What is Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is the surgical correction of defects or deformities of the upper and lower eyelids. Of all the cosmetic facial plastic surgical procedures that one may elect to have, eyelid surgery may have the most effective rejuvenating results. The eyes are difficult to hide as “eye contact” is integral to communication. Having tired, heavy, or angry eyes prompts many patients to consider facial plastic surgery. As discussed below when evaluating the upper eyelid it is important to assess the contribution of heaviness from the brow. You can trust us to appropriately assess if both brow and eyelid surgery or a single procedure will give you the refreshed upper lid appearance you desire. Determining the cause of lower eyelid “bags” can be complex. Factors such as allergies, diet, sleep, and hormones can play a role in the lower lid appearance. We can determine if the fullness of the lower eyelid is indeed due to fat that surrounds the eye herniating forward, loss of support from tissue in the cheek, excess skin or a combination of all of these. In certain cases it is important to not only to remove fat that is creating the bags but also to reposition it to improve lower lid contour.In summary:
- Blepharoplasty can be the most effective surgery to refresh one’s appearance.
- Blepharoplasty of the upper lid does not correct heaviness due to a fallen brow position.
- Blepharoplasty involving lower lid “bags” can be due to fat, excess skin, loss of cheek volume which can be corrected surgically.
- Blepharoplasty of the lower eyelid is complex and factors such as allergies, sleep quality, diet, hormones can contribute to heaviness.
What are the doctor qualifications and training for Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery?
As double board certified and fellowship trained in both Head and Neck Surgery as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Drs Jacob and Moulthrop have truly unique, advanced training in the complexities of blepharoplasty surgery. There is no one template or road map for surgery. We have an advanced understanding of the eyelid’s form and function. This helps us excel at blepharoplasty procedures. Our approach to eyelid surgery focuses on refreshing your look while still preserving the shape of the eyes and thus not changing your appearance. The techniques we employ are tailored to prevent complications and changes to the shape of the lash line that would declare surgical intervention.What is involved in Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery?
- Consultation. During the consult, we will perform a detailed physical exam and then discuss the intricacies of the operation with you, including exactly where and how the incisions will be placed.
- Surgical Procedure. Incisions will be made to excise the excess skin and or muscle if indicated. Any excess peri-orbital fat that causes bulges will then be excised or moved into adjacent hollow regions.
- Post-Op and Further Recommendations. All sutures will be removed by one week after surgery.
How long does it take to recover from Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery?
Many of our patients are curious about the recovery time and procedures for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) surgery. Blepharoplasty recovery involves the following steps:- In-hospital recovery….. You will go home after surgery.
- In-home recovery….. Please apply cold compresses every few hours. No strenuous activity until the bruising has resolved. You can expect the vast majority of swelling and bruising to be resolved by two weeks.
- Follow-up consultations….. We will remove all sutures by one week. We will see you regularly during the following few months to ensure proper healing is taking place.
What are the side effects from Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty/Eyelid Surgery?
You may experience the following side effects:- Your eyes will be temporarily dry, requiring regular use of lubricating drops.
- A careful surgeon should never take so much skin that you are unable to close your eyes or change the shape of your eyelid’s opening.
- Bruising can rarely last beyond two weeks. But make-up can cover any additional discolorations.
Please contact us at our New Orleans facial plastic surgery facility to schedule your blepharoplasty consultation.
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