Will Blepharoplasty Affect Your Ability to Close Your Eyes?
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids. People struggling with sagging and drooping upper eyelids might benefit from upper eyelid surgery or an upper blepharoplasty. Those who are tired of looking tired with under-eye bags may benefit from lower blepharoplasty options. Some even pursue both at once for a combined blepharoplasty procedure, also known as a quad blepharoplasty.
Will Blepharoplasty Affect Your Ability to Close Your Eyes?
The techniques used in the are customized for each patient. You might wonder: Will eyelid surgery affect your ability to close your eyes? At Raleigh Eye and Face, Dr. Mettu always strives to ensure that your experience is comfortable from consultation to recovery. During surgery, he makes precise measurements and uses meticulous technique to maintain proper eyelid function including full closure.
Understanding Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Both upper and lower eyelids are susceptible to changes, including drooping and sagging. Upper and lower blepharoplasty can address these signs of aging so you can enjoy rejuvenated eyelids. During an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Mettu removes the excess skin (and sometimes some fat) of the upper eyelids. Healing happens over time, with new eyelid creases adding to a more refined and symmetrical look.
Lower blepharoplasty, on the other hand, removes under-eye bags which are pockets of fat. Dr. Mettu uses the transconjunctival approach, where fat in the lower eyelids is removed and sculpted through an incision on the inside surface of the eyelid.
Upper Blepharoplasty/Lower Blepharoplasty and Possible Effects on Eye Closure
Your eyelids will swell for the first few days after your procedure, making it difficult to open your eyes fully in some cases after upper blepharoplasty. Additionally, the upper eyelids initially become less elastic during the initial one to two weeks after upper blepharoplasty. During this time, there is some transient dryness and possibly incomplete eyelid closure. During this time, we advise artificial tears. The eyelids then regain full elasticity and mobility and closure returns to normal.
After the initial recovery period, you should regain full functionality of your eyelids. You should be able to fully open and close your eyes with ease. Continue to focus on your recovery efforts so you can be rewarded with long-term results.
Learn More About Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
While many patients are concerned about their ability to close their eyes, none of Dr. Mettu’s patients have had problems with eyelid closure aside from the expected 1-2 weeks during the recovery. If you have specific questions about upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty, reach out to our office to schedule your consultation.