Blepharoplasty

We would like to provide some basic information about eyelid surgery. However, the best way to get complete answers to specific questions is to have a personal consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Please call (800)505-3627 for a consultation. Office hours are Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 1:30-5PM.

More than any other facial feature your eyes reveal the most about how you feel. When your eyes are bright and alert, you appear energized, well rested, and in control. However, if you have lower eyelid puffiness, dark circles or drooping upper lids, others may assume that you are fatigued, angry or unhappy. Eyelid surgery can remove the excess fat and drooping skin of the upper eyelids, minimize bags under the eyes and tighten the lower eyelid skin. The result is a more alert and rested appearance.

The best candidates for blepharoplasty

All surgery carries some uncertainties and risk

The Consultation

Preparing for your surgery

The surgery

After your surgery

Getting back to normal

Your new look

The best candidates for breast blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery is performed on men and women of all ages who want to improve their self-image. Most people have eyelid surgery to minimize the effects of aging. However, many people in their 20's or 30's may also benefit from the procedure.

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if your upper eyelids have excess skin that hides the natural fold of the lid, loose skin that hangs down from the upper lid, or puffiness that creates a tired look. Perhaps, your lower eyelids have puffy "bags", excess skin and fine wrinkles.

Eyelid surgery needs to be approached with extra caution if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism or Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism)
• Lower eyelids that droop significantly and reveal the white beneath the iris (the eye's colored portion)
• Eye problems, such as "dry eye," a detached retina or glaucoma
• High blood pressure or other circulatory disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes.

All surgery carries some uncertainties and risk
Each year, thousands of people undergo cosmetic eyelid surgery and experience no major complications. However, you must fully understand the risks as well as the benefits of the procedure.

One of the most important parts of your consultation is the discussion that you and one of our physicians will have about the possible complications of eyelid surgery. By carefully following our advice and instructions both before and after surgery you can do your part to minimize some of the risks.

The Consultation
A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering eyelid surgery. During this meeting, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for surgery.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information:

• Previous surgeries
• Past and current medical conditions
• Medications you are taking, including Aspirin, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements
• Allergies, especially those that affect your eyes.
• As part of the consultation, we will assess the amount of excess fat and skin in your eyelid areas, the position of your eyebrows, and the condition of the muscles around your eyelids.

Suggestions may be given for other cosmetic treatments to meet your appearance goals. For example:

• A sagging brow can be tightened and smoothed with a forehead lift.
• Crow's feet near the eyes can be minimized with laser resurfacing or Botox injections.
• Dark circles beneath the eyes that can't be helped by blepharoplasty can be treated with a bleaching medication or laser treatment.
• Lower-eyelid muscle tone can be improved with additional eyelid surgery.
  

Preparing for your surgery
When the date for your procedure has been set, we will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after surgery. A number of points may be covered, including:

• Avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery. Such as Aspirin, and Aspirin type products, Vitamin E and Gingko
• Stopping smoking for a period of time (2 weeks) before and after surgery
• Arranging for help and special care following surgery

The Surgery
Eyelid surgery is performed in our office based surgical suite. We use a local anesthetic with intravenous sedation (twilight sleep) for our patients undergoing eyelid surgery. Our medical team monitors your physical status throughout the operation and during your recovery. The procedure is approximately 1-2 hours in duration and then we care for you in our recovery room for at least one hour before you are discharged.

Upper eyelids

Typically, the incision begins within the natural crease of the eye's inside corner and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the crow's feet or laugh lines. Through this incision, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. The incision line is camouflaged when healed.

Lower eyelids

Usually the incision is concealed just below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin and fat is removed. Your surgeon may also make special adjustments. For example, the fat beneath the eye can be redistributed to eliminate puffiness or bulges. In some patients, the underlying muscle will be tightened.

Be sure to ask about Erbium laser resurfacing of lower lid wrinkles without adding time or discomfort to your recovery.

After your surgery
When surgery is complete, you will be taken to our recovery area. You may experience mild discomfort, which will be relieved with the use of iced compresses applied to your eyes and the use of pain medication prescribed by the doctor. Plan on resting with your head elevated and ice to your eyes for 24-36 hours. Most of the swelling and bruising will disappear within two weeks.

Getting back to normal
Most patients are able to return to work within 6-7 days. The sutures are removed 5 days after surgery. Once the sutures are out make-up may be worn to cover the bruises. We will give you specific guidelines for resuming activities.

Your new look
If you're like most people who have the procedure, you'll be very pleased with your new refreshed and alert appearance. You may find that you feel more confident in business and social situations. Friends and colleagues may tell you that you appear happier or more rested, without realizing that you had eyelid surgery.

Most traces of surgery will disappear after several weeks. However, the skin around your eyes must be treated with extra care for several months. When you go out during the day, you should wear sun block on your eyelids and darkly tinted sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation. Our estheticians at the Skin Spa will assist you with make-up and skin care products.

The results of eyelid surgery are long lasting. However, keep in mind that your face will continue to age. Our staff can advise you about the best way to maintain your results. Our estheticians will be able to assist you with skin care and make-up application after your surgery.

To scedule your consultation, click here or call (800)505-3627.