Our Summary

This research used eye tracking technology to see how people’s gaze moves while looking at before and after photos of patients who had cosmetic surgery around their eyes.

Before surgery, people tended to look at the eye area, then the nose, then the mouth. After surgery, they looked at the nose first, then the eyes, then the mouth. This suggests that the way we recognize faces can change based on changes to the face itself, and how much we like how it looks.

Interestingly, the study found that when a face is considered more attractive, people tend to look at the most attractive parts later rather than earlier, and for less time. This suggests that our gaze follows a pattern that aligns with our internal idea of what beauty looks like.

FAQs

  1. How did eye movement patterns change when viewing preoperative and postoperative images of patients who underwent bilateral periorbital cosmetic surgery?
  2. Does the aesthetic liking of the observer impact the sequence of facial feature recognition?
  3. How does the alteration of facial features influence the sequence of facial feature recognition?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about blepharoplasty is to set realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. It’s important to understand that while blepharoplasty can improve the appearance of the eyes, it may not necessarily drastically change your overall facial appearance. It’s also important to understand that the healing process may take time, and it’s important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended blepharoplasty are those who have excess skin and fat deposits around the eyelids, which can cause drooping, puffiness, or bags under the eyes. This procedure is often performed for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of the eyes and give a more youthful and refreshed look. It can also be recommended for functional reasons, such as when excess skin interferes with peripheral vision. Overall, candidates for blepharoplasty should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.

Timeline

Before blepharoplasty:

  1. Patient decides to undergo blepharoplasty due to concerns about sagging or drooping eyelids, excess skin or fat around the eyes, or under-eye bags.
  2. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals, expectations, risks, and potential outcomes of the surgery.
  3. Preoperative evaluation and testing to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure.
  4. Surgical procedure, which typically involves removing excess skin and fat from the eyelids and reshaping the eyelids for a more youthful appearance.
  5. Recovery period, during which the patient may experience swelling, bruising, discomfort, and temporary changes in vision.

After blepharoplasty:

  1. Postoperative follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications.
  2. Gradual improvement in appearance as swelling and bruising subside and the eyes begin to look more rejuvenated and youthful.
  3. Adjustment in skincare routine and makeup application to enhance and maintain the results of the surgery.
  4. Increased self-confidence and satisfaction with the appearance of the eyes, leading to improved overall self-esteem and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with blepharoplasty?
  2. What is the recovery process like after blepharoplasty surgery?
  3. How long will it take to see the final results of the surgery?
  4. How long do the results of blepharoplasty typically last?
  5. Are there any non-surgical alternatives to achieve similar results?
  6. Can blepharoplasty improve vision if sagging eyelid skin is obstructing the field of vision?
  7. Will there be scarring after the surgery and how can it be minimized?
  8. How many blepharoplasty procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions that I should follow to ensure optimal results?

Reference

Authors: Bernardini F, Staiger T, Moellhoff N, Giunta RE, Braig D, Ehrl D, Woodward J, Cotofana S, Kohler LH, Frank K. Journal: Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2022 May;30(2):271-276. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2022.01.007. PMID: 35501064