Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty)
The eyes are the windows of the soul and you want yours to project your individuality. If the upper and/or lower eyelids give you a tired, depressed or angry look – regardless of how you feel, you may want to consider a blepharoplasty, a facial plastic procedure that will give you a whole new outlook.
The skin around the eyes is one of the first areas of the face to show signs of aging. It’s not unusual to see hooded upper eyelids or saggy, puffy lower lids appearing when you are in your 30′s. Heredity plays a big part. Droopy, down-turned eyes, overhanging upper lids, puffy, baggy lower lids often run in families.
Droopy upper eyelid skin can make you look older and can sometimes impair your vision. An eyelid lift or blepharoplasty can correct these issues and remove the puffiness and bags under the eyes that make you look worn and tired. The results of blepharoplasty will be a refreshed appearance, with a younger, firmer eye area.
Although an eyelid lift is often done as a single procedure, facial plastic surgeon Eugenie Brunner, MD, located in Princeton, NJ, may also recommend a brow lift (forehead lift), facelift, Fraxel skin resurfacing or even BOTOX Cosmetic to help you achieve the best results.
Dr. Brunner can help you decide if you are a good candidate for an eyelid lift. An examination by your eye doctor is usually required prior to your procedure.
How is a Blepharoplasty Performed?
The eyelid lift procedure can be performed on the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both. Excess skin is removed through an incision that is camouflaged by the natural creases around the eye. Protruding fatty tissue that causes “bags under the eyes” is removed through an invisible incision behind the lower eyelid.
The eyelids heal very well and very quickly, so the incisions are almost imperceptible. The procedure is relatively short and can be performed under local or general anesthesia. You can go home within hours of your procedure, unless you are having other facial procedures at the same time. To learn more about blepharoplasty, visit medlineplus.gov.
What is Recovery Like After Eyelid Surgery?
There is usually little or no discomfort after an eyelid lift. You can expect some bruising and swelling. Wearing dark “Jackie-O” sunglasses for a few days will camouflage the bruising and protect them from the sun and irritants in the air. You may experience mild and temporary eye irritation or dry eye symptoms in the several weeks after your procedure.
Dr. Brunner will recommend eye drops and ointments to promote healing and help with temporary irritation. You should be able to return to your normal routine within a couple of weeks. The results will be a refreshed appearance with a younger, firmer eye area. Additional bruising prevention and treatment tip can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Eyelid Lift Surgery
Dr. Brunner has found that well-informed patients are often more satisfied with their results. To help you better understand your options regarding eyelid surgery, she has provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this procedure. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please reach out to our skilled medical team today. To learn more about eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty, visit medlineplus.gov.
Who can benefit from eyelid surgery?
This procedure can be customized to treat a wide range of cosmetic concerns as well as some functional issues. If you have excess skin on your upper or lower eyelids, loose eyelid skin that obstructs your vision, a puffy appearance to the upper or lower eyelids, under-eye bags and dark circles, wrinkled or crepe paper-like eyelid skin, or a combination of these effects, blepharoplasty may be right for you. Dr. Brunner prioritizes the health and safety of each individual she treats, and she will provide guidance and advice regarding the best approach based on your needs and goals.
Is it possible to get just upper or just lower blepharoplasty?
Of course! Your unique cosmetic goals and anatomic characteristics will determine whether upper or lower blepharoplasty can optimize your outcome. Many patients benefit from combining the techniques; however, if your concerns are relegated to one area, a single technique can be used to rejuvenate your eye area and potentially improve your field of vision.
Will the scars be visible?
Dr. Brunner takes great care to minimize the visibility of the incisions, and in many cases the scars are either hidden or virtually unnoticeable. For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is made in the natural crease of the eyelid fold. For lower blepharoplasty, the incision can often be made below the lower lashes or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival incision).
Will medical insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that insurance typically doesn’t cover.
When can I return to work and my normal routine?
Most patients can return to work and other daily activities after about two weeks. Some bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the treated area is to be expected, and these symptoms should subside with time. We recommend wearing large sunglasses to camouflage signs of surgery while you’re healing should you decide to go out. You should also avoid strenuous exercise for at least a month. Dr. Brunner will recommend some eye drops to use, as you may experience dry eye for a short period during recovery.
How long will the results last?
Blepharoplasty is technically a “permanent” procedure; however, the normal process of aging will continue. Eyelid surgery can restore your eye area and achieve a more youthful-looking appearance for many years, longer with excellent health and skin care. Some individuals can enjoy the results for 10 or even 15 years. Additionally, occasional non-surgical treatments can help to extend the benefits. Dr. Brunner can provide more information during your initial consultation.
Are there any non-surgical alternatives to eyelid surgery?
At our state-of-the-art practice, we offer a comprehensive range of facial aesthetic enhancements, including the latest non-surgical options such as dermal fillers, BOTOX Cosmetic, laser skin resurfacing, and professional skin care products. We will tailor your treatment plan to best suit your goals and anatomic needs, including a preference for minimally invasive techniques.
Blepharoplasty Patient Testimonials
Schedule an Eyelid Lift Consultation in Princeton, NJ
Dr. Brunner and her staff will be happy to discuss a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery with you. When you come in for your consultation in Princeton, NJ, Dr. Brunner will formulate the best facelift treatment plan to suit your specific needs. Please contact us online or call our office (609) 921-9497 to schedule your private consultation.
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