You may notice the effects of aging on your eyelids overnight or as a gradual change. The skin around your eyes is thin and often shows the wear and tear of getting older before other areas of your face, and a poor night’s sleep or stressful workday can exacerbate these signs of aging. Sagging upper eyelids and under-eye bags affect most people and are a common reason they seek upper and lower eyelid surgery.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kevin Bounds, can rejuvenate your eyes’ appearance with blepharoplasty at Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach.
When to Have Eyelid Surgery
Many patients want to move forward with eyelid surgery in preparation for a big event, such as a large family wedding or awards ceremony. Dr. Bounds reminds his Virginia Beach patients that life is a big event, and a well-rested, youthful appearance can give you a boost in confidence at any time. However, if your surgery is for an upcoming event, you will want to allow plenty of time for healing. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Bounds three or more months before the occasion to ensure you are ready to reveal your eyelid surgery results in time for the big day.
Eyelid surgery is often performed on patients in their early to mid-40s, and this is around the time signs of aging begin to appear or worsen around the eyes and other facial areas. Saggy eyelids or excess fat in the eyelid skin may be hereditary, so you may need the procedure earlier than others. Drooping upper eyelids can also be caused by lax forehead skin or sagging eyebrows, and eyelid surgery may be combined with a browlift to address these concerns for total facial rejuvenation.
The right time to have eyelid surgery is different for everyone. Still, you need to be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for your results and recovery.
How the Eyelids Change with Age
Your skin produces less of the components needed for youthful skin as you get older, including collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. The pockets of fat shrink and descend lower in the face, creating hollows in some areas and fat accumulation in others. The eyelids are no exception. The skin in the upper eyelids thins and loosens, and fatty tissue gathers around the eyelash line. You may develop under-eye bags due to natural aging, and these changes may be worsened by your genetics, medical conditions such as thyroid problems, allergies and a diet high in salt.
Contact Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach About Eyelid Surgery
If you think eyelid surgery may be a good fit for your cosmetic goals, contact Dr. Bounds in Virginia Beach to discuss your options. Schedule your consultation by calling (757) 496-7373 or filling out our online contact form.
