Functional eyelid surgery corrects a medical problem. Cosmetic eyelid surgery improves the appearance of the eyelids. This article discusses the differences between the two eye surgeries. It also outlines how an oculoplastic surgeon will advise you on the two.
Functional vs Cosmetic Eye Surgery
Functional eyelid surgery helps to improve vision or correct a medical condition. This condition could include drooping eyelids that block your field of vision. The surgeon makes incisions in the natural creases of your eyelids to remove excess skin and fat.
Functional eyelid surgery also helps if the eyelids are not closing completely. This condition can cause dry eyes.
Patients need functional eyelid surgery if their contact lenses or glasses don’t fit. Baggy lower or upper eyelids may make it difficult for someone to wear contacts or glasses. Baggy eyelids can also cause a strain on the muscles used to lift the eyelids. Functional eyelid surgery resolves this issue.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery improves the appearance of your eyelids. An oculoplastic surgeon does this type of surgery by reshaping your eyelids. They also remove excess skin or fat or tighten the skin.
You can get functional eyelid surgery in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. A surgeon performs cosmetic eyelid surgery in an outpatient surgical center or office. The recovery time for both surgeries is the same.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty corrects drooping upper eyelids. The surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. This can help to improve vision and can also create a more youthful appearance.
Surgeons perform upper blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure. It takes a few hours to complete. Recovery is usually within one to three weeks.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty corrects sagging skin on the lower eyelids. The surgery involves making an incision in the skin below the lash line to remove excess fat and skin.
The surgeon may also need to tighten the muscles and tendons around the eye. Lower blepharoplasty also happens on an outpatient basis. Recovery is within one to three weeks.
Do You Need Functional or Cosmetic Surgery?
If you need the surgery to correct a physical defect, you need functional surgery. Undergo cosmetic surgery if you want the surgery to make your eyelids look better and give your face a more youthful appearance.
If you are considering eyelid surgery, discuss it with your surgeon. They will help you make an informed decision about the right procedure for you.
Benefits of Each Surgery
- Eyelid surgery can improve your vision. Drooping skin of the upper eyelids obstructs your vision. This can be annoying and dangerous. Eyelid surgery can help to improve your vision by removing this excess skin.
- The surgery can protect your eyes from the environment and potential injuries.
- It can improve the health of your eyes by allowing them to drain tears and other fluids better.
- You get a more youthful appearance. Cosmetic eyelid surgery can make you look younger by removing excess skin and fat. This can help you look more rested, alert and younger.
- The procedure reduces wrinkles and fine lines. Cosmetic surgery can tighten the skin around the eyes and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
- Surgery gives you a more defined appearance. Excess skin and fat on the eyelids can make them appear puffy or undefined. Eyelid surgery can create a more refined and polished look by removing this extra tissue.
- Patients gain greater self-confidence. When you feel good about the way you look, it shows in your level of confidence. Many people who have cosmetic eyelid surgery feel better about their appearance.
Recovery Time for Eyelid Surgery
Most people who have eyelid surgery can expect a short recovery time. You may go home the same day as your procedure. Recovery times vary from person to person.
You may experience bruising and swelling around your eyes for the first few days after surgery. This is normal and will usually resolve itself within a week or so. Take it easy for the first few days following surgery. You should be able to resume most normal activities within one to three weeks.
Symptoms After Eyelid Surgery
There are certain risks associated with both functional and cosmetic eyelid surgery. These include:
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling and bruising
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Dry eyes
• Difficulty closing the eyelids
• Scarring
• Eye injury
• Vision problems, including temporary double vision
Discuss these risks with your doctor before having surgery. Also, follow all post-operative instructions to help reduce the risk of complications.
Contact an Oculoplastic Surgeon
Please contact a certified oculoplastic surgeon for a consultation if you need surgery. Functional eyelid surgery can drastically improve your quality of life by helping restore lost vision from sagging skin. Cosmetic eyelid surgery can give your face a youthful look and increase your confidence. Either way, youre surgeon can help you determine the best treatments and courses of action to acheive your desired results.