Can Eyelid Surgery Improve My Hooded Eyes?
If hooded eyes make you look tired or interfere with your vision, eyelid surgery may be right for you. Eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of hooded, sagging eyelids to create a more shapely lid and overall rejuvenated appearance. To find out if you're a candidate for eyelid surgery for hooded eyes, schedule a consultation with Orange County, CA plastic surgeon William C. Cohen. In the meantime, read on to learn more about eyelid surgery and how it can be used to address the appearance of hooded eyelids.
What Are Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyes, or hooded eyelids, describe eyelids that drape over the crease of the eye, causing the lid to appear small. Hooded eyelids may simply be a cosmetic concern or may be severe enough to obstruct vision. For example, some women with hooded eyes often find it difficult to keep their eye makeup in. In other cases, men and women may find their hooded eyes cause them to look tired or interfere with vision.
The Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can help improve the appearance of hooded eyes to create a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. Blepharoplasty is generally performed on an outpatient basis and takes about two hours to complete, depending on the amount of tissue being removed.
During blepharoplasty for the upper eyelids, small incisions are made within the natural crease of the upper eyelids. This helps to hide scarring within the eyelid's natural fold. Excess tissue is then removed and the eyelids are tightened using the incisions made within the eyelids. In some cases, the underlying muscles of the eyelid may also be tightened to further enhance the results of eyelid surgery. Once excess tissue is removed and the eyelids are lifted, fine sutures are used to close the incisions.
What to Expect after Eyelid Surgery
After eyelid surgery, patients should expect to go home the same day. Immediately following surgery and in the first few days of recovery, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Any pain may be managed with doctor approved or prescribed pain medication. Some patients may also experience temporary sensitivity to light, double vision, watery eyes, and blurred vision.
Most patients will be fully recovered from blepharoplasty after a few weeks, but may return to work shortly after surgery. With that said, it is important to avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting and jogging until your doctor approves these activities. You will also want to avoid bending down and lowering the head during recovery as this can put pressure on the sutures. Swelling, bruising, and pain should subside over time.
Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
Candidates for eyelid surgery include men and women who wish to improve the appearance of sagging, drooping, or hooded eyelids. Ideal candidates should be in good general health and have realistic expectations regarding eyelid surgery. Although eyelid surgery is often performed to rejuvenate the appearance and reverse the signs of aging, younger adults with hooded eyelids may be suitable candidates.
Is Eyelid Surgery Right for You?
If you have hooded eyes and would like to find out if eyelid surgery is right for your needs, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohen.