Aging around the eyes often does more than create unwanted wrinkles—it also affects a person’s resting expression, and vision, and creates under-eye “bags.” Patients fed up with constantly looking tired may benefit from a blepharoplasty to create a more youthful expression.
This surgery can resolve drooping eyelids, remove excess skin, and take years off the face, so, is perfect for men and women who would like to improve the facial appearance of their eyes and resolve visible signs of aging.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
Also known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty, or “eye lift”, the eyelid lift procedure is a popular cosmetic surgery that corrects droopy, aging lower and upper eyelids by removing or tightening excess skin and fat.
Why Choose Eyelid Surgery in Beverly Hills?
There are several reasons one would perform a cosmetic reconstructive surgery like blepharoplasty. Foremost, it can make patients look years younger by opening the eyes and creating a more alert and awake resting expression but it can also improve vision.
An eyelid lift can significantly raise a patient’s self-esteem and help them to feel more confident in social situations. Each patient has their own reasons for choosing lid surgery, but the most common reason is to look younger and slow down the rate of future aging in the eye area.
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are healthy men and women unhappy with the aged appearance of their eyes and overall expression. Prospective blepharoplasty Los Angeles patients should have signs of aging in the eye area that may include sagging skin (double eyelid), eye bags, and changes in resting facial expression.
However, most doctors agree that blepharoplasty is not recommended to patients with health conditions, such as:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- glaucoma
- dry eyes
- hypothyroidism
Although most patients who opt for this procedure are at least 35 years of age, younger patients may also find value in the surgery. Patients should have realistic expectations for their results before moving forward with blepharoplasty.
The Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is (under a typical surgical plan) performed under IV sedation and typically takes around two hours to complete, depending on the patient’s goals. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully removes excess folds of eyelid skin and fat from a patient’s lower and upper eyelids. He places incisions carefully so any scars get hidden within the natural folds of the eyelids. Some patients only need the upper or lower lids addressed while others benefit from having both areas treated in one procedure.
To get rid of upper eye droopiness, the surgeon will make an incision in the natural eyelid crease of the upper lid. Then, he’ll remove excess eyelid skin, tighten the tissues and muscles, and reposition the fat. To resolve lower lid issues, your doctor will make an incision under the lower lash line to reposition fat and to remove or tighten loose skin. Once the adjustments have been made according to the patient’s goals, he closes the incisions with sutures.
Recovering from Eyelid Surgery
Immediately after surgery, patients will go home with tape over their incisions. In a typical recovery treatment plan, the doctor will remove this tape at their initial follow-up appointment. Then, the sutures are removed at their second follow-up appointment, which will take place five to seven days after the procedure.
Patients will need to refrain from vigorous activities and focus on resting for the first few days after surgery. After about eight to 10 days, their swelling and bruising should have subsided enough for them to feel comfortable returning to work and social activities.
What Are the Possible Side Effects or Risks of Blepharoplasty Surgery?
As with all surgical procedures, an eyelid lift involves some side effects and risks including:
| Side effects | Side effects |
|---|---|
| Swelling | Bruising |
| Scarring | Soreness |
| Dry Eyes | Blurred Vision |
| Difficulty Closing Eyes | Eye Numbness |
When a highly skilled board-certified plastic surgeon performs eyelid surgery, these side effects or risks are far less likely to occur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery in Los Angeles
After lower or upper eyelid surgery, patients may experience minor discomfort. However, it can be controlled with prescription pain medication and ice packs. Rarely do patients experience noticeable pain after blepharoplasty.
Most patients look normal and feel comfortable going out in public about two to three weeks after surgery. At the three-month mark, most patients will see almost all of their final results. After six months, they usually look their very best and enjoy a youthful appearance.
For the upper lids, blepharoplasty results may last around seven years. This is because the natural process of aging may cause skin and fat to continue to accumulate. Some patients may undergo another eyelid surgery for their upper lids. The good news is that the lower lids rarely require a second procedure.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is for patients who wish to get rid of droopy eyelids for aesthetic purposes. The procedure may be a medical necessity, however, if a person’s upper eyelids cause vision challenges.
Eyelid surgery can help patients appear more relaxed and refreshed. However, the procedure cannot get rid of crow’s feet, dark circles, or other wrinkles that often appear in the eye area. Patients concerned about these issues should seek for alternative procedures.
After lower or upper eyelid surgery, patients are encouraged to wait at least two to three weeks before applying eye makeup such as eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Once any crusting or scabbing has gone away, they will be permitted to apply makeup.
Yes. Some patients pair blepharoplasty with brow lifting, a facelift, or another facial surgical procedure. You can discuss these options in your initial consultation.
During Asian eyelid surgery, we create a crease above the lashes to preserve a patient’s ethnic characteristics.
Take the Next Step: Contact a Qualified Provider Today
If you’re ready to take the next step and explore your blepharoplasty options, don’t wait any longer. Contact a qualified provider to learn more and schedule a consultation. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back – take the first step today and see what blepharoplasty can do for you.
