.

Upper eyelid surgery: to remove excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid, an incision is made along the natural creases and folds. The tissue is then removed carefully and the incision is closed. If an individual is having both eyelids treated, upper lid surgery will be completed first. Making an incision in the natural fold of the skin helps ensure that scarring is concealed.

Lower eyelid surgery: when treating the lower eyelids, your surgeon will make a small incision either underneath the lash line or inside the eyelid. The tissue is then removed from the eyelid and the incision is closed using dissolvable or removable sutures. 

Eyelid surgery can be performed independently or as part of a procedure to lift the brows too. Our expert surgeons use endoscopic techniques to gently lift the brows, smoothing the skin and reducing the visibility of lines and wrinkles. 

We perform eyelid surgery under general anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. Treatment is undertaken on an outpatient basis. 

How to prepare for eyelid surgery

Once you have had your consultation and you’re awaiting your appointment date, there are a few important steps you can take to prepare for surgery. These include:

  • Stop smoking for a minimum of 6 weeks before the procedure: this will aid your body’s natural recovery and speed up the healing process.
  • Avoid taking certain types of medication, including anti-inflammatory drugs and homeopathic medicines.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Avoid wearing makeup or cosmetic products on the day of your surgery.
  • Get plenty of rest and arrange to take some time off to recover after the procedure.
  • Stock up on essentials and make sure you have an ice pack and sterile dressings at home.

What can I expect after eyelid surgery?

Most people take around a week to fully recover after eyelid and brow surgery. Initially, the skin around the eyes may be swollen, sore, and red, but these side-effects should subside quickly. You can take over the counter pain relief and use ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort. When you get home after surgery, it’s crucial to rest for a few days and to try and keep your head elevated as much as possible. 

For the first 24 hours after surgery, we recommend sticking to a soft diet and resting your eyes. It’s important to eat well and take plenty of fluids and to avoid smoking and drinking during your recovery. 

Once your eyes have fully recovered and inflammation, redness, and bruising have disappeared, you should be able to see a noticeable difference when you look at your reflection. Your eyelids will be tighter, smoother, and more streamlined, giving you a youthful appearance. You can view real-life results by visiting our online gallery here. The image below is taken from our gallery. 

Image source: https://www.vidawellnessandbeauty.com/gallery/brow-gallery

Does eyelid surgery produce lifelong results?

Eyelid surgery is a long-term treatment option, which produces effects that will last for several years. In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure, as the skin will continue to age naturally as you get older. With upper eyelid surgery, for example, you may wish to consider further treatment after 10-15 years. The results of lower eyelid treatment tend to last longer. 

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

At VIDA, we pride ourselves on offering competitive prices for our patients from all over the world. Our fees are inclusive of treatment and aftercare. Typically, you can expect to pay around $1,500 for eyelid surgery and $3,000 for brow surgery. We will be happy to provide you with a personalized quote. We often treat patients who come to us looking for a series of procedures and we can provide bespoke packages based on your facial rejuvenation requirements and aesthetic goals. 

Why choose us?

Mexico is one of the leading providers of cosmetic surgery in the world. In 2017, Mexico was ranked fourth for the total number of procedures completed behind the USA, Brazil, and Japan. At VIDA, we take great pride in welcoming international clients to Tijuana and providing them with affordable, high-quality treatment in a state of the art facility. We have an expert medical team on hand to provide outpatient care, and we offer our patients the chance to heal, unwind and relax in our unique recovery boutique. We offer a home away from home for patients from other countries and cities and we’re committed to delivering outstanding results. 

Summary

Eyelid surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure, which can provide aesthetic benefits as well as optimize the field of vision. The aim is to reduce and remove excess skin and fatty tissue to prevent drooping and create a more youthful, vibrant appearance. The procedure is performed under general anesthetic on an outpatient basis and most patients recover fully within a week. The results last for many years and they can have an incredibly positive impact on confidence and wellbeing. 

If you’d like to find out more about eyelid surgery at VIDA Wellness and Beauty, we’d love to hear from you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more about our services, meet the team and get a quote. To solve specific doubts, or schedule a free virtual consultation with a board-certified surgeon, call us at (619) 738-2144 (toll-free). 

Dr. Alejandro Quiroz

Dr. Quiroz is our board-certified Chief Plastic Surgeon at VIDA Clinic in Tijuana. He specializes in Facial Rejuvenation, Neck lift, Buttock Augmentation, Breast Augmentation, Body Contouring and more. He is member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, the Mexican Society of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the Mexican Council of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, to mention a few.