Face Lift for Men
Surgical/Procedure name:blepharoplasty
Common name:
Face Lift, Mid Face Lift
Introduction
Face lift procedures designed for men can be an effective way to minimize unwanted effects produced by age, stress, and exposure to the sun. Although the results achieved with male face lift surgery are similar to those enjoyed by women, there are differences in approach that potential patients should be aware of.
Candidates for Male Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery for men reduces the visible effects of aging by improving the appearance of saggy eyelids and puffiness underneath the eyes. To be considered a candidate for the procedure, however, there are some requirements that must be met. Generally, patients should be in good health and have reasonable expectations about the results of male blepharoplasty. Patients who have certain conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, and insufficient tear production, may not qualify for eyelid surgery. Learn more about who is an ideal candidate for blepharoplasty.
The Male Blepharoplasty Procedure
Blepharoplasty for men is usually a relatively quick procedure, depending on which type of eyelid surgery is performed. Most often, eyelid surgery is performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon trims away excess skin, fat, and muscle tissue that may be creating under-eye bags or causing the upper eyelids to sag. Reattachment of the remaining skin then creates a more youthful appearance. The incisions are usually made in discreet areas around the eyes to minimize scarring. Learn more about the different types of eyelid surgery available for men, including upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, and laser eyelid surgery.
Risks and Benefits of Male Eyelid Surgery
Some of the many benefits of male blepharoplasty include reduction of under-eye puffiness and improvement in the appearance of tired-looking eyes. The procedure may also improve vision in those with severely drooping upper eyelids.
Although eyelid surgery for men has numerous benefits, as with any surgery, there are some risks. The risks of eyelid surgery include difficulty keeping the eyes closed, infection, dryness of the eyes, excessive tear production, impaired vision, and scarring.
Questions and Answers
What are some of the most common benefits of eyelid surgery?
Eyelid Surgery can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of the face, alleviating the appearance of tiredness and old age by eliminating the excess, wrinkly skin beneath the eyes. The eyes appear refreshed and more youthful, and results may last for many years. The degree of improvement varies from patient to patient.Important note: Eyelid surgery will not eliminate dark circles, fine lines or wrinkles around the eyes, or alter sagging eyebrows. To enhance the results of your eyelid procedure, your doctor may also recommend: 1.) a brow lift to correct a drooping brow and smooth the forehead, 2.) a face lift for saggy jowls, and/or 3.) skin resurfacing to eliminate fine lines.
What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs associated with the procedure.Your surgeon will begin with a complete discussion of your medical history, and he/she will examine the skin and fat around your eyes. He/she may also examine your eyesight, peripheral vision, and tear ducts. You should tell him/her about any related symptoms you may have, including any dryness of the eyes, changes in vision or eye pain.
How is eyelid surgery performed?
For traditional eyelid surgery:1. An incision is made along the lash line, smile creases
2. Excess fat, muscle, and skin are removed
3. Fine sutures are used to close the incision
4. Permanent stitches will be removed three to five days after the procedure
If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids, but do not need to have any loose skin removed, your surgeon may recommend a transconjunctival eyelid surgery. In this procedure, the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with fatty lower eyelids. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty does not tighten the skin, it reduces the puffiness in the lower eyelid region.
For Transconjunctival Eyelid Surgery:
1. Incision is made on the inside of the lower eyelid
2. Excess fat and muscle are removed (no tightening or removing of skin)
3. Incision is closed with self-dissolving sutures or they will heal naturally without sutures.
How long does the surgery take?
Eyelid surgery generally takes about one to three hours to complete, depending on the technique used and the extent of the repair.Will I need to stay in a hospital?
It depends on your preferences as well as your surgeon's. Blepharoplasty can be performed on an outpatient basis, in the hospital. Your surgeon will advise you of what is most suitable for your situation.How much pain will I experience?
Initially, you may feel a tight sensation around the eyes, with minor discomfort that lasts for a day or two. A mild pain reliever can be taken as needed. People who have had blepharoplasty are often surprised at how painless eyelid surgery can be. Many times, isolated eyelid surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with a total recovery time as short as seven to 10 days. (Recovery time varies from person to person)What is the recovery period like?
At first, the incisions will probably be red and somewhat bumpy. Eventually, the resulting scar should become flat and inconspicuous. Your sutures (stitches) will be removed sometime within the first week. The swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel better each day. Swelling and bruising varies considerably from person to person. Bruising typically disappears within seven to 10 days. Within the first week you will be permitted to use makeup, if desired, to conceal any discoloration.For the first week after blepharoplasty, you'll need to avoid activities that dry the eyes, including reading, watching television, wearing contacts, and using a computer. Also avoid excessive blinking, which leads to increased swelling. You should also wear dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation. The eyes may tire easily for several weeks; frequent naps are helpful.
For the first three or four weeks, you should avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes, including bending, lifting, crying, and sports. Your surgeon will let you know when you are ready for exercise. Also, avoid drinking alcohol, which can lead to fluid retention and delay recovery.
What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
The more alert, youthful look that eyelid surgery provides is usually long lasting. Thin scars may remain slightly pink for six months or so, but can easily be concealed with makeup. They eventually fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line. The removal of fat is permanent, but the looseness of the skin and fine wrinkling of the eyelid area may return in the future as the natural aging process occurs.Even though the aging process continues, patients are usually happy with their appearance for many years following eyelid surgery. Some patients find that they want to make additional improvements at a later time. If continued loss of skin tone in the forehead later causes sagging of the eyebrows, a forehead lift or second eyelid procedure may be performed.
What are the risks?
Significant complications from aesthetic eyelid surgery are infrequent. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is always a possibility of infection or reaction to the anesthesia.You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after your eyelid surgery. Pre-existing conditions can also put you at risk. They include thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism, insufficient tear production or dryness of the eye, elevated blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
