As we age, our eyelids can start to sag. Not only can this create a tired and older appearance, but it can also impact your vision. If you are unhappy with your eyelid's appearance or have difficulty seeing due to sagging eyelids, you may want to consider eyelid plastic surgery. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin to improve your field of vision and create a more youthful appearance. Here's what to know about this cosmetic procedure.  

How It Works

The first thing to know about blepharoplasty is how this procedure works. Excess skin, fat, and muscle can lead to sagging eyelids. This procedure removes excess tissue, fat, and muscle to create a rejuvenated appearance. Typically, incisions are made in the natural creases of your eyelids to help hide the scarring. Also, this surgery is typically done under either local anesthesia or intravenous sedation. If you are considering this procedure, you will want to talk to a surgeon about whether it's the right fit for your needs.

How Long It Takes

Another thing to consider when it comes to eyelid surgery is how long it takes. In most cases, a blepharoplasty procedure will take between one and two hours. Recovery time varies from one person to the next, but most need to take a few days off from their usual activities. Swelling will diminish within a couple of weeks after this procedure. You may also experience dry eyes for a few days after this surgery, but this side effect should not last longer than a couple of weeks. While you will need to limit your activities for a few days, this procedure usually doesn't require a lot of recovery time.

How Much It Costs

Another thing to think about is how much this procedure costs. If you are seeking out eyelid surgery due to vision impairment issues, your health insurance may cover some of the costs. However, if you are looking into this procedure solely for cosmetic reasons, your insurance will not likely cover the surgery. The average cost of eyelid plastic surgery is $4,120. Before scheduling this procedure, make sure it fits your budget.

There are three things you should know about blepharoplasty. First, excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed during this procedure to rejuvenate the eyes. Second, the procedure only takes a few hours, and the recovery isn't lengthy for most people. Finally, the cost varies depending on whether your insurance covers the procedure. 

Contact a local cosmetic surgeon to learn more about blepharoplasty.