Blepharoplasty / Eyelid Lift
Eyelid rejuvenation consists of addressing the excess eyelid skin and fat of both the upper and lower eyelids as well as the position of the eyebrow. Dr. Michele Koo, MD, FACS believes that the eyelids are one of the first signs of aging on the face. She performs a very meticulous surgery recreating the clean crisp single eyelid fold of your upper eyelid and a resuspends the lower eyelid to lift and rejuvenate the entire midface, lessening even the nasolabial folds.
Dr. Koo will tailor and individualize the surgery to your anatomy and cosmetic goals and make you look rested and rejuvenated without looking “done”. Her trademark is subtlety and delicate attention to detail, recreating your youthful eyelid appearance without changing your eyes.
About The Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Procedure
Several factors such as aging, sun damage, smoking, stretching and obesity can cause the eyelids to droop and sag as the supporting tissues deteriorate. This area is often one of the first to deteriorate, as the skin of the eyelid is thinner than the rest of the face. Eyelids that droop or bulge can cause people to appear much older or fatigued than they actually are.
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids by tightening muscles and tissue or removing excess and skin. This procedure can be performed on men and women alike and offers a younger, more refreshed look that reflects across the whole face.
Blepharoplasty is now the most popular facial plastic surgery procedure after rhinoplasty. The popularity of this procedure reflects the importance of the eyes in perfecting overall appearance. In fact, two-thirds of adults consider the eyes to be the defining feature of the face. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyes, you may want to consider blepharoplasty to improve your look and boost your confidence through a safe procedure with minimal downtime. Dr. Koo performs customized blepharoplasty procedures to help each patient achieve the look they desire.
Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who are in good overall health, and who do not smoke or have any serious eye conditions. If you have loose, sagging skin or puffy bags around your eyes, this procedure can help reduce these unwanted effects and leave the eyes looking young and fresh.
It is important for patients to have realistic expectations before undergoing surgery in order to be satisfied with their results. While this procedure can enhance your appearance and may improve self-confidence as a result, it cannot alter your entire appearance or change the structure of your face. Dr. Koo takes the time to discuss each patient’s goals and expected results before surgery.
Eyelid Surgery Procedure
The blepharoplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation. General anesthesia may be used for anxious or nervous patients. Patients may choose to have this procedure on their upper or lower eyelids, or both. Depending on these choices, the procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
If the upper eyelid is being treated, Dr. Koo makes an incision along the natural crease of the eyelid. Once the incision is made, Dr. Koo may reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles and tissue or remove excess skin in order to leave the eye looking younger and refreshed. For the lower eyelid, an incision is made just below the lash line in order for excess skin to be removed.
After the procedure is performed, the incisions are closed with sutures and usually wrapped in gauze to allow the area to heal.
Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
After the blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. Koo often recommends applying lubricating ointment and cold compresses to help aid the healing process and minimize side effects such as swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eyes. The eyes may be wrapped in gauze after the procedure as well.
Patients can usually return to work within two days, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Swelling and other side effects usually subside within two weeks after surgery. Dr. Koo will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your eyes are surgery.
Results of Eyelid Surgery
Results of a blepharoplasty procedure are visible as swelling and bruising subside and will continue to improve for up to a year after surgery. This procedure is designed to produce long-lasting results. While surgery cannot prevent your eyes from aging, most patients are satisfied with their results and do not seek repeat procedures.
The scars from the blepharoplasty procedure are usually well concealed and will fade with time until they are virtually unnoticeable. The incision is hidden in the crease of the eyelid in an upper blepharoplasty, and just below the lashes in a lower blepharoplasty.
Risks of Eyelid Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with this procedure. Although rare, these risks include bleeding, infection, dry eyes, skin discoloration and an inability to fully close the eyes. Many of these risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Michele Koo, and by following proper care instructions after surgery. You can discuss these risks, along with any other concerns you may have with Dr. Koo to reduce anxiety and worries about your surgery.