Factors such as aging, sun damage, smoking, and obesity can cause the eyelids to droop and sag. This area is often one of the first to show signs of aging and damage, as the skin of the eyelid is thinner than that of the rest of the face. Eyelids that droop or bulge can cause people to appear older or more fatigued than they actually are.
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids by tightening tissue or removing excess fat and skin. This procedure can be performed on men and women alike and offers a younger, more refreshed look. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyes, you may want to consider blepharoplasty to improve your look and boost your confidence through a safe procedure with minimal downtime. A blepharoplasty is commonly combined with other procedures such as a brow lift, cheek lift, or facelift.
Blepharoplasty Candidates
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who are in good overall health and who do not smoke or have any serious eye conditions. If you have loose, sagging skin or puffy bags around your eyes, this procedure can help reduce these unwanted effects and leave your eyes looking young and fresh.
Blepharoplasty Procedure
The blepharoplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia alone (for isolated upper lid blepharoplasty), or under local anesthesia with IV sedation (for lower lid blepharoplasty or for both together). General anesthesia may be used for patient preference. 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 two hours.
If the upper eyelid is being treated, an incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid. The incision is designed so that the scar will fall into the natural skin crease and be unnoticeable. Once the incision is made, Dr. Knott or Dr. Park will remove excess skin and a small amount of fat next to the nose to leave the eye looking younger and refreshed. For the lower eyelid, an incision is made on the inside of the eyelid for the lower lid fat to be removed or repositioned. These incisions are invisible as they are made inside the eyelid. Occasionally, the lower lid also benefits from being tightened at the same time as the fat is removed/repositioned. After the procedure is performed, the incisions are closed with sutures.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
After your blepharoplasty procedure, your doctor may recommend applying lubricating ointment, cold compresses, and/or prescription eye drops to aid the healing process and minimize side effects such as swelling, bruising, irritation, or dry eyes.
Patients can usually return to work within one week after the bruising has subsided, but you should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Swelling and other side effects usually subside within two weeks after surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for your eyes after surgery.
To learn more about eyelid surgery and whether or not this procedure is right for you, please call us today to schedule a consultation.