Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
The eyes have been noted for their ability to reveal people’s thoughts and emotions. Unfortunately, under-eye circles, puffiness, and bags around the eyes can portray negative emotions, such as anger, sadness, exhaustion, or frustration, even when a person is feeling good. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can correct these problems. At our Clinique Dallas office, our doctors can perform eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to help patients improve the appearance of the area surrounding the eyes. Through eyelid surgery, both the upper and lower lids can be tightened and smoothed. Whether combined with a facelift or performed on its own, eyelid surgery can help patients look more youthful and rested.
Although most patients who choose to undergo eyelid surgery do so to minimize the effects of aging, the procedure can be performed on younger patients as well. Individuals whose genetics have left them with excess skin or puffiness that makes them look fatigued might choose to have eyelid surgery performed while they are still in their 20s. It is also important to note that blepharoplasty is not only beneficial for cosmetic reasons; many people decide to undergo eyelid surgery to improve obstructed vision caused by drooping eyelids.
Indications:
Women and Men who are bothered by excess skin to their Upper and/or Lower Eyelids.
The Procedure:
- Eyelid surgery takes around 1-3 hours. The procedure is outpatient. Lower Blepharoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Upper Blepharoplasty can be performed under IV Sedation or General Anesthesia.
- Upper Blepharoplasty incisions are made in the crease of your upper eyelids. Lower Blepharoplasty incisions are just below the lashes of your lower eyelids.
- Sutures will be removed around 7 days after the procedure.
Depending on an individual’s specific problem areas, our doctors may recommend upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of the two to achieve the patient’s desired result.
Upper eyelid surgery can be performed to remove excess skin and reduce puffiness above the eye. It can also adjust skin to improve the appearance of the upper eyelid crease. During the procedure, incisions are made in the natural creases of the eye. Excess fat and skin are removed, and the underlying muscles are tightened.
Similarly, lower eyelid surgery can be performed to tighten skin and remove wrinkles with a discrete suture line just below the lower lash line. In certain select cases, it can also reduce bagginess when excess fat deposits are removed through a hidden incision made back side of the eyelid.
Recovery:
- Discomfort is mild. Pain medication will be prescribed.
- Bruising may persist for 2-3 weeks. Patient should sleep elevated and apply cold compresses to help reduce the swelling and bruising.
- Strenuous activities, including lift and bending, should be avoided to 3 weeks. Walking encouraged.
Risks:
- Extropion, pulling down of the lower eyelid.
- Infection
- Chemosis
- Reaction to Anesthesia.
After undergoing any type of surgery, patients usually experience some degree of swelling and bruising of the treatment area. To reduce these temporary side effects, blepharoplasty patients are advised to apply cold compresses to the eye area for the first few days.
Lifting, bending, and other activities that increase blood flow to the eyes should be avoided as should any activities that may dry the eyes, including reading, using a computer, and wearing contacts. Patients should also take care to protect their eyes from the sun and wind.
Most patients who have had blepharoplasty are very pleased with their results. Their new appearance may help them look happier and more energetic. Because incisions are discreetly placed along natural crease lines, the results of eyelid surgery look very natural.
If you would like to meet with one of our doctors to find out whether eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can help you achieve a more vibrant appearance, contact our office to schedule a one-on-one consultation.
To learn more about Clinique Dallas Plastic Surgery and the wide variety of procedures we perform, please call our office at (972) 566-2010 or send us an email using the contact form.