If, indeed, the eyes are the windows to your soul, then you want them to accurately express all of the youth, vitality and vigor embodied by your spirit. Baggy or droopy eyelids can give others the false impression that you are constantly exhausted or even older than you truly are. When you gaze at yourself in the mirror, you want to feel confident that your appearance truly reflects how you feel inside. At the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Turkeltaub offers blepharoplasty procedures (eyelid surgery) to those who want to look better as well as see better.
- What Is Blepharoplasty?
- Blepharoplasty Benefits
- Blepharoplasty Candidates
- Blepharoplasty Procedure
- Blepharoplasty Recovery
- Blepharoplasty FAQs
What is a Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids. It addresses concerns such as sagging skin, puffiness and droopy eyelids that can create a tired or aged look. In some cases, it can also improve vision obstructed by excess upper eyelid skin. The surgery typically involves removal of excess skin, tissue repositioning and often removal of prominent fat in order to create a smoother, more youthful appearance while maintaining natural contours.
What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
A blepharoplasty can offer qualified candidates a number of aesthetic and even functional benefits, including but not limited to:
- Reduction in droopy or sagging eyelids for a more youthful appearance
- Improved vision obstructed by excess upper eyelid skin
- Smoother, more refreshed look around the eyes
- Reduced puffiness caused by fat deposits
- Enhanced symmetry and contours of the eyelids
- Boosted self-confidence by rejuvenating overall facial appearance
Who Is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Candidates for blepharoplasty are typically individuals experiencing sagging or droopy eyelids, excess skin that impairs vision, puffiness caused by fat deposits or a tired appearance around the eyes. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, non-smokers and have realistic expectations about the procedure. Both men and women may benefit from eyelid surgery to restore a youthful, refreshed look.
A consultation with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr, Turkeltaub can help determine if a blepharoplasty is suitable, based on individual concerns, anatomy and goals. This procedure is often customized to address upper or lower eyelids or both depending on the patient’s unique needs. It is often combined with a brow or forehead lift.
What Is Involved in the Blepharoplasty Procedure?
Eyelid surgery typically involves the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat deposits from the upper and lower eyelids with some structural tightening and repositioning. The incisions employed are usually hidden to minimize the conspicuousness of post-surgical scarring. Upper eyelid incisions are made in the natural skin crease while lower lid incisions are placed right below the eyelashes. In certain situations, the incisions can be placed on the inside of the eyelid and will therefore be imperceptible. During the procedure, extra skin, fat and muscle are trimmed away to create a more vibrant and alert appearance. Once complete, the incisions are closed with very fine sutures to reduce the amount of scarring.
Often, patients decide to combine eyelid surgery with a forehead lift and a facelift as part of a more comprehensive aesthetic transformation. Learn more about the eyelid surgery procedure by accessing our facial treatment FAQs page.
Recovery from a Blepharoplasty
Post-operative discomfort is fairly mild and well-tolerated, and bruising may be present for up to a week more following the procedure. Makeup can usually be applied one week after a blepharoplasty. It can take several months for more long term results to be seen. The incisions fade rapidly and the scars are usually imperceptible.
*Individual Results May Vary
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
Q: Where are the blepharoplasty incisions placed?
A: The incisions for upper lid surgery are placed in a crease about 1/4 ” above the eyelashes. In the lower lid, the incision is placed just below the lashes and extends past the corner of the eye.
Q: Are eyelid surgery scars very noticeable?
A: Usually the scars are imperceptible even for those who have a history of thick scars.
Q: Am I a candidate for an incision inside my lower eyelid?
A: This type of incision (transconjunctival approach) is used when there are fat bags present with little or no excess of eyelid skin.
Q: Will I experience a great deal of pain in my eyelids after surgery?
A: The discomfort is mild in nature and usually requires minimal pain medication.
Q: How soon after surgery will I be able to go out in public?
A: Most people are presentable by one to two weeks after blepharoplasty.
Schedule an Appointment for Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is an excellent option for those who want to rejuvenate their appearance. To learn more about the procedure or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Turkeltaub, please contact our plastic surgery practice today.
