Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty, or “eye lift,” is a very common facial procedure that can have dramatic effects on the eyes and upper face. Many patients only require upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) to obtain their desired natural result.

Other patient will combine both upper eyelid and lower eyelid surgery to achieve complete eye rejuvenation. To find out what option is best for you, please contact our practice to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.

Why People Choose Blepharoplasty

Aging changes occur in every patient around the eyes. Common concerns leading to eyelid surgery include a tired or heavy appearance around the eyes. Often this involves the sides of the eyes but can also involve the whole eyelid.

Patients have often identified extra skin in the upper lid. In addition, patients often complain of a heavy feeling, puffiness, or fullness around the eye

Usually, there are associated changes in the lower eyelids as well. Patient may complain of dark circles or bags under the eyes. This is often highlighted by a “groove” between the eyelid and the cheek, referred to as a tear trough or nasal-jugal groove. Other patients are unhappy with puffiness in the lower eyelids or excess skin and wrinkles. Lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) can address these concerns and provide a balanced rejuvenation of the eyes in combination with upper eyelid surgery.

About Blepharoplasty Surgery

During an upper blepharoplasty (upper eye lift), excess skin is removed to create a crisp eyelid crease and a more open eye. If extra fat is present, this is removed at the same time. Any puffiness along the side of the eye or near the brow will also be addressed.

There are several approaches to lower blepharoplasty (lower eye lift) and the technique depends on the patient. There is no one “special” technique that can adequately address everyone – rather, each patient needs a custom tailored approach to the lower eyelid.

In many cases, an incision on the inside of the lid is adequate to address the aging changes of the lower lid. However, in select cases, a very fine incision on the eyelid itself is required to achieve a complete rejuvenation of the lower eyelid. It is important to customize the surgery to the patient to achieve a natural and optimal result.

Before & After

The Consult

A blepharoplasty consultation will take approximately 1 hour. Because eyelid surgery is one component of facial rejuvenation, Dr. Liu will perform a complete facial analysis as part of the decision making process and specifically evaluate both the upper and lower eyelids. It is necessary to evaluate both upper and lower eyelids because the two structures work together to protect the eye, and consequently, often age together as well. Other important considerations include assessment of the brow position, mid face changes, and other signs of peri-orbital (around the eye) aging.

In some cases, a more comprehensive result can be attained with the addition of a brow lift or facelift. The goal of the consultation is for you to obtain all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding eyelid surgery.

As part of the consultation, we will help you with the decision making process and answer all of your questions. We pride ourselves on building a “partnership” with you, the patient, during the consultation.

Pre-Operative

Approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery, you will have a pre-operative appointment. At this time, you will sign the surgical consent, have photos taken, and receive an information packet. The pre-operative packet includes detailed instructions for before and after surgery.

It is important to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinning medications for at least two weeks before surgery. If you are having your operation with local anesthesia and sedation, do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening prior to surgery. If you are only having local anesthesia, you may eat a light breakfast.

About the Operation

Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to perform. This operation can be safely performed in the office under local anesthesia. At the patient’s option, sedation can be administered by an anesthesiologist at an accredited surgery center. Combined upper and lower blepharoplasty takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity. Straightforward upper and lower eyelid surgery can be performed under local anesthesia in the office. If the lower eyelid surgery becomes more complex, we recommend sedation by an anesthesiologist at an accredited surgery center. Following surgery, you will need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for 24 to 48 hours.

Recovery

Patients go home on the same day as surgery but should have a responsible adult stay with them for 24 hours. The recovery period is relatively rapid with most patients feeling very well by 2-3 days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 1 week. Dr. Liu will follow you closely during the recovery period and will let you know when you can resume full activities. Swelling and bruising from upper eyelid surgery usually lasts around 5 days. Swelling and bruising from combined upper and lower eyelid surgery usually lasts around 7 days.

Contact SVIA Plastic Surgery

Whatever the reason, blepharoplasty (eye lift, upper and lower eyelid surgery) can enhance the appearance of the eyes and upper face and provide significant personal benefits for the right candidate. To find out if blepharoplasty (eyelid lift, upper and lower eyelid surgery) is right for you, please make an appointment with Dr. Jerome Liu or Dr. Tom Liu.