If you’re like many of the patients our Lexington plastic surgeons speak with, you want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your treatment. We get it. Procedures can be costly, and recovery can be lengthy. That’s why we recommend combining treatments for a more efficient and cohesive transformation. One popular combination is the facelift and blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery).
Wondering if this dynamic duo might be for you? Here’s what our Kentucky plastic surgeons think you should know before booking your procedure:
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Facelift vs. Blepharoplasty
First, it’s important to be aware of what each procedure does and does not include. For example, a facelift operation does not typically address the upper part of the face but focuses instead on the cheekbones and jaw areas. Patients who undergo only a facelift might feel that their appearance is unbalanced without the upper face being rejuvenated as well.
A blepharoplasty targets wrinkled, sagging, and crepey skin in the eyelid area by tightening and removing excess tissue and skin. There are two types of eyelid surgery available: upper eyelid surgery (which tightens the skin on the upper eyelid) and lower eyelid surgery (which, as you probably guessed, targets the skin just below the eyes). The state of one’s eyelids can play a huge role in the youthfulness of one’s appearance, so this simple addition to your facelift can profoundly enhance the overall results of your procedure.
What are the benefits of combining a facelift and blepharoplasty?
- Complete facial rejuvenation: combining these treatments will ensure a more cohesive and youthful appearance.
- Shorter recovery time: by combining two procedures in one, patients don’t have to worry about going through multiple recovery periods.
- Lower cost: combining these surgeries also reduces costs, as you’ll only need to pay for one round of anesthesia and other facility fees.
- Customized results: combining procedures allows you to create and acquire personalized results, targeting specific problem areas.
- More dramatic results: if you’re really looking to update your look, combining procedures will give you the dramatic results you desire.
How do I know if a facelift and blepharoplasty combination is right for me?
While many treatments can be combined with a facelift, opting for a blepharoplasty might be for you if you’d like to target:
- Crepey skin
- Sagging skin
- Hooded eyelids
- Neck banding
- Wrinkles and lines
- Jowls
- “Bags” or puffiness beneath eyes
How does this procedure combo work?
Your surgeon will likely place you under general anesthesia before making several incisions near the ears and in the creases of the eyelids. But don’t worry; our skilled surgeons will always ensure that scarring will be minimal and discreet. The skin will be tightened and trimmed, if necessary, before closing the incisions again, and you can expect the surgery to take several hours. Following the treatment, your surgeon will likely insert a small tube under the skin to help drain any fluid from the operation.
What is the recovery process like for this combination of treatments?
Your surgeon will give you detailed post-operative instructions, which should be followed very carefully. This will include taking a couple of weeks off of work and avoiding strenuous activities. It’s normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort following the procedure, and you’ll be informed of which medications can be taken to help with these side effects.
Most patients can return to work within a few weeks but should continue to take it easy for several weeks following surgery. On the bright side, you’ll have a great excuse to binge that show or podcast! Although swelling and bruising should subside after about six weeks, it can take up to a year for the healing process to be complete and for results to be fully visible.
Source: shutterstock.com/ Photo Contributor: SvetlanaFedoseyeva
Can other treatments be combined with a facelift operation?
Absolutely. A facelift can also be combined with:
- Brow lift: this procedure tightens wrinkled and droopy skin on the forehead and eyebrow areas.
- Neck lift and liposuction: contour the neck and under-chin areas, eliminating the dreaded double chin and “turkey neck.”
- Facial fat grafting: this treatment is similar to facial fillers but offers more dramatic and permanent results by using existing tissue to contour the cheekbones, chin, or jawline.
- Laser resurfacing: reduces the appearance of age spots and blemishes
If you’re looking to make the most of your facelift operation, combining it with a blepharoplasty treatment might be for you. Not only does a combo treatment provide more dramatic and all-over results, but it’s also a great way to cut costs and recovery time. Wondering what treatment you should combine with your facelift? Contact us today to set up your consultation, and our skilled plastic surgeons will help you customize a treatment that meets your needs and fulfills your goals.