They say eyes never lie. Our eyes show our inner emotions, and the skin on our eyelids gives an insight into our age. As we age, the skin around our eyes starts to sag and droop, making us look tired and aged. However, with the advancement of medical science, there is a solution to this problem—blepharoplasty.
A blepharoplasty, the eyelid surgery performed in Aesthetic MdR’s convenient Santa Monica office, can rejuvenate your face and make you look significantly younger.
This blog will explain the details of blepharoplasty, including how to prepare, what results to expect, and how to recover.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. It involves removing excess skin, fat, or muscle from the eyelids to rejuvenate their overall appearance.
Especially when combined with a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan, these procedures can significantly enhance the overall youthful appearance by addressing aging signs around the eyes.
Blepharoplasty is often referred to as an eye lift. Though it usually means removing excess skin or fat from the eyelids, sometimes providers just reposition tissues instead of removing them. For example, transconjunctival blepharoplasty removes fat from the lower eyelid without removing excess skin. This is done in young patients who don’t have much excess skin but have fat pockets around their eyes, which gives them a tired look.
Even though eyelid surgery is most often performed for cosmetic reasons, it can also improve vision by removing droopy upper eyelids that may obstruct the line of sight. Sometimes, blepharoplasty is combined with other procedures like a brow lift or facelift to achieve an all-over youthful appearance.
Why Is Blepharoplasty Necessary At Some Point?
Skin loses elasticity with time. The lack of elasticity, combined with the constant pull from gravity, collects excess skin on the upper or lower eyelids—each having its negative effects. On the upper lid, it can limit your field of vision, while on the lower lids, it creates a hollowed-out appearance that makes you look fatigued and older than you actually are.
That’s why blepharoplasty is divided into two main groups – upper and lower.
Excess skin on the lower eyelid results in wrinkles and bulges. A lower blepharoplasty can help address under-eye bags and wrinkles by removing or repositioning fat and tightening the skin.
When excess skin collects in the upper eyelid, the extra fold of skin hangs over the eyelashes. This not only looks unappealing but can also obstruct your view and cause discomfort. That’s why upper blepharoplasty usually removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, reducing sagging and improving the appearance of hooded eyes.
The extra fat cushioning the eyeball from the skull also results in bulges in the upper and lower eyelids. As we age, the membrane holding the fat in place loses its power, which means the fat gets a free pass to bulge.
The above-described processes are common for most people, and that’s why blepharoplasty is viewed as a necessity by many who are concerned with their appearance.
Sometimes, blepharoplasty is performed on young patients who don’t yet have visible signs of aging but have inherited saggy or puffy eyelids. In this case, the procedure is more preventative rather than corrective. It helps to future-proof their appearance and prevent potential vision problems in the future.
Are You a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Usually, blepharoplasty is recommended for patients who are at least 30 years old. It is also important that they don’t have other eye problems or diseases that are incompatible with the surgery.
Though blepharoplasty is considered a quick and relatively painless procedure in aesthetic surgery, you must tell your doctor about any health issues you have. You may think this or that condition has nothing to do with your eyelids. However, some health issues may complicate the operation and affect your results.
Following are the health issues we pay close attention to if you’re planning to have blepharoplasty:
- Any eye diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye, and detached retina.
- Graves’ disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or other thyroid diseases
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, and other circulatory diseases
- Diabetes
Besides health conditions, at Aesthetic MdR we accept patients for blepharoplasty if they…
- Have the desire to improve the appearance of the eyelids and/or entire face
- Have excess skin or fat on the eyelids that are visibly causing droopiness, puffiness, or bags under the eyes
- Have realistic expectations for the procedure (you’re not going to look completely different after the surgery)
- Are you a non-smoker, or are you ready to temporarily stop smoking for safety considerations
- Have the desire to correct droopy eyelids
You Should Have Realistic Expectations
It’s worth mentioning beforehand that even though blepharoplasty significantly impacts the appearance of your eyelids and face, it’s not going to change how you look dramatically.
For example, you should not rely solely on eyelid surgery to help you get rid of dark circles under the eyes. This procedure also won’t eliminate crow’s feet (the wrinkles at the corners of the eyes) or other facial issues.
If you want a comprehensive facial rejuvenation, we offer other procedures that complement blepharoplasty, such as a brow lift or facelift. For the maximum rejuvenating result, eyelid surgery is performed along with laser resurfacing, forehead lifts, or any other aesthetic procedures.
Consult with aesthetic surgeons at Aesthetic MdR for your specific needs before deciding on the right combination of procedures for you.
You Should Meet Several Specialists
Meeting with a healthcare provider is a must before you schedule a blepharoplasty. You will most likely need to consult a plastic surgeon – someone who is board-certified and specializes in facial rejuvenation.
These meetings are essential to have a complete understanding of your medical history. Every relevant detail should be discussed with the provider. This includes previous surgeries, allergies, and the use of drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Additionally, inform them about your usage of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
You’ll need several health checks related to your eyes, including the following.
- Complete eye exam: The doctor will test your tear production and measure the parts of your eyelids.
- Eyelid photography: Having pictures of your eyelids from different angles may reveal that you have a medical reason for the blepharoplasty, which may support an insurance claim.
- Testing the visual field: Providers should check if there are blind spots in the corners of your eyes. This is called peripheral vision and can also support an insurance claim.
