They say the eyes are the window to the soul. But if your eyelids are droopy or develop wrinkles, your “window” may make you look tired or older than you are. By removing excess skin and fatty tissue, eyelid surgery can reverse the signs of aging in men. In fact, eyelid surgery is one of the more popular cosmetic surgeries among men.
Environmental factors and sun exposure are one of the leading causes of puffy, heavy or sagging eyelids. Heredity is also a common factor.
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, does have some slight differences between men and women. The shape of a man’s brows is different and the muscles tend to be larger and more pronounced. The skin is not as thick or delicate as in a woman’s eyelids, which actually makes wrinkles and droopy eyelids more noticeable in a man.
If you are experiencing sagging or drooping you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty. Eyelid surgery also corrects puffiness and dark spots, and excess skin in lower lids. Plus, if you have wrinkles, eyelid surgery can smooth those out for a younger appearance.
The Procedure
For blepharoplasty, you and your doctor should discuss exactly what the process will involve. You may need only upper or only lower eyelid surgery or both.
Lower Eyelids
For the lower lids, an incision is made under the lower eyelashes. From here, excess fat is removed. Any excess skin is also removed to provide a tighter, younger looking under eye. Alternatively, no skin may be removed and the incision may be done on the inside of the lower eyelid, which is called a transconjunctival incision.
Upper Eyelids
Upper eyelid surgery incisions are created within the natural crease on the eyelid, minimizing any visible scars in the natural crease. Here, the surgeon will remove or reposition fatty deposits and excess skin as necessary. He or she will tighten the eyelid muscles, providing a more alert and taut appearance.
Recovery
The recovery process for eyelid surgery may include some swelling, irritation or dry eyes, and possibly some slight bruising. Cold compresses will reduce the swelling and initial discomfort. Patients should also keep their head elevated to minimize swelling. Typically, patients return to normal activities within a week after sutures are removed.
You’ll begin to notice results within one to two weeks as the swelling subsides. You’ll have a fresher expression overall, giving you a more alert and vigorous appearance.
Do you have questions about male eyelid surgery and if it’s right for you? Reach out to us for a consultation.
