Eyelid Lift Surgery

CONSIDERING EYELID LIFT (BLEPHAROPLASTY) SURGERY

See Before and After Photos

The eye is often referred to as "the lamp of the body." There is probably no more important facial feature for expression of our deepest thoughts and emotions. If our eyes look "sad, tired, saggy, baggy and puffy - then we may appear to be several years older than we really are. As we age several things contribute to this problem: heredity, chronic allergies, blinking, sun exposure, excess squinting, and habitual eye-rubbing - to name a few. These repeated actions cause the eyelid skin and muscles to "stretch out" and become longer, over time, (like a rubber band looses it elasticity). As skin folds and bulges develop (membranes weaken and slip downward) - we begin "noticing" those visible changes. Sometimes, our vision can be affected. We loose that "youthful appearance" we once enjoyed.

Blepharoplasty - "Eyelid Lift and Eyelid Tuck" is very commonly done to safely correct these concerns …and to help restore a more alert, fresh, younger looking you! This procedure is used to remove excess skin in the upper and lower lids and to reduce /remove fatty tissue under the eye. Surgery can be done on both the upper and lower lids at the same time. Many of our patients also choose to have other facial procedures done at the same time, to enhance the "total outcome." Transconjunctival and Subcilliary Blepharoplasty are the two procedures used to correct both upper and lower lids.

Your initial eyelid lift surgery visit or consultation.
During this visit we will discuss and evaluate your concerns at length, get a complete medical history, determine what would be "realistic goals and expectations" for you and then discuss the procedure that will be used to correct your problem and give you a desirable outcome.

Preparing for eyelid lift surgery.
Following your consultation and after you've made a decision, we will give you complete instructions to help you prepare for your surgery. We always recommend a nutritious diet, limiting vitamins and medications to those prescribed only, and will advise you that smoking and alcohol can interfere with any procedure and slow healing/ recovery time.

Have a responsible adult drive you to and from our office the day of your surgery and stay with you overnight. Please arrange in advance for someone to do this for you.

EYELID LIFT (BLEPHAROPLASTY) SURGERY OVERVIEW

Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) Surgery .
Usually 1-3 hours is required for this surgery - but varies depending upon the extensiveness. You will be well cared for in our "recovery suite" following your procedure - where a nurse will stay with you, administer any medications required and apply "cold salt water" compresses on your eyes - until you are ready to go home.

BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE OPTIONS:

• Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is used to correct "bags or puffiness" in the lower eyelids. After you are anesthetized, an incision is made just inside the lower eyelid. Your plastic surgeon will then separate the skin from the underlying fatty tissue and muscle, remove the excess fat and trim sagging skin and muscle. If needed, the incision is closed with tiny sutures. If he trims excess skin and muscle - a tiny incision may be made in the natural "smile crease" just below your lashline.
• Subcilliary blepharoplasty is performed to correct the problems with the upper eyelid. After you are anesthetized, your plastic surgeon will make a "hidden" incision in the crease above each eye. Again, he separates the skin from the underlying fatty tissue and muscle. Excess fat, muscle and loose skin are then removed and fine sutures close the incisions.

Where eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) surgery is performed and how long it will take.
We perform many of our eyelid lifts (blepharoplasties) in our own outpatient facility in our office. If, however, you are having more procedures, your surgery is done at the Hawthorne Surgical Center.

Local anesthetic is used to numb the operative areas -- along with a sedative to relieve anxiety and keep you relaxed and comfortable. You will not experience or remember discomfort.

Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) surgery recovery.
During the first 24-48 hours - you may experience some mild discomfort - this is usually minimal and can be relieved with pain medication and continued use of the cold compresses - which help minimize and reduce swelling and bruising. You will be required to keep your head elevated and remain completely quiet during this first two days. Swelling and bruising will last for a few weeks - but will visibly diminish daily. You may experience a little blurred vision, eyes may feel tired and light/temperature sensitive and feel a little itchy - this is all normal and goes away as your healing progresses. Stitches are removed in 3-4 days and replaced with small tape at the corner of the eyes to "splint" the skin. We will instruct you on gently cleansing these areas with wet eye pads and salt water solution.

Getting back to normal after eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) surgery.
You should be able to watch TV after two or three days and be back in public in about two weeks. You will need to sleep on 2 pillows for a while, refrain from vigorous, strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks - and do not bend over, stoop or strain for the first 4-5 days. You and Doctor will discuss when you can return to work. Do not plan to wear your "contact lenses" or eye makeup for several days to 2 weeks. (We'll give you complete instructions on this). Occasional, mild swelling may come and go for a few weeks with vigorous activity - this is normal. We encourage you to use dark glasses with ultraviolet light filters to protect from sun and wind for 3-4 weeks after surgery.

Complete Healing/Recovery from any surgery takes time. It is important for you to understand how to work with your body to assist it during this process. This includes plenty of rest, a good nutrition program, not smoking, avoid use of alcohol (it causes fluid retention and swelling) - and other things Doctor may recommend. You can reduce any possible complications and enhance and speed your recovery/healing time. Your scars will remain pink for a few weeks -but they gradually fade away and become a thin, invisible white line.

Our staff cares about you and wants a successful surgery and good outcome for you! Every single person is "unique" - so results will "vary" with each one. We encourage you to ask questions - and expect answers. With the right information - good decisions can be made - and good outcomes achieved - so that you can expect positive results and enjoy your "fresher, more youthful look" for years to come!