Surgery on the facial features known as “the windows to the soul” should not be taken lightly, but it can make an enormous difference. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, targets signs of aging around the eyes for a refreshed, more youthful appearance. Many people assume that if they have puffy eyes or dark circles, they just need a good night’s rest—but this isn’t always the case. Aging, hormonal changes, and genetics can all play a role in a tired, worn-down appearance to the eyes.
Dr. Harrison Lee is triple-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery), demonstrating mastery over facial cosmetic procedures.
If you are experiencing sagging, puffy eyelids, or drooping skin around your eyes, Dr. Lee can perform this precise and nuanced procedure for revitalized, rejuvenated results.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
As you age, the muscles supporting your eyelids weaken. This can cause fat to collect above and below your eyelids, contributing to perpetual puffiness. Additionally, weakened muscles and a loss of skin elasticity can cause sagging skin that obstructs vision and contributes to an aging appearance.
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that eliminates common issues around the eyelid that cause the patient to look tired, uninterested, or angry. This delicate process can treat drooping eyelids and restore the appearance of lower eye puffiness or eye bags.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper, lower, or both eyelids. It often involves removing excess skin, fat, or muscle around the eyes for a more rested appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Blepharoplasty?
The eyes are your most expressive feature, and when drooping, sagging, puffy skin gets in the way, it can make you look older, angry, or more tired than you are. Blepharoplasty is a transformative procedure that offers stunning results, including:
- Smooth under eyes for a more rested appearance
- Eliminated upper eyelid sagging, which opens the eyes
- Reduced fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
- Increased visibility through tightening the skin
- A more alert, revitalized appearance
- Improved dark circles and deep tear troughs
What Are My Blepharoplasty Options?
During your confidential consultation with Dr. Lee, you can discuss your goals, concerns, and questions about the procedure. After examining the muscle strength, skin laxity, and amount of excess fat, Dr. Lee will discuss your options for your procedure: if you desire blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids, lower, or both.
Patients who desire enhancement of both eyelids can enjoy a brighter, more open appearance to the eyes, with eliminated sagging, puffy skin. Additionally, blepharoplasty is a fantastic addition to a complete face rejuvenation, as Dr. Lee can combine this procedure with another facial surgery such as:
- A brow lift to correct deep forehead creases and a sagging brow
- Facelift surgery to rejuvenate facial contours and remove excess, loose skin around the mid-face
- Fat grafting to restore lost volume throughout the face, including the lips, cheeks, and chin, for more balanced and youthful proportions
Dr. Lee combines his extensive experience with a precise, artistic eye to enhance the planes and contours of the face for an elegant, natural-looking result.
Am I a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
If you struggle with puffy, drooping, aged eyes, eyelid surgery can help. Many patients realize their face is exhibiting signs of aging, yet most are unaware of the eyes’ impact on the entire face. Blepharoplasty provides a remarkable improvement in your overall countenance. With brighter, more alert eyes, you look more refreshed, energetic, and youthful.
Candidates for blepharoplasty have excess skin around their eyes, loss of visibility due to sagging skin around their eyelids, or fat deposits under their eyes, resulting in a puffy, tired appearance. Additionally, eyelid surgery patients should be generally in good health, are nonsmokers or are willing to quit, and have reasonable expectations for results.
Dr. Lee believes cosmetic surgery should only be performed if the patient is well informed of the procedure’s benefits, risks, and results. He also only performs surgery if the patient is interested in their own personal benefit–not at the urging of someone else. If you are interested in blepharoplasty with world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Harrison Lee, call us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?
Dr. Lee will create a specialized surgical plan that best addresses your needs and concerns. The procedure will depend on whether you have treated the upper, lower, or both eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia for maximum patient comfort.
If you are having surgery on both eyelids, Dr. Lee will usually start with the upper eyelid. He will make an incision along the natural fold of your upper eyelid in order to remove excess muscle and fat beneath the skin.
For the lower eyelid, Dr. Lee will make an incision just below the lashes in your eye’s natural crease or inside the lower eyelid. Excess fat, muscle, and sagging skin are then removed to reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes.
How Long Is Blepharoplasty Recovery?
Recovery from blepharoplasty will differ from patient to patient. It also depends on the extent of revision and if you have the procedure on one or both eyelids.
Swelling and bruising will vary between patients, but discoloration and discomfort should subside within the first week of recovery. For the first week, you must avoid activities that dry the eyes, including using the computer or watching television. Be sure to rest your eyes as much as possible for the first few weeks; patients may benefit from wearing sunglasses to avoid light sensitivity and dryness from wind exposure.
Dr. Lee will provide detailed aftercare and recovery instructions for your surgery. You must follow his instructions for a speedy recovery and to ask any questions as they arise.
When Will I See My Blepharoplasty Results?
Immediately following your blepharoplasty procedure, your eyes may be swollen and slightly bruised. Once this begins to subside, you will see a marked improvement to the eyes: they will be smooth, with no sagging or drooping eyelids, the puffiness will be significantly reduced, and the eyes will be noticeably brighter, more open, and alert.
Blepharoplasty Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have scars after blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a highly nuanced and precise procedure during which Dr. Lee will employ meticulous incision placement and delicate techniques to avoid unnecessary scarring. The natural folds of the eyelids will conceal any scars.
How long does the blepharoplasty procedure take?
Depending on the specific surgical plan and if you have blepharoplasty of the upper, lower, or both eyelids, your procedure may last anywhere from one to three hours.
What are the risks of blepharoplasty?
Any surgical procedure carries some risks, including bleeding, scarring, and difficulty healing.
Dr. Lee makes every effort to ensure a safe and successful procedure by explaining all of the inherent risks and precautions during your consultation.
What is the difference between blepharoplasty and Asian eyelid surgery (Asian blepharoplasty)?
Asian blepharoplasty, or Asian double-fold eyelid surgery, provides some of the same benefits as eyelid surgery, but this procedure is more specifically tailored to the ethnic anatomical differences of Asian patients. During this procedure, Dr. Lee can accentuate the natural eyelid crease to create a more defined eyelid for Asian patients who desire to open the lid for a brighter, more alert appearance. Dr. Lee works to maintain the natural ethnic diversity of his patients while giving them the desired results.
If you would like to schedule a consultation please feel free to contact us.
