Factors such as aging, sun damage, smoking and stretching can cause the eyelids to droop and sag. The eyelids are often one of the first to show signs of aging, as the skin of the eyelid is anatomically thinner than the rest of the face. Wrinkled folds of eyelid skin and “bags” under the eyes can anatomically make a person appear much older or more fatigued than they actually are.
Blepharoplasty, also known also known as eyelid surgery, is a delicate plastic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids by tightening muscles and tissue and removing excess fat or skin. This procedure can be performed on men and women alike and offers a younger more refreshed look that reflects across the whole face.
Blepharoplasty is now one of the most popular facial plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States today. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyes, consider eyelid surgery to improve your look and boost your confidence through a safe procedure with minimal down time. Dr. Lowry, our board certified cosmetic plastic surgery specialist, provides a wealth of expertise and over 20 years of experience with advanced laser assisted blepharoplasty surgery.
What can eyelid surgery do for me?
If you have loose, sagging skin or puffy bags around your eyes, this delicate procedure can help reduce those unwanted effects and leave the eyes looking young and refreshed. Blepharoplasty is ideal for the correction of loose, sagging skin in the eyelids and removal of puffy fat deposits and under eye bags. The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who are in good overall health and who do not have serious eye conditions. It is important to hold blood thinners before surgery such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to minimize bruising and swelling.
A blepharoplasty does not raise the eyebrows or treat deep wrinkles or crows feet or significant dark circles under the eyes. Additional procedures can be done to correct these problems in conjunction with blepharoplasty. For instance, a blepharoplasty may be often combined with other procedures such as brow lift. Brow lifts can revitalize drooping or wrinkled foreheads helping you look less angry, sad or tired. Dr. Lowry uses minimally invasive endoscopic techniques to raise eyebrows for a more youthful appearance. There are also minimally invasive non-surgical options to improve the eyelid region. Please refer to Brow Lift and Cosmetic Services Non-Surgical for more information on these additional services.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
The blepharoplasty procedure is comfortably performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthetic with sedation in our AAAHC certified surgical suite. General anesthesia may be used for those patients who prefer to be asleep. Patients may choose to have this procedure on their upper or lower eyelids or both. Depending on these choices, the procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
If the upper eyelid is being treated, a precise laser assisted surgical incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid. Once the incision is made, fat deposits are repositioned or removed, muscles and tissues are tightened and excess skin is removed leaving the eye younger looking and refreshed. These delicate incisions are closed with one easily removed or dissolving suture hidden in the natural eyelid crease.
For the traditional lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the incision is made just below the eyelash line in order for excess skin and fat to be removed. Dr. Lowry also performs state of the art lower blepharoplasty with a laser incision made delicately inside the lower eyelid, so there are no visible scars. With the eye protected, the bulging fat is removed, repositioned or contoured achieving a younger looking and more refreshed eyelid. This advanced procedure is known as a Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty and is often combined with laser skin treatments for a superior result.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
Blepharoplasty is a very comfortable surgical procedure and most patients require only Tylenol® (Acetaminophen) post operatively. We recommend applying lubricating drops to the eyes and antibiotic ointment to the incisions. Cool compresses aide the healing process and minimize swelling and bruising.
Most patients return to work within a few days to a week but should avoid excessive exercise and strenuous activity for at least 1 – 2 weeks. Most swelling and bruising typically subsides within 2 weeks after surgery, but full maturation of facial plastic surgery can take 6 months. Dr. Lowry will provide you specific instructions on how to care for your eyes and eyelids after this delicate rejuvenative procedure. Dr. Lowry is an extensively trained and experienced specialist in eyelid rejuvenation and will provide you comprehensive information and instructions regarding the blepharoplasty procedure at your personalized consultation.
