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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

The eyes are often the first facial feature we are drawn towards. Unfortunately, they are also one of the earliest areas to show signs of aging, often imparting a tired or unrested appearance. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure offered by our facial plastic surgeon that is designed to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the eyes and upper third of the face. The position of the brow can contribute to upper eyelid aging and, often, a brow lift can be beneficial at the time of eyelid surgery. Skillfully rejuvenating and framing the eyes typically come down to a matter of millimeters; therefore, meticulous technique is absolutely critical. When performed correctly, crafting and sculpting the upper third of the face can restore the brighter and refreshed appearance of your youth.

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The Technique

Blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient surgery and can utilize local anesthesia, sedation, or a general anesthetic. Each patient will be examined individually to determine which approach is the most appropriate. Contrary to what many believe, upper and lower blepharoplasty are actually two separate procedures. As a result, blepharoplasty can be performed exclusively on the upper eyelids or lower eyelids for patients whose concerns are limited to one lid or the other.

Sometimes patients can have bags of periorbital fat protruding outward, giving the appearance of puffiness around the eyes. This can be hereditary or simply occur with time. Blepharoplasty may be performed on the upper eyelid to address skin redundancy or fat protrusion. In upper eyelid surgery, a small incision is hidden in a natural eyelid crease. Lower eyelid surgery can be performed from an incision on the inside of the eyelid, or through a skin incision on the lower lash line depending on the degree of fat protrusion, skin redundancy, and laxity. After awakening from anesthesia, you will have ointment in the eyes. Patients can go home soon after awakening from surgery.

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The Recovery

The morning after the surgery, our board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Scott Shadfar, MD, will see the patient in-clinic to check all of the incisions and go over wound care measures. The most important aspect of eyelid surgery is following the detailed moisturization protocol. You will continue to use lubricating drops and gel throughout the healing period. If sutures are used on the outside of the eyelids, they are removed on day seven following the surgery— otherwise, all the sutures on the internal eyelid will dissolve on their own. During the first week following your surgery, you can expect some swelling, blurry vision, and bruising around the eyes. This is usually resolved by the end of the first week. Makeup may be worn after day 10 to cover any residual bruising. Swelling and blurry vision continue to improve over the first month. Patients usually have minimal downtime of one to two weeks before returning to work, and we ask those patients traveling from out-of-town to stay in the region for routine checks during this time period. Contact lenses can also be worn after the two week mark.

Blepharoplasty Results

The rejuvenative effects of eyelid surgery often last 10 to 15 years and most patients do not feel the need to pursue further treatment in the future. While blepharoplasty will never stop the natural aging process, patients who received eyelid surgery to refresh their eye contours will generally always look more youthful than individuals of the same age who did not undergo blepharoplasty. To maximize the outcome of your procedure, Dr. Shadfar suggests taking protective measures to shield the eyes from damaging UV rays, such as applying sunscreen daily and wearing sunglasses whenever outdoors. Use of medical-grade skincare products can also help slow down aging around the eyes and improve concerns like wrinkles and fine lines.

Non-Surgical Eyelid Rejuvenation

Some patients desire rejuvenation in the upper face, but cannot—or simply do not wish to—undergo a surgical procedure. For men and women looking for less invasive treatment options, there are other non-surgical solutions that can be used to provide a more youthful facial appearance. Advanced injectable formulations, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, can achieve a refreshed aesthetic by smoothing crow’s feet around the corners of the eyes, brow creases, and other expression lines in the upper third of the face. Additionally, injectables and dermal fillers can be utilized to fill in hollow tear troughs under the lower eyelid for those who would benefit from redefined facial contours. While these treatments do not mirror the same quality of results nor longevity of the outcome as blepharoplasty, both can be effective methods of facial rejuvenation that do not require the need for extensive downtime. Dr. Shadfar can walk you through all of your treatment options after discussing your cosmetic goals during a consultation.

Eyelid Surgery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

“Dr. Shadfar is a gifted surgeon and artist. I am really happy with his care. Wonderful staff. Do what he tells you to do and you will be pleased with the results.”
- Naveda E.

To learn more about eyelid surgery, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice today.

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