Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery, also known as “blepharoplasty,” is a procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Loose skin that causes fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging is removed, and fat deposits that cause puffiness and bags are removed or repositioned. As the muscles and other tissues are tightened, the eyes attain a refreshed and invigorated appearance.
How Blepharoplasty Helps
Look More Youthful
Signs of aging are prominent around the eyes in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and tightens loose tissue surrounding the eyes to produce firm, smooth skin with a more youthful appearance.
Brighten Tired Eyes
Loose skin and fat deposits can weigh down the eyelids and create a tired appearance even if a person is well rested. Excess fatty deposits can also create bags and puffiness around the eyes that contribute to a tired look. Eyelid surgery eliminates excess skin and fat to rejuvenate the areas around the eyes and provide patients with a more rested and alert appearance.
Restore Impaired Vision
Excess fatty deposits and sagging skin on the upper eyelids can hang down and impair a person’s full range of vision. Upper eyelid surgery removes this excess skin and fat so patients no longer have drooping eyelids impairing their vision.
Blepharoplasty FAQ
Q. Where are the incisions placed for blepharoplasty?
A. The incision for upper eyelid surgery is placed within the natural crease of the eyelid so that no scar will be noticeable once it heals. The incision for lower eyelid surgery may be inconspicuously placed just below the lashes to remove excess skin, or an incision hidden within the lower lid may be used to remove and reposition tissue.
Q. When can I return to work and normal activities after the procedure?
A. Most patients are able to resume work and normal activities about ten days after eyelid surgery. When having upper eyelid surgery only, the surgery can be performed in office, with local sedation resulting in a very short recovery time. Lower lids surgery may result in some swelling and bruising that may persist for a couple of weeks, but cold compresses will help reduce these side effects.
Q. How soon will I see the results of my eyelid surgery?
A. Results from blepharoplasty may be obscured at first due to swelling and bruising, but smooth, more youthful eyelids are generally visible within a few weeks after surgery. Incision lines will continue to improve over time and may take up to a year to fully refine.
Q. How long will the results of blepharoplasty last?
A. Results from eyelid surgery will be long lasting as long as the patient maintains a healthy skincare regimen and protects the area from the sun. The skin and tissues around the eyes will continue to age naturally.
Your Eyelid Surgery at Walker Plastic Surgery
Although eyelid surgery can result in firmer, less wrinkled skin around the eyelids, combining a blepharoplasty with other surgical or nonsurgical procedures allows for more optimum facial rejuvenation and brighter looking eyes. Surgical procedures that Dr. Walker may recommend to go along with your eyelid surgery are a facelift, brow lift or forehead lift. Nonsurgical procedures performed in combination with eyelid surgery can have a great effect in enhancing the results of your procedure. Below are a few offered at Walker Plastic Surgery.
Dermal Fillers
Especially fillers with a hyaluronic acid base such as the Restylane® family. The products are injected in the area surrounding the eyelids but most importantly under the eyes and in the tear trough. These injectables enhance the results obtained with your eyelid surgery and provide an effect that is not obtainable with surgery alone. Radiesse® a hyaluronic acid combined with calcium crystals, may be recommended for the area along the orbital rim or upper cheek bone.
Neurotoxins
Such as BOTOX®, offer a lift to the targeted area, such as the forehead and brows, that optimizes your eyelid surgery results.
Structural Fat Grafting
Dr. Walker uses your own body fat to augment and contour the bone around your entire eye and brow. Structural fat is a natural and longer lasting method for tissue augmentation.
