Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty)
with Dr. Yates
What is an eyelid lift?
An eyelid lift (Blepharoplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and, if required, fat to give eyes a more youthful appearance. Good candidates for this procedure have sagging, drooping or baggy eyelids for either upper, lower, or both eyelids. Incisions are hidden in the natural eyelid creases and often fade to being barely visible over time. Blepharoplasty has been performed since the 70s, it’s a safe procedure, and it can deliver spectacular results on both men and women.
What are the benefits of eyelid surgery?
- Opens eyes
- Look less tired
- Remove dark circles
- Treats bags and fat deposits around the eye
Blepharoplasty can reduce the signs of aging significantly. Eliminating the excess skin tissue at the level of the eyelids can reduce the number of fine lines visible, especially on the inferior eyelids.
The procedure can also be used to eliminate the bags under the eyes. In most cases, blepharoplasty can improve the aspect of the dark areas under the eyes.
In some patients, the procedure is recommended to improve visibility. The eyelids stretch with the natural aging process, and the muscles sustaining them get weaker. The excess of skin at the level of the eye can limit peripheral vision, mostly at the superior and exterior parts of the visual field.
Other patients resort to eyelid surgery because they want to get a rejuvenated, youthful aspect of the face. It is a well-known fact that the aspect of the eye area can make a person look more tired and older than they really are. When the patient undergoes the blepharoplasty intervention, the whole face aspect is improved. And with a youthful appearance, you can also expect to notice a surge of confidence.
Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Do you know how it feels to wake up in the morning and look like you haven’t slept all night because of droopy eyelids? If the answer is yes, the chances are that you might be a suitable candidate for the intervention. Good candidates for eyelift surgery have heavy eyes, excess skin folds, dark circles under the eyes, or fat deposits.
As we age, the skin loses elasticity, and the muscles are not as toned as before. All these natural processes lead to fat accumulation at the level of different areas of the body (including the eye contour) and to an aging aspect of the face and body. However, when it comes to droopy eyelids, it’s more than the aesthetic reasons that lead patients to resort to surgery. In some cases, droopy eyelids can reduce the visual field as they won’t allow the eye to fully open. If this is something that is bothering you, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yates to discuss the issue.
Most patients resort to eyelid surgery because the excess skin, dark circles, and bags under the eyes can make the person look much older, tired, and unhappy.
Blepharoplasty is usually performed on patients over 35 years old. However, if droopy eyelids are a genetic predisposition that runs in the family, you can have them corrected even sooner in life.
Types of Blepharoplasty
There are different types of blepharoplasty recommended for different patients, such as:
Superior eyelid surgery
This procedure aims to eliminate the excess fat and skin tissue at the level of the superior eyelid. In some cases, the excess skin can look like a fold that covers too much of the eye and causes reduced visual field. Fat deposits can be present on the corner of the eye and in the center.
Inferior eyelid surgery
When this procedure is performed, the plastic surgeon only targets the excess skin and fat deposits under the eye. This procedure is also performed to eliminate the dark circles that were resistant to other treatments.
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty
This procedure can help you get a more youthful aspect of the eyes without being left with any scars at the level of the eyes. However, the intervention is only recommended for young people with no excess skin. The procedure is performed without making an incision.
Superior and inferior eyelid surgery
When the procedure is performed both on the upper and lower eyelids, the results can be spectacular. It’s also important to mention that the eyelid surgery can be performed together with other plastic surgery procedures at the level of the face to get a more impressive rejuvenation effect.
What happens during eyelid surgery?
During eyelid surgery, the plastic surgeon eliminates the excess of skin but also the fat that can make the eyelids heavy and droopy. The incisions are small and positioned in the natural folds of the skin, so they will be barely (if at all) visible after the scars healing process is complete. The procedure often takes no longer than 40 to 45 minutes, but it depends on the complexity of each case.
What should I do to prepare for my eyelid surgery?
Just like it is the case with any other plastic surgery procedure, it’s important to prepare for the intervention. Dr. Yates recommend arnica supplements and to make sure that your eyes are moist before the procedure is performed. Dr. Yates might also recommend a visit to the ophthalmologist before scheduling the procedure. All the details of the pre-operative period will be discussed in detail during the initial consultation with the plastic surgeon.
Avoiding sun exposure, anti-inflammatory medication, and drastic diets are always important before undergoing plastic surgery, and eyelid surgery is no different.
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
On average, $5,000 plus anesthesia and facility costs (approximately $2,500), however, each patient is different, and costs may vary based on complexity.
What is the recovery process for eyelid surgery?
Immediately after the surgery is performed, swelling and bruising occur in the area around the eyes. The swelling and bruises can last from a few days and up to a few weeks; it depends from one patient to the other. Sleeping with the head elevated on more than one pillow can help reduce the swelling faster.
The recovery process is different from one patient to the other. It depends on multiple factors such as preexisting health conditions, age, and the patient’s commitment to adhere to the postoperative recommendations.
However, we can say that the recovery period after superior blepharoplasty is generally shorter in most cases. Usually, it takes no more than a week. After the sutures are removed, the patient can resume normal activities. Keep in mind that the edema and bruising can last for up to two weeks. This is important to know to schedule your return to work in case you want to recover fully before resuming your responsibilities.
The recovery period can last longer when it comes to inferior eyelid surgery. And this is valid for the bruising and swelling too. They can take three weeks or more to subside fully. The eyelid is well vascularized, and it heals beautifully. The final results are visible after two to six months after the surgery is performed. However, expect considerable swelling and bruising immediately after the surgery. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
When it comes to pain and discomfort, we need to mention that they are only minor. The patient can perform most of the normal day-to-day activities, with the recommendation to avoid strenuous physical activities.
