You may wonder, is lower eyelid surgery painful? Lower eyelid surgery, also referred to as lower blepharoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure. It offers several benefits that restore the appearance of your under-eye area. Lower eyelid surgery reduces puffiness under the eyes, eliminates under-eye bags, and removes sagging skin. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes. The natural aging process impacts the skin under the eyes as it is thin and delicate. This can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, skin sagging, and under-eye bags. Addressing the signs of aging can restore the look of your eyes.
Is Lower Eyelid Surgery Painful?
Lower blepharoplasty improves the area around the eyes by removing or repositioning excess skin and fat. This results in a smoother and more youthful appearance. Under-eye bags and dark circles can make you look tired, unhappy, and much older than you are. Lower eyelid surgery is highly popular as it addresses these common signs of aging. Many patients have questions about the procedure and recovery process.
One of the most common concerns patients have is the potential for pain during and after surgery. Lower blepharoplasty is well-tolerated and is not highly painful. You will likely be under local anesthesia with sedation. However, some patients opt for general anesthesia during the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you at the consultation. This ensures optimal comfort, and you will not experience any pain. You may experience discomfort, tightness, and mild pain after surgery. However, this is efficiently managed with pain medication.
Managing Discomfort After Lower Eyelid Surgery
Right after surgery, you may experience discomfort or tightness around the eyes. This is normal and should subside within the first couple of weeks after surgery. There are several effective pain management strategies.
Prescribed Medication
Your surgeon will prescribe medication after surgery. This is necessary to ensure your comfort as you recover from oculofacial surgery. It is important to take your prescribed medication as directed by your surgeon. If you experience unmanageable pain or other adverse symptoms, contact a medical professional right away. Most patients are able to manage their discomfort with ease using pain medication. Lower blepharoplasty has a shorter recovery period compared to other cosmetic surgeries. It is a highly safe procedure with a smooth recovery process.
Cold Compresses
The use of cold compresses during the first few days of lower eyelid surgery is highly effective in reducing discomfort. Cold compresses help minimize tightness and discomfort by reducing swelling. It constricts the blood vessels, minimizes bruising, and numbs the area. For the best results, use a clean cloth to wrap a cold pack. Apply the cold pack several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions, and you should follow those directly.
Head Elevation
Swelling and fluid buildup are common after lower blepharoplasty. Keeping your head elevated after surgery, even when you sleep, is critical. This reduces blood flow to the area, which reduces swelling and fluid buildup. Use a few pillows to prop yourself up while sleeping. It is essential to sleep on your back to avoid irritating your eyes. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, your side, or lying down flat as you are recovering. It is also advisable to sleep on your back after you heal for the best long-term results.
Rest Your Eyes
Straining your eyes after surgery can cause discomfort. Common causes of eye strain after surgery include prolonged screen use. This includes your phone, laptop, or TV. Avoid this by minimizing or avoiding screen time altogether during the initial recovery phase. Activities that increase your blood pressure can also cause eye strain. This includes bending, lifting, or doing any other physical activity. Allowing your eyes to heal can ensure optimal results and reduce any risks during the recovery phase.
Is Lower Eyelid Surgery Right For Me?
Lower blepharoplasty is a safe and effective procedure that can improve the appearance of your under-eyes. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your lower eyelids, the procedure may be right for you. Below are some of the common issues candidates want to correct with the procedure.
Chronic Eye Bags and Puffiness
If your under-eyes are constantly puffy or swollen, rest, hydration, and a consistent skincare routine can help. However, for those who have tried this and still struggle with under-eye issues, lower blepharoplasty is a great treatment option. Lower eyelid surgery can smooth out the area by removing or repositioning the fat in the area. It also removes excess skin to reduce the signs of aging.
Under-Eye Skin Sagging
The natural aging process causes skin to sag. Collagen and elastin are responsible for keeping your skin smooth, plump, and youthful. However, this begins to deplete as early as your twenties. This often leads to skin sagging, which can impact the area under the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery removes excess skin, leaving the area under the eyes smoother and firmer.
Dark Circles
Dark circles under the eyes can make you look tired, angry, and much older than you are. Dark circles can be caused by poor sleep or an inconsistent skincare routine. They can also be caused by fat displacement or hollowing under the eyes. In the case of the latter, lower blepharoplasty is highly effective. It repositions the fat to reduce the appearance of darkness under the eyes. This results in a brighter and smoother under-eye area.
Self-Esteem Issues
The way you look has a direct impact on the way you feel. Under-eye bags, dark circles, skin sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles can make you feel unhappy. This can impact your confidence and self-esteem. In many cases, this can impact your overall quality of life. If you are unhappy with the way your under-eyes look, lower eyelid surgery can help restore a more youthful glow. Looking the way you want can dramatically improve your confidence.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
If you are unhappy with the look of your under-eyes, contact Dr. Langelier today to schedule a consultation!