Cosmetic Eye Surgery: Is it Worth it?

Types of Cosmetic Eye Surgery Procedures Available:

Cosmetic Eye Surgery Recovery

Again, the recovery for cosmetic eye surgery will depend on each individual patient and the type of procedure performed. However, with all cosmetic eye surgeries, there are issues to be considered and important aspects to be aware of ahead of time.

What to Expect During Recovery:

• Bruising and Swelling – Bruising and swelling around the eyes may last anywhere from several days to a few weeks. The best methods to help relieve these symptoms is to keep your head elevated and to apply ice packs and cold compresses to the eyes.
• Eye Drops, Ointments and Sunglasses – Most surgeons will prescribe or recommend specific eye drops and ointments to help keep the eyes moist and hydrated sufficiently and safely protected. Sunglasses will also be required to guard your eyes from wind, light and harmful UV rays throughout your recovery period.
• Pain and Discomfort – The pain and discomfort following cosmetic eye surgery should be mild and manageable with over-the-counter medications. Your plastic surgeon will be helpful in deciphering which medications will provide the best results.
• Post-Operative Instructions – Your surgeon will provide a list of guidelines for your aftercare. It is imperative that you follow these instructions; and to be sure you are present for all required follow-up appointments.
• Plenty of Rest – As with any type of surgery, getting a lot of rest is crucial during the initial recovery period. The patient will want to avoid strenuous activities, including any type of lifting, bending or doing anything that will strain the eyes.
• Refrain from Wearing Eye Makeup – Avoiding any type of makeup around the eyes is highly recommended throughout your recovery period to prevent irritation and infection. Consult with your surgeon for a more specific time frame.
• Removal of Stitches – For cosmetic eye surgery procedures that involve stitches, these will typically be removed within one to two weeks following most types of eye surgeries.

Cosmetic Eye Surgery Recovery Time

It’s important for patients to understand that it may take several weeks for a complete recovery from cosmetic eye surgery. In order to keep maintain your health and to achieve the best results, it will be imperative for patients to follow the post-operative guidelines specific from their surgeon and to remain patient throughout their recovery.

Below is a List of Recovery Timelines Based on the Types of Cosmetic Eye Surgery Procedures Performed:

• Blepharoplasty: Patients can expect significant bruising and swelling for the first week following Blepharoplasty surgery but should improve within the next few following weeks. Stitches will most likely be removed within three to seven days. Any type of strenuous activities will need to be avoided for several weeks, but patients should be able to return to work within one to two weeks.
• Canthopexy: The recovery time for this procedure will depend on the extent of the surgery and specific factors. Therefore, it’s important for patients to speak with their surgeons about his or her specific recovery recommendations. Typically, bruising and swelling, as well as pain and discomfort, can be expected the first few days following Canthopexy surgery. The surgeon will prescribe pain medications. Strenuous activities will need to be avoided for about a month. Bruising and swelling will subside gradually but will likely be noticeable for several weeks. Scarring may be noticeable for up to six months but should eventually fade over time. Regular eye exams should be scheduled to maintain the best eye health.
• Canthoplasty: The recovery time for this procedure will depend on the extent of the surgery, healing factors, and the types of techniques used during surgery. Patients should ask their surgeon for his or her specific recovery recommendations. But on average, recovery times for a Canthoplasty procedure will involve more intensive bruising and swelling and mild to moderate discomfort for the first few days. Pain medication will be prescribed by the surgeon. Stitches are usually removed within the first week. The bruising and swelling will lessen as time progresses, but patients may still see some noticeable swelling for up to one to three months. After approximately two to four weeks, patients can return to work and resume normal activities.
• Eyebrow Lift: The Brow Lift procedure will cause bruising and swelling to be at its worst in the first few days following the surgery but should improve over the next few weeks. Stiches are typically removed within one to two weeks. Patients usually can return to work within one to two weeks. And regular activities can be resumed within a few weeks in most cases.
• Fat Transfer for Eye Bags: Again, recovery times for the Fat Transfer Eyes procedure will depend on the patient, each individual surgery, and its surgeon. And specified recovery recommendations from the surgeon should be sought after. However, bruising and swelling will be at its peak for a few days following the surgery. Patients will need to rest well and refrain from any type of vigorous activities. Within one to two weeks, many who received this treatment will be able to go back to work and resume regular activities. It may take several weeks for all bruising and swelling to dissipate. And it may take a few months for the patient to see the results.

How Common are Eye Cosmetic Surgery Complications?

Any type of cosmetic surgery will have its risks and downtime. The chances of complications and the number of incidences is highly dependent on several factors, including the patient’s existing overall health before, during and after the surgery. Other important aspects to consider are the skills, experience and certification of the plastic surgeon who is performing the procedure. And finally, the patient’s observance and commitment to following the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon.

Below are some of the potential risks associated with cosmetic eye surgery:

1. Allergic Reactions to anesthesia and medications are possible.
2. Bacterial Infections may occur that are caused by different types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Symptoms can include chills, fever, pain, redness, and swelling.
3. Drooping Eyelids (aka: Ptosis) can be temporary but sometimes permanent.
4. Dry Eyes are mostly temporary, but in some rare cases could be long term.
5. Hematoma (blood outside blood vessels) may occur and may require drainage.
6. Scarring can occur but mostly with procedures involving incisions.
7. Subtle Differences in the Appearance of the Eyes could occur.
8. Vision Problems which may include blurred or double vision are possible.

Because there are these risks involved with cosmetic surgery, it is extremely important that you do your homework and select a qualified, experienced, and board-certified plastic surgeon. Most complications for cosmetic eye surgery (and other types of cosmetic surgery) are due to inexperienced or unqualified surgeons. Problems could also be instigated by patients not following pre-op and post-operative instructions.

What Percentage of Patients are Happy with their Cosmetic Eye Surgery Results?

This question is better answered by plastic surgeons on an individual basis because more skilled surgeons will obviously provide better results. Also, each surgeon uses different techniques. However, more people are undergoing cosmetic surgery today than ever before. There are more advanced techniques and products available. And many men and women alike are enjoying their results.

Another key factor of whether patients will be satisfied with their plastic surgery results is the time a surgeon takes before procedures to discuss the patients’ aesthetic and health goals. In addition, knowing the patients’ pre-existing health status will also be important.

Men and women should consider the severity of their cosmetic concerns before making a final decision to undergo plastic surgery. And take the time to understand the experience, techniques and previous recommendations reported by previous patients of the plastic surgeon they seek out to perform their surgery.