Upper Blepharoplasty

The eyes are often the first area of the face to show signs of aging. Because our eyes age at different rates, we don’t all face the same problems at the same time. Factors like genetics, structure, sun exposure and the quality of skin all play a role in age related changes to the eyes. To address concerns like under-eye puffiness and bags, loose skin on the upper eyelids, dark circles and hooding, blepharoplasty (either upper, lower or a combination of both), often referred to as an eyelift , is the best solution.

RESTORE CLEANLINESS OF THE UPPER EYELID
PROCEDURE TIME: 40’ to 1.30 hour
RECOVERY TIME: 5 to 10 days, avoid strenuous activity for three weeks
HOW LONG IT LASTS: Eight years or longer
TOP REASONS TO CONSIDER AN EYELIFT
IF YOU HAVE SAGGY EYEBROWS…. A browlift can surgically correct sagging skin, hooding of the upper eyelids and even lines on the forehead.
IF YOU HAVE DROOPY UPPER EYELIDS…. Upper blepharoplasty addresses extra skin, loose muscle and displaced fat that can cause the upper lids to sag, which can possibly interfere with your vision.

Blepharoplasty is an individualized procedure that takes into consideration your specific concerns and needs. I like to devise a comprehensive plan with each patient that addresses the eye as a whole to establish a fully rejuvenated, natural look.

THE RESULTS ACHIEVED TODAY ARE MORE NATURAL LOOKING THAT EVER BEFORE

In the past, plastic surgeons removed too much fat from the eyes, causing a very hollowed and unnatural look. I use techniques that create a very natural look.

RECOVERY IS FAIRLY EASY

The combination of local anesthesia or general sedation plus small incisions allows for a fast recovery.

SCARS ARE NEARLY INVISIBLE

Your incisions will be made in the natural crease of your upper eyelid or in the lower lash line, and will blend in with skin once you are healed.

YOU MAY NEED ADDITIONAL SURGERY IN THE FUTURE

Even though blepharoplasty results are long-lasting, the eyes will continue to age so you may need to have the procedure done again later on in life.

YOU MAY NOT BE HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS RIGHT AWAY

Don’t concerned if you don’t love your results immediately. You may experience bruising and swelling at first-give it a few weeks time to see a more dramatic change.

Often referred to as an eyelift , an upper blepharoplasty corrects the drooping and puffiness of the upper eyelid that can make you look old, tired or sad, as well as interfere with your vision. The procedure will also address the wrinkles and creases that can begin to appear on the eyelids, leaving you looking more rested and alert. During surgery, marks are made within the natural crease of the eye. Local anesthesia will be used to make a small incision across the crease and excess skin which was carefully measured, is removed. I aim to preserve brow fullness as much as possible and only remove the excess skin, which helps yield a softer, more youthful look. The incisions are strategically places and practically undetectable once you’ve healed.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your sutures can be removed in as little as four days, and the majority of swelling and bruising will subside in seven to 14 days. It’s important to keep your eyes protected with sunglasses. Following an upper blepharoplasty, the eyes will look more open and alert, giving a dramatic difference to the overall look of the face. The results will be within one to two weeks.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A BROWLIFT?

Naturally, the arch of the eyebrows should be raised at the center of the brow line and the tail should taper off slightly downward. As aging takes hold, the position of the brows can descend. It’s not uncommon for extremely droopy brows to affect the upper eyelids since they push the skin on the upper-lid downward, which makes the lids look redundant and heavy. The more the brow falls down, the more it accentuates the look of slack skin on the lid. When this is the case, surgery that addresses both the brows and the upper eyelids results in more open-looking eyes and brows that are in a more youthful position.

WHY YOUR BROWS MAY LOOK FLAT?

Key fat pads live in the eyebrows. A loss of fullness in the brows coupled with lines and wrinkles between the brows and on the forehead can create the look of a saggy brow and hooding on the upper lids. Fillers and fat performed in the tandem with an eyelift and browlift are the most common ways to rectify the problem.

FAQ's

HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN RETURN TO MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?

