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Blepharoplasty

With age, the muscles and skin around your eyes may start to weaken and stretch, leading to a tired, droopy eyelid appearance. It’s not uncommon for fat to gather above or below your eyes, further adding to this effect. Luckily, there is the option for eyelid surgery called a blepharoplasty.

Understanding Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to rectify sagging, droopy eyelids. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or sometimes both. This surgery is not only carried out to correct aesthetic problems. Excessively saggy eyelids can interfere with your vision too, making daily tasks more difficult.

Are You a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Consider blepharoplasty if you have:

  • Saggy, droopy upper or lower eyelids
  • Excess skin on your upper eyelids that affects peripheral or central vision
  • Bags or excess fat under your eyes
  • Excess skin on your lower eyelids

Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate your face, creating a more youthful, alert look. Please note, however, that the procedure may not be suitable for everyone. In certain instances, alternative procedures such as brow or facelifts might better suit your needs.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure that takes between one to three hours to complete. Prior to starting, your surgeon will administer numbing medication to your eyelids and provide sedatives to help you relax.

The specific steps of your procedure will depend on whether you’re having surgery on your upper or lower eyelids, or both.

Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure:

An incision is made along the natural crease of your upper eyelid to help hide any scarring post-procedure. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed. Once the necessary adjustments are made, the incision is closed using sutures. An upper blepharoplasty procedure can often be performed in your doctor’s office instead of a surgery center.

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty Procedure:

For the lower eyelids, the incision is made just below the lashes or inside the lower eyelid. The excess skin, fat, and muscle are then removed through this incision. The incision is subsequently closed using sutures.

Recovery After Blepharoplasty

After the procedure, you will rest for a while at the surgery center before being discharged. This resting period allows the anesthesia to wear off slightly, and your surgeon will explain the appropriate after-care procedures.

Ensure you have someone to drive you home after the procedure. Once you’re home, follow the after-care instructions provided and get ample rest. It’s essential to use all of your medications as directed for the recommended duration to aid healing and prevent infection.

Bruising and swelling generally subside within 14 days. Scars from the procedure can take a few months to fade, so it is vital to protect your eyelid skin from sun exposure during this time. Full results are typically visible within a few months, so it’s crucial to be patient and communicate any concerns during your follow-up visits.

Schedule a Consultation

Drooping eyelids affect many people, and can interfere with both physical confidence and someone’s ability to go about everyday activities. If you would like to get your eyelids examined, contact us to set up an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after blepharoplasty will I look normal?

Following blepharoplasty, anticipate swelling and bruising of the eyelids. Our team will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. Most patients can begin to enjoy their blepharoplasty results once swelling begins to reduce, which is typically 1-3 weeks after surgery.

Who is a good candidate for a blepharoplasty?

Healthy individuals who are bothered by the appearance of lax upper or lower eyelid skin or extra fat in the eyelids may benefit from a blepharoplasty. The best way to determine if this procedure is right for you is through a consultation at our Falls Church, VA, office.

What can a blepharoplasty do?

Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate the appearance of your face for a more alert, refreshed appearance. This is achieved through the removal of excess skin and fatty deposits and tightening of the eyelid skin.

How is a blepharoplasty performed?

Blepharoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis. The specific steps of your procedure will ultimately depend on whether you are having surgery on your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Our team will discuss your surgical plan with you during your consultation appointment.

What is recovery from a blepharoplasty like?

You will be able to see normally and perform most normal activities after surgery, so feel free to read, watch TV, use the computer, etc. as desired. However, there will be specific activity limitations for 10-14 days after surgery that your surgeon will explain to you prior to the procedure. Following a blepharoplasty procedure, bruising and swelling may occur. Scarring of the incision line can typically take a few months to fade, however it is well hidden in the eyelid crease and is not noticeable. Full results can be seen within a few months.

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