Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that seeks to improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. The upper and lower eyelids can be one of the first areas of the face to show signs of aging. Upper or lower blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under light IV sedation.
Who is a candidate for Blepharoplasty?
As our face ages, the upper eyelid can begin to show heaviness and extra skin. The fat in the lower eyelid may begin to protrude and cause puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. It is also important to assess the position of the eyebrow. As we age the eyebrow can fall adding to the heaviness in the upper eyelid and this needs to be pointed out to the patient and may need to be corrected to give the results the patient desires.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
An upper or lower blepharoplasty each takes just under an hour to perform. The upper blepharoplasty involves an incision in a natural skin crease in the lid and the extra skin and underlying muscle are removed. If there is excess fat it is also removed. The stitches are under the skin so they do not leave stitch marks in the eyelid skin. The lower blepharoplasty involves an incision just beneath the lower eyelid eyelashes through the skin which is then lifted up off the underlying muscle for about 3mm. then the muscle is opened and the skin muscle layer is lifted off the underlying tissue to expose the excess fat which is removed. A very small amount of skin and muscle is then removed. The incision is then closed with stitches beneath the skin. Variations in these techniques are performed according to each patient’s individual anatomy.
Recovery Path After Blepharoplasty
The patient will need to stay home for the first week. Icing during that time will help minimize swelling and bruising. The stitches are removed at your first-week visit. The patient can then return to normal activities including work. There will still be swelling for about three weeks but this can be covered with makeup. The eyelids will also sometimes feel a little stiff for several weeks. Exercising can resume usually by 4 weeks. It generally will take about 2 months to see the final result and for the eyelids to feel normal.
Seeking an Expert Surgeon
If you are convinced that you need this procedure, ask from the experts. Dr. Sabbagh and Dr. Baca have decades of combined experience in conducting blepharoplasty. They offer their wealth of expertise at the Straith Clinic in Bingham Farms, MI. Contact them today and start your journey to rediscover your youthfulness.