Most patients can return to normal activities within 5 to 7 days after the procedure. There is a two-week restriction on any excercing, heavy lifting or bending over to minimize chances of swelling or bruising.

SHOULD I AVOID WEARING EYE MAKEUP FOLLOWING MY EYELIFT?

Yes, avoid application of any creams or makeup around the eyelid incisions for the first 3 to 5 days. Avoid manipulating the area while it’s in the initial stages of healing. If there are sutures, they will be removed after a week and we will discuss further care of the eyes at that one week appointment. Any bruising that may occur in the cheeks or around the eyes can be safety covered with makeup. Wearing large sunglasses is a great way to camouflage the healing.

WILL THE SHAPE OF MY EYES LOOK DIFFERENT AFTER SURGERY?

No, the shape of your eyes will not change, nor will the position of your eyes. What will change is that your eyes will appear more fresh, rejuvenated and awake. This occurs from restoring your previous youthful contours by removing excess skin and protruding fat pockets. Changing the eye position can lead an “operated” look, so this is something to be avoided.

POST EYE LID SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

After getting home, continue resting comfortably for the next 24 hours with your head elevated. Have someone assist you in getting up out, going to the restroom, etc. for the first day or two.
Sleep on your back with 3 to 4 pillows behind your head and back for the next 3-4 nights following your surgery. This will help minimize the amount of facial edema (swelling) and ecchymosis (bruising) around your eyes after surgery. The amount depends on the extent of the surgery as well as the individual’s tendency of bruising.
To help minimize swelling and discomfort, you may apply ice cold compresses to the eyes every 2-4 hours during the first 24 hours after surgery. For compresses grab a small clean bowl filled with ice and water, soak large gauze sponges in cold water then squeeze out excess water then place over eyes. Keep sponges on until they lose their coldness over the eyes. Repeat this over and over again.
If you experience pain, please take your prescribed pain medication as directed. This medication should be taken with food to prevent nausea. Tylenol (Acetaminophen) may be taken in the place of your prescription.
If you were discharged with an oral antibiotic, take it through its full cycle as directed.
If you were on the Vita Medica supplement plan you may resume after getting home. No other medication should be taken for the first 10 days after surgery. Avoid alcohol while taking any medications.
Call your doctors office immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: Temperature above 101.8°F, shakes and chills, severe unrelieved pain, or bright red blood from the incision site or sudden onset of significant swelling of one or both eyes.
If you are given OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT AND/OR EYE DROPS apply as directed by your doctor. If the ophthalmic ointment gets in your eyes do not be alarmed if your vision becomes blurred, this is a normal occurrence. Continue this care until your post-operative visit with your doctor.
Drink plenty of fluids. It is easy to become dehydrated after surgery. Dehydration may cause nausea and dizziness.
Sutures may be present along the incision site. If so they will be removed within 3 to 5 days in the doctor’s office. After the first 24 hours, you may wash your face gently with a mild soap and gently pat dry with a soft clean towel.
Do not strain your eyes by excessive reading or television watching for long periods of time for the first 3-5 days after surgery.
Do not engage in any strenuous activities for the next 4-6 weeks after surgery. Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects for the first 5-7 days. Exertion that elevates blood pressure can cause bleeding. You may resume light exercise and or your normal activities after your first post operative visit with your doctor.
It is recommended that you wear a dark pair of sunglasses when being in the outdoors for the first 3 weeks following your surgery, as you may be sensitive to bright light.
If you wear contact lenses, you should wait approximately 5 days after surgery before inserting them. This amount of time will allow the eyes to regain its normal functioning ability to lubricate themselves.
Do not use any make-up on the incision site or other areas until you are 2-3 weeks out of surgery or otherwise instructed by your doctor.
It is greatly suggested to use sunblock with a minimum of SPF 15 for the next 3 months to help protect your incision sites from burning. All fresh new scars are hypersensitive to sunlight, causing a tendency to burn.
Please avoid all forms of nicotine two weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and may increase risks of unnecessary post-operative complications. In general, be aware that smoking or the use of unauthorized medications can lead to complications and jeopardize the results of your surgery.