Eyelid Rejuvenation

Blepharoplasty and Eyelid Rejuvenation

Your eyes are in many cases the first thing that people notice about you.  Many say that they are the most important aspect of facial attractiveness.  As we age, even if we have taken care of ourselves, the skin around our eyes stretches and wrinkles.  Fatty deposits cause the upper lids to sag while under the eye the tissue can bulge forward and become discolored.  Sometimes the excess skin can affect vision.

Typically, these unwanted characteristics come with age.  Hereditary factors can cause a much younger person to appear prematurely aged as well.  Exposure to the sun, use of alcohol, smoking and less than optimal nutrition all accelerate the signs of aging.

Blepharoplasty, or a “mini-face lift” has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both men and women because of its high level of patient satisfaction.  Blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids.

Before Blepharoplasty

If your eyelids are encroaching upon your field of vision, the procedure may be covered as “medically necessary” surgery.

Before surgery, a Clear Choice doctor will evaluate the condition and health of your eyes.  Specifics regarding your vision tear production, use of contact lenses, use of medications and personal expectations will be discussed.  This information, along with other factors such as age, skin type, and ethnic background, will allow both you and your surgeon to come to a mutual decision.  Together, a plan will be decided on regarding the surgical technique as well as the type of anesthesia to be used.

During Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is generally done using local anesthesia.  You may be given a mild sedative to help you to relax throughout the surgery.  The time spent in surgery will depend on the amount of tissue being removed.

When performed on the upper lids, the doctor will remove the excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissue that tend to accumulate in the inside corner of the eye.  The incisions made, in most cases, will be impossible to see over time.

When performed on the lower lids, providing there is not too much excess skin, your doctor will make the incision inside or behind the eyelid.  If there is excessive skin or muscle folds below the eye, an incision may also be made just below the base of the eyelashes.  As this incision heals, the scar should also be barely visible.

After Blepharoplasty

After the procedure, you will need a driver to take you home.  There is usually some bruising and swelling.  Often the bruising and swelling is noticeable for a week to a month after the surgery.  Cold compresses as well as head elevation will help the swelling go down and minimize the discomfort.  Postoperative discomfort is mild in most cases, but every patient is different.

Most patients report that their eyes felt sticky, dry, and itchy for a week or so after surgery.  For a week or two, you’ll need to take special care when cleaning around the eyes.  Stitches are usually removed within five to ten days after surgery.  Some doctors use self-absorbing stitches. 

Results of Blepharoplasty

Most patients experience a noticeable improvement in the appearance of their eyes after blepharoplasty.  In addition to improving some patients’ vision, most patients report feeling more alert and energetic. Although the positive effects of having blepharoplasty on your appearance will be immediate, your results will not be considered final for up to a year, as the healing process continues.