Eyelid Surgery: Expectations From The Surgery And Its Alternatives

There is just no getting around the fact that eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, requires an operation. And the inherent risks involved in any surgery can be quite intimidating for some who are considering the procedure to improve the look of their eyes.

So it is not surprise that a variety of methods have been developed over the years for people who desire the benefits without going under the knife. It has become tricky to navigate these various options amidst their claims and hype. The bottom line appears to be that there is both good news and bad news for those researching alternatives to it.

The bad news is that, while doctors have many differing opinions & methods, they do seem to agree that there isn't really anything that sufficiently replaces it. If you have excess skin, muscle and fat deposits around the eyes that are creating bags and wrinkles then this is the only procedure that can provide complete and long-term results. Otherwise, it can be frustrating to invest money in a procedure which provides barely noticeable results and does not make you look and feel the way you wanted to.

The good news is that everyone has different goals and depending on the extent of what you are seeking, a full blepharoplasty may not be required. Only a doctor can assess your personal situation and present customized suggestions.

Potential patients are also encouraged to make some lifestyle changes that may provide improvements to their appearance. Reducing one's salt intake while staying well hydrated and well rested can have results, particularly with reducing puffy lower eyelids. To deal with other problems, the following alternatives exist to the surgery.

Excess eyelid skin may be smoothed out with laser therapy of with Thermage, a non-invasive procedure that tightens the skin by promoting new collagen growth. Droopiness can sometimes be lifted by using through Botox injections, which relax the muscles that pull the brows downward.

Fillers can help support the results of the injections by increasing brow support. They can also provide an improvement to puffiness. Botox injections combined with laser resurfacing can also be an effective way to smooth wrinkles.

Making the decision to undergo plastic surgery is a big one that should not be undertaken lightly. It's important to choose a doctor you can trust and with whom you can carefully evaluate your goals as well as all of your options.