Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery, which is commonly referred to as “blepharoplasty,” is intended to smooth bags, puffiness, and excess skin around the eyes to produce a more youthful look. Signs of aging can be reduced to create a more rested and energetic appearance, while “hooding” of the upper eyelids—in which lax skin above the eyes sags into your line of vision—can be corrected. Eyelid surgery has grown in popularity as women and men realize how small improvements in the eyes can create a powerful result and achieve a more youthful appearance. Depending on your desired look, eyelid surgery may involve removing excess skin, tightening skin laxity, repositioning pockets of fat, or some combination of all these techniques. With this procedure, plastic surgeon Dr. Kate Kottwitz can improve telltale signs of exhaustion and age in the eyes and provide naturally beautiful results.

What are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty can enhance the contour of the eyelids without producing an “overdone” look, achieving beautiful rejuvenation of the area around the eyes. Blepharoplasty is often used to:

• Remove excess skin around the upper and/or lower eyelids
• Tighten skin and resolve skin laxity
• Smooth wrinkling around the eyes
• Remove or reposition fat and/or muscle to create a smoother contour above or below the eyes
• Improve the appearance of dark circles or puffiness
• Restore the scope of vision

Dr. Kottwitz takes great care to place incisions discreetly within the lower lash line or along the natural crease of the eyelid to achieve results that look elegant and natural.

Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery typically exhibit:

• Excess skin around the upper and/or lower eyelids
• Upper eyelid hooding
• Fatty deposits in the upper eyelids
• Under-eye bags, or fat deposits affecting the lower eyelid regions
• Dark circles below the eyes
• Lines or wrinkles on the eyelids

These characteristics often make a person seem older than they actually are, or constantly tired and stressed. If you wish to revitalize your appearance, eyelid surgery can serve as a solution to rejuvenate and refresh the eyes. A consultation with Dr. Kottwitz can help you learn whether eyelid surgery is an ideal treatment for your aesthetic goals.

The Consultation Process

During your consultation, Dr. Kottwitz will perform a physical examination of your eyelids and facial structure to determine if you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery. Dr. Kottwitz will also review your medical history and discuss any pre-existing ophthalmologic conditions you may have (including glaucoma or dry eye). If you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery, Dr. Kottwitz will thoroughly discuss your expectations and then design a customized treatment plan around your unique needs.

How is the Eyelid Surgery Procedure Performed?

Eyelid surgery can either be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both, depending on your particular needs. During the consultation process, Dr. Kottwitz will recommend a treatment plan that can best address your concerns. Eyelid surgery typically takes one to two hours to complete; however, this will depend on the individual treatment plan. In some cases, Dr. Kottwitz may recommend combining eyelid surgery with an additional procedure to achieve the patient’s overall goals. For example, a brow lift (forehead lift) can be performed to minimize signs of forehead wrinkles and raise sagging eyebrows.

Non-surgical procedures like our facial filler treatments can also be excellent complements to eyelid surgery.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is designed to eliminate excess skin over the eyes and correct the “hooding” effect that can result from sagging tissue. In addition, fine lines and wrinkles can be smoothed for a more youthful appearance. During surgery, an incision is typically made along the crease of the upper eyelid to conceal any scarring. Excess skin is excised and any pockets of fat are reshaped or removed.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

On the lower eyelids, this surgery is designed to tighten sagging skin, reduce excess fat bulging beneath the eyelids, and diminish the appearance of dark circles. During surgery, an incision is usually made below the rim of the lower eyelashes, which can conceal the incision line after the healing process is complete. Excess skin is excised, pockets of fat are reshaped or redistributed to fill hollow tear troughs, and the skin of the lower lids is tightened to resolve laxity.

What is Recovery From Eyelid Surgery Like?

During the recovery period, most patients are up and around within two days and ready to return to work after 7 to 10 days. Those who have laborious or physically demanding jobs may need to wait longer before it’s safe to return to work again. Sutures are usually removed after one week. Following surgery, soreness can be controlled by medication and cold compresses, which can also limit swelling and bruising. Occasionally, patients may experience excessive tearing or light sensitivity. This usually responds to eye drops and should not last long.