Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, is the process through which skin, fat, and muscle tissues are adjusted to rejuvenate the eyelids. There are two basic types of eyelid surgery:
• Upper-Eyelid Surgery – Upper blepharoplasty involves making an incision in the natural crease between the eyebrow and the upper lid.
• Lower-Eyelid Surgery – Lower blepharoplasty uses an incision below the lash line or on the inside of the eyelid. The latter method is called the transconjunctival approach, allowing for access to the eyelid without visible post-surgical marks. It is ideal for patients who specifically want to address eyelid puffiness.
Why Get Eyelid Surgery?
Excess skin, fat, and drooping muscle tissues in your eyelids can result in a heavy-looking eyelid, puffiness, fine wrinkles, and an aged look. Sagging eyelids can even restrict the field of vision.
Blepharoplasty can be functional or cosmetic:
• Cosmetic blepharoplasty is performed to improve one’s appearance. Aging results in the weakening of muscles and stretched and sagging skin around the eyes. Puffy bags begin to appear under the lower eyelids. Cosmetic blepharoplasty addresses these issues, giving the patient a youthful and bright look.
• Functional blepharoplasty is done to improve obstructed vision. Vision may get impaired due to the accumulation of loose skin in the upper eyelids, causing sagging.
The Procedure
Patients may need eyelid surgery for their upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. If both are being addressed, the upper eyelids are treated before the lower lids.
First, local anesthesia is administered to the eyelids, along with IV sedation. These allow the patient to be free of any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Dr. Feng makes the necessary incisions and then begins to trim away excess drooping skin and tighten the remaining skin. Excess bulging fat is either removed or repositioned in order to maintain a natural appearance without hollowness. Sagging muscles are tightened or trimmed as needed.
At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed with the help of fine medical stitches.
Eyelid-Surgery Aftercare
• Make sure that you have a ride home from a friend or family member after your eyelid surgery, since you will not be able to drive the day of the procedure.
• Rubbing your eyes should be avoided for around two weeks, since the eyelid tissues will be in a weakened state while they heal.
• Wear sunglasses and avoid direct sunlight for at least two to three weeks after the procedure. Sun protection is vital.
• Use a cold compress as directed to reduce swelling on your eyelids.
• Clean eyelids using the ointment/eye drops prescribed by Dr. Feng.
• Avoid washing your face with soap and shampooing your hair for a minimum of three days after the surgery.
• Avoid physically taxing activities like sports or heavy exercise for four weeks.
Recovery from the surgery can take from two to ten days, with the majority of healing occurring within two weeks.
Suitability
Blepharoplasty is not suitable for pregnant or lactating women. It is not recommended for people with diabetes, thyroid, heart disease, and circulatory or immune disorders. It is safe for those who have good overall physical and mental health.
Make an Appointment for a Consultation
For more information regarding blepharoplasty surgery, contact the office of Dr. Lu-Jean Feng, a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon. You will be able to arrange an appointment for your consultation with Dr. Feng.