Some patients can experience blurry vision after the eyelid surgery. This is one of the side effects of the procedure, often attributed to dry eyes. You will need to apply an eye balm, and eye drops after the surgery is performed.
Eyelid surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgery interventions worldwide also because the recovery period is short and well-tolerated by a vast majority of patients. In most cases, the recovery period is no longer than a week or two. After the second week, you can already start wearing makeup, should you choose to do so.
There is little to no pain and discomfort associated with eyelid surgery, and the results can be remarkable. Keep in mind that the scars can have a pinkish appearance for some time until the healing process is completed (this can take a few months).
How long last the results of blepharoplasty?
When eyelid surgery is the suitable procedure recommended for the patient, it can erase a decade or more off your face. Generally speaking, the results of the surgery are long-lasting. After getting the procedure, most patients don’t need to undergo eyelid surgery again. However, it’s also important to mention that the skin around the eyes can be again affected by aging, and wrinkles and fat accumulation can occur.
What other procedures can be combined with eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery can be performed as a standalone procedure or in association with other surgical and non-surgical procedures such as facelift, dermal fillers, and others. Make sure to discuss your needs and desires with Dr. Yates during the pre-operative consultation to make the most out of your blepharoplasty intervention.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
What are the risks of eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty is associated with certain risks and complications, just like any other plastic surgery procedure. Aside from swelling and bruising that can naturally occur after any surgical intervention, infection and unsatisfactory results are possible. Noticeable scarring, problems closing the eyes or keeping them shut, skin discoloration, and eye muscle damage are rare complications of blepharoplasty surgery. Always choose an experienced and talented board-certified plastic surgeon to minimize the risks.
What can you expect from Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty can make you look younger and more alert. Aside from the aesthetic benefits, patients can resort to eyelid lift surgery to improve peripheral vision for functional purposes. After the procedure, you can expect to experience some discomfort and side effects during the recovery period – often no longer than two weeks. The final results become visible after about three months and are long-lasting.
What are the pros of Blepharoplasty?
Saggy eyelids can make you look older than your age. Hooded eyes can also give a permanent tired expression on the face. Eyelid surgery can correct all these issues. Among the pros of the procedure, we have a youthful appearance, a more vibrant and refreshed facial expression, and even improved peripheral vision in some cases.
How does double eyelid surgery work?
Double eyelid surgery is performed to correct imperfections present at the level of the upper and lower eyelids. Hooded eyes, restricted peripheral vision, and dark circles and bags under the eyes can be corrected with the help of double eyelid surgery. The plastic surgeon creates incisions on the upper and lower eyelids to get access to eliminate the surplus of skin, fat, and muscle tissue. When the desired cosmetic result is achieved, the incisions are sutured.
How do they fix hooded eyes with surgery?
Blepharoplasty is the plastic surgery procedure used to correct hooded eyes. Incisions are made on the upper eyelid to remove excess skin, fat, and muscle tissue.
Is double eyelid surgery safe?
Just like is the case with other surgical interventions, double eyelid surgery is safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited medical facility. The procedure is associated with minimal risks and complications if the patient follows the plastic surgeon's recommendations to the letter during pre and post-operative stages.
What is a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is plastic surgery performed for aesthetic or functional purposes. The intervention aims to correct hooded eyes, saggy skin covering partly the eye corner, excessive skin, and fat deposits that can make the patient look older or more tired than he is. The intervention can make the patient look younger and more alert and improve peripheral vision.
How painful is double eyelid surgery?
Despite addressing such a sensitive area, the double eyelid surgery is not painful. The procedure is performed with the patient under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, and the patient feels no pain or discomfort during the intervention. After the surgery, your plastic surgeon will prescribe analgesic medication to help you manage the discomfort.
How is blepharoplasty surgery performed?
The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both simultaneously. The procedure's complexity depends on the patient's aesthetic desires and characteristics. Incisions are made on the lids, and the plastic surgeon uses them to remove excess tissue – skin, fat, and even muscle. Incisions are then sutured.
How long is the recovery time from Blepharoplasty?
Most patients can return to work a week or two after eyelid surgery. In some cases, the recovery period can last for up two weeks, and the final results start to occur after two months when the swelling and bruising have subsided completely. The incisions can take longer to heal fully, but they are not overly visible since they are hidden in the natural folds of the skin.
How is eyelid surgery performed?
The eyelid surgery can be performed with the patient under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The procedure is pretty straightforward as the plastic surgeon will make a cut on the upper eyelid and eliminate the excess skin, fat, and even muscle tissue to give you a more vibrant appearance. After the excess tissue is removed, the incision is sutured. If upper eyelid surgery is performed with lower eyelid surgery, the plastic surgeon will also make an incision on the lower eyelid right under the lash line or inside, the lower lid.
Is there any way I can get rid of upper eyelid fat without surgery?
The only way to remove fat from the eyelid area is with the help of surgery. While we can address the eye area with injectables to create a more youthful appearance, when it comes to hooded eyes, the only efficient solution is eyelid surgery. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon can address the specific area of interest and eliminate the excess fat and skin tissue to rejuvenate the eye area and give the patient a youthful appearance.
How safe is Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery is a safe and efficient procedure that is very popular nowadays for both men and women. As the procedure can completely rejuvenate the face by lifting the eyelids, patients can enjoy a youthful appearance for longer. There are minimal risks and potential complications associated with the procedure when performed in an accredited medical facility and by an experienced plastic surgeon.
Can you reverse double eyelid surgery?
Patients interested in getting a blepharoplasty should be careful when choosing a plastic surgeon as the procedure is very complex and delicate and can't be reversed. Considering the fact that the excess skin and fat tissue is surgically removed, we can't reverse the procedure. In some cases, when too much fat is extracted, we can use certain techniques to correct the results achieved with the initial intervention.
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