Eyelid Surgery
The eyes are one of the most focal features of the face, so cosmetic issues on the eyelids or the skin around the eyes can drastically affect your overall appearance. Drooping eyelids are caused by a number of factors, including genetics, prolonged sun exposure, or general aging, and some cases can become so severe that vision is eventually affected. In addition to sagging eyelids, puffy eyebags may develop beneath the eyes, making you look older and more tired than you feel. For individuals in Beverly Hills suffering from these and other cosmetic concerns surrounding the eyes, blepharoplasty offers a long-lasting solution.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a procedure that removes excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, and removes or repositions fat from the area to reduce puffiness. Eyelid surgery is an excellent option for those wanting to correct their drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes. For a fully rejuvenated look, many blepharoplasty patients also choose to have their surgery performed in conjunction with other facial procedures, like a facelift or browlift.
If you’re no longer happy with the appearance of your eyelids and eye area, discover how Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery can rejuvenate your face with blepharoplasty.
To learn more about eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), contact Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery today at (310) 746-5439 to schedule a consultation in Beverly Hills.
Ideal Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are individuals who are physically and psychologically healthy, and unhappy with the appearance of drooping eyelids or bagginess under the eyes. Most blepharoplasty patients are 35 years old or older, but if you’re genetically predisposed to these cosmetic concerns, it may be appropriate to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.
There are some medical conditions that can increase the risk of complications with eyelid surgery, including hypothyroidism, Graves’ disease, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A detached retina or glaucoma is also a potential cause for concern, so be sure to check with your ophthalmologist before you have surgery.
Blepharoplasty is an excellent option for improving the appearance of your eyelids and under-eye area, but it’s important to have realistic expectations about your outcome. To see real results of eyelid surgery, feel free to view our before-and-after blepharoplasty photo gallery.
Your Consultation for Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty | Beverly Hills
Your initial consultation is an important part of your journey towards considering eyelid surgery. Your surgeon will need to review your complete medical history at the consultation, so be sure to check your own records ahead of time and be ready to provide this information.
Likewise, it’s best to inform your surgeon if you have any allergies, if you’re taking vitamins or medications (prescription or over-the-counter), and if you smoke. If you wear glasses or contacts, be sure to provide your surgeon with any relevant medical records, especially the record of your last eye exam.
During your eyelid surgery consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your goals and expectations, and any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. Also, you will be informed of any risks or limitations of the surgery. Your surgeon will then guide you through the process of determining what areas need to be addressed, which eyelids to operate on, and if skin and fat will be removed. He will also help you explore your options for additional procedures that might be beneficial, like a browlift or facelift.
Preparing for Your Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty | Beverly Hills
The surgeons at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery understand that eyelid surgery can be stressful for some patients, and the best way to alleviate anxiety about your procedure is by being fully informed and prepared. Prior to your blepharoplasty, your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including dietary guidelines, restrictions on smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your procedure go more smoothly, and will calm your nerves before surgery day.
While you’re making preparations for your eyelid surgery, be sure to also arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, and to help you out for a few days if needed. While assistance around the house isn’t always essential, many blepharoplasty patients find it to be helpful so they can focus on recuperating.
Understanding Your Blepharoplasty Surgery
Most blepharoplasty surgeries take one to three hours to complete, but this depends on the extent of the procedure and your specific cosmetic needs.
- In a typical procedure, your surgeon will make incisions that follow the natural lines and creases of your eyelids, which helps to minimize the appearance of scars. However, incisions are sometimes made in the crow’s feet area, if needed. Once incisions are made, your surgeon will remove excess fatty deposits and trim any sagging skin or muscle. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.
- If you are only seeking treatment for deposits of fat below your eyes, your surgeon may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty instead. During a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the incision is made along the inner lower eyelid, which means it doesn’t leave a visible scar. This procedure is usually performed on younger patients who don’t need excess skin removed.
Risks Associated with Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with blepharoplasty. But you can decrease your risk of complications by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and by closely following your pre-operative and post-operative instructions. When complications do occur, they are usually related to infection or a reaction to the anesthesia.
Minor complications include temporary double vision, blurred vision for a few days, temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids, and uneven healing or scarring. Small whiteheads might also appear after your stitches are taken out, but your surgeon can easily remove them.
In addition to the above complications, it’s important to be aware that certain medical conditions increase your chances for an unfavorable outcome, including hypothyroidism, Graves’ disease, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
To learn more about eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), contact Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery today at (310) 746-5439 to schedule a consultation in Beverly Hills.
FAQs About Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty
Where Will the Eyelid Surgery Be Performed?
Your eyelid surgery will likely be performed at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery’s state-of-the-art operating facility, or at an outpatient surgery center or hospital. It’s usually done on an outpatient basis and rarely requires an inpatient stay.
What Are My Options for Anesthesia During Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia – which numbs the area around your eyes – along with oral or intravenous sedatives. With this anesthesia combination, you’ll remain awake during the surgery, but you will be relaxed and won’t be able to feel pain. For optimal comfort, general anesthesia is also available.
What Can I Expect Immediately After Eyelid Surgery?
After your blepharoplasty surgery, your surgeon will probably lubricate your eyes with ointment and he may apply a bandage. Your eyelids might feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you can control any discomfort with pain medication. If you feel any severe pain, call your surgeon immediately.
You will be instructed to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Bruising varies on an individual basis, but it typically becomes the most severe during the first week, and it can last anywhere from two weeks to a full month. Your surgeon will show you how to care for and clean your eyes, since they might be gummy for about a week afterward. Your eyelids will likely feel dry at first and your eyes might burn, but eyedrops can be provided to alleviate any discomfort.
What Is Recovery Like After Eyelid Surgery?
Healing is a gradual process, but you should be able to read and watch television within a few days following your blepharoplasty surgery. However, you won’t be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks, and they might continue to feel uncomfortable for a while.
During the first few weeks, you can expect to experience tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary blurring or double vision. Your progress will be closely monitored by your surgeon for the first week or two. The stitches will be removed two days to a week after surgery. Any remaining swelling or discoloration begins to subside around the time your stitches are removed, and you’ll start to look and feel much better.
Most eyelid surgery patients feel ready to go out in public and back to work in a week to 10 days, but this depends on your level of bruising. By then, depending on your rate of healing and your surgeon’s instructions, you’ll probably be able to wear makeup to hide any bruising that remains.
You might be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and a special sun block made for eyelids when you go out. Your surgeon will advise you to keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days, and to avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks. It’s especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. You may also be told to avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.
Will Eyelid Surgery Give Me Scars?
Many blepharoplasty patients in Beverly Hills are understandably worried about the appearance of scars, which is why Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim aim to minimize scarring as much as possible. As you heal from blepharoplasty, your scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery. But over time, most eyelid surgery patients find that their scars are barely noticeable, allowing them to enjoy their new, rejuvenated appearance.
To learn more about eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), contact Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery today at (310) 746-5439 to schedule a consultation in Beverly Hills.