Reawaken Your Appearance with Lower Eyelid Surgery
Even if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, your age will inevitably begin to show on your face. Baggy and puffy areas under the eyes are a common concern because they make patients look tired and older than they feel. With lower eyelid surgery at our Minneapolis, MN, practice, Dr. Gregory Mesna can help restore a more youthful appearance, and the natural confidence that accompanies it. Our patients consistently give us positive feedback about the results of the cosmetic procedures offered at Mesna Plastic Surgery. Dr. Mesna and his friendly, knowledgeable staff strive to create a comfortable, positive environment where patients can receive individualized treatment to look and feel their best.
Determining if Lower Eyelid Surgery Is Right for You
The eyes are arguably our most noticeable facial feature. They are also where signs of aging tend to appear first and most dramatically. Blepharoplasty (upper and lower eyelid surgery) is very effective at rejuvenating the eye area, and by extension your overall facial appearance. Many patients can benefit from upper eyelid surgery in addition to lower eyelid surgery.
Baggy and puffy areas under the eyes are a common concern because they make patients look tired and older than they feel.
The eyelid surgery patients we see at our practice are typically men and women in their 40s and up. By this time, the aging process will begun to take its toll on the skin, fat, and muscle tissue of the eyelids. Commonly, the result is heavy under-eye bags and sagging eyelids. Generally speaking, most patients bothered by droopy skin around their eyes can be candidates for blepharoplasty. Because it is a surgical procedure, patients should not have any illnesses or medical conditions that could negatively impact healing, or have any serious eye conditions. In addition, candidates should have realistic expectations about what blepharoplasty can do for them. Dr. Mesna can fully evaluate your candidacy and answer your questions with a personal consultation.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyes are where we tend to show our age first and most obviously. Dr. Mesna explains how eyelid surgery can offer dramatic results with minimal invasiveness.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Lower eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and generally takes one hour to complete. After the treatment area is anesthetized, Dr. Mesna will make an incision along the natural crease of the lower eyelid, or inside of the lower eyelid. This incision provides access to the underlying fat and muscle tissue. Dr. Mesna will remove excess tissue, tighten muscles, and remove or reposition excess fat. Depending on the patient's needs, he may or may not remove excess skin. When this is complete, he will use fine stitches to close the incisions. There is little to no visible scarring after the area heals.
Recovery: Seeing Yourself in a New Light
The recovery period is generally two weeks or less, and there should be minimal to no visible scarring. For about ten days following blepharoplasty, the eyes may feel sticky, dry, or itchy. Dr. Mesna may provide ointment to prevent dryness of the eye, and patients are reminded that a certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing and can make you feel more comfortable. If necessary, Dr. Mesna may prescribe medication for discomfort. Permanent stitches will be removed in three to five days after surgery, while self-absorbing stitches will dissolve on their own.
After recovery from lower eyelid surgery, patients frequently enjoy seeing a fresher, more youthful facial appearance in the mirror. Self-esteem and self-confidence generally rise because patients feel that their appearance is more in line with how they feel inside, and because they know they are presenting the best version of themselves.
Learn More
Our expert staff is available to answer additional questions you may have. Please contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mesna to determine if lower eyelid surgery is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you.
