Blepharoplasty refers to surgery of the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery, in conjunction with our other complementary services, is used to rejuvenate the laxity (droopiness and puffiness) that is result of the aging process and sun damage. Eyelid surgery gives optimal results when the skin is treated with a laser or chemical peel. Volume loss should also be addressed and the best results are achieved when fillers or fat transfer are part of the eye rejuvenation plan.
Upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, is the procedure that addresses the excess skin and muscle that is hanging low on the lid. This tissue may be sitting on the eyelashes and causing you to unconsciously raise your eyebrows, leading to forehead wrinkles. It may be ‘hooding’ on the sides of your eyes, contributing to deeper shadows. Sometimes there is such excess skin that it may be blocking your peripheral vision. These signs of an aging eyelid mean you may have reached a point where blepharoplasty is worth considering.
Upper blepharoplasty can be performed safely in the office under local anesthesia. A thin incision is hidden in the natural crease above the eyelashes. There can be minimal downtime of less than a week. You will need a complete eye exam before your procedure to minimize your risks.
Whenever you are considering upper blepharoplasty, your surgeon should do a careful analysis of your eyebrows. The eyebrows are the frames to your eyes, and their relation ship to the eyes can have a profound impact on your eyes and appearance. Eyebrow position has a direct relationship to your upper eyelids. Often, droopy upper eyelids are the direct result of droopy eyebrows. This can even be apparent in your thirties. Ideally, the eyebrow in a woman starts medially in the bony rim above the eye and it peaks higher laterally above the bony rim. Often, an eyebrow lift may be the solution to drooping of the upper eyelids!
Like the upper lid, the lower eyelid is a complex structure that protects your eyes. There are a number of aging changes that begin in your twenties and thirties that are complex and can contribute to you looking more tired and weary than you feel! There are a multitude of approaches that we use to achieve the optimum result, and these should be specifically tailored to your needs and goals. Lower blepharoplasty is the term for lower eyelid surgery that addresses laxity and volume changes to the lower eyelid. Like the upper blepharoplasty, the lower bleph is often complemented by skin treatments with peels and volume treatments, such as fillers and fat, to give you the best result!
Lower blepharoplasty can be done with multiple approaches depending on your physical exam. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is performed with a hidden incision on the inside of the lower eyelid. It is good for patients with good skin and muscle tone that have the appearance of ‘bags’ under the eyes. This is deep eye fat that is revealed when you start losing the fat under your cheek skin in your thirties. Transcutaneous blepharoplasty is performed with a thin incision under the eyelashes, allowing access to the skin, muscle, and fat under the lids. This approach is preferred when there is droopiness to the skin or muscle and a more aggressive lifting is needed. Because eyelid skin often heals so well, these incisions are typically imperceptible after the healing process is complete.
Like upper blepharoplasty, lower eyelid surgery can be done in the office under local anesthesia. Of course, more anesthesia options are always available. You should plan on 7-10 days of swelling and bruising. There is usually little pain and discomfort, though you will want to rest your eyes.
We always take a careful approach to surgery of your eyes, understanding they are delicate structures. We will review you medical history and have you obtain a complete eye exam before proceeding. Careful pre-operative planning and close follow-up after surgery will optimize your outcome. Because we are a comprehensive center for your face, we have a number of additional medical and noninvasive treatments that will give you the improved, refreshed look you are looking for!