Lastly, you’ll need to consult with your aesthetic surgeon about your goals for eyelid surgery: What results do you chase? Are they achievable, in the specialist’s opinion?
How to Prepare for a Blepharoplasty?
Your doctor is the best advisor for preparing for your surgery. He/she will tell you exactly what steps you should take based on your specific medical history.
However, some general pre-op recommendations apply to most people.
- You need to quit smoking several weeks before the surgery.
- If you currently do so, it’s highly recommended that you stop using anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, herbal supplements, or multivitamins, which all increase the risk of bleeding after the operation. Doctors usually recommend stopping using Motrin, Naproxen, Aleve, and aspirin.
- You’ll need to invite a family member, close friend, or another trusted person to stay with you the first night after the procedure. This person should also drive you after surgery, as you may have difficulties driving due to the effects of anesthesia, vision blur, or other side effects.
- Arrange your work or other activities so that you can stay home with limited activities for several days after the surgery. During this period, your eyelids will heal, and you may experience dry eyes, a feeling of painful eyelids, and blurred vision. These symptoms may increase if you work with a computer or drive.
- Your first aid at home should include ice cubes and packs, small gauze pads, artificial tears, clean washcloths and towels, and some painkillers that your doctor may recommend.
With the necessary precautionary measures and the close guidance of your doctor, you’ll be able to successfully undergo the blepharoplasty procedure.
What to Expect Before the Blepharoplasty?
You may have local or general anesthesia before the blepharoplasty. Note that while a lower blepharoplasty can only be done under general anesthesia, an upper blepharoplasty can also be done under local anesthesia.
You will most likely have a painkiller injected around the eye with oral sedation – most probably with IV sedation.
Injected drugs help to numb the eyelids, ensuring you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the blepharoplasty. Additionally, IV helps you to relax.
At Aesthetic MdR’s Santa Monica office, you will have a comfortable private room assigned to you. There, you will meet with the plastic surgeon before the operation.
What to Expect During the Blepharoplasty?
The duration of the procedure depends on whether you are treating both upper and lower eyelids together. Usually, the eye lift surgery for the upper and lower eyelids lasts around 2 hours and 45 minutes to 1 hour if only one area is being treated.
Dr. Luis Macias at Aesthetic MdR will approach each area differently.
For the upper eyelid surgery, he will make an incision in the natural creases of the upper eyelid. Then, he will remove the fatty deposits, tighten lax muscles, and trim away the excess skin.
For the lower eyelid surgery, he will make an incision along the lower lash line to remove the excess skin and fat. If there is no excess skin to remove, Dr. Macias will make an incision inside the lower eyelid. This opening will allow him to remove only the fatty deposits under the eyes.
The incisions will be closed with sutures, and you will be able to return home after the surgery if there are no complications. Then, you can begin your healing process.
Based on his years of experience and numerous successful surgeries, Dr. Luis Macias recommends approaching blepharoplasty as part of a complete face rejuvenation program. He suggests complementary procedures to blepharoplasty, including facelifts, mini facelifts, and other minimally invasive procedures or injectable treatments.
What to Expect After the Blepharoplasty?
The provider will most likely put ointment in your eyes. This will keep them moist and provide you with a more comfortable feeling around the eyes. Your eyes may also be covered with a cold compress in the recovery room.
Remember that your eyes are likely to be light-sensitive right after the operation. They may also be dry and watery. These are general reasons for you to sleep with your head raised the first night after the surgery and frequently put ice packs on your eyes.
It is worth considering that certain discomfort may occur after the blepharoplasty, including…
- Double vision
- Puffy, numb eyelids
- Swelling and bruising
- Pain
This is not going to last long, and soon, you will see the real results. Within 7 to 10 days, you should be fine to return to your normal daily activities and begin enjoying your new appearance.
Dr. Macias will remove your sutures five days after the procedure.
Tips to Help During the Blepharoplasty Recovery
Your scarred skin should not be exposed to direct sun, so consider wearing dark sunglasses outdoors. Additionally, here are some tips to help you milden your blepharoplasty recovery.
On the first night, use ice packs for around 10 minutes every hour. Repeat this 4-5 times over the next day.
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercises for around a week.
Don’t rub your eyes or wear contact lenses for around two weeks.
Besides those general tips, Dr. Macias recommends the following post-operative care for blepharoplasty.: Here’s a rough list of recommendations (mDr. Macias will give you a more detailed recommendation after a detailed examination of your eye conditions).
- Soothing foam cleanser, Phyto corrective mist, C E Ferulic, Hyaluronic Acid intensifier, eye cream for AOX
- Epidermal repair is needed the first 2 weeks after the procedure, and Metacell Renewal B3 is needed two weeks after the surgery.
- For advanced scar control, we recommend Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50PM, resveratrol, and Retinol 0.5 cream.
- You are also encouraged to use age-advanced eye cream and age-advanced interrupter after two weeks have passed since the surgery.
Blepharoplasty Results
As mentioned above, your stitches will dissolve around two weeks after the eyelid surgery, and you can already see the results. However, it is important to note that the full effects of blepharoplasty may take several months to be fully visible. This is because swelling and bruising can take some time to subside, and your skin needs time to heal.
Even if you look in the mirror and do not see visible complications or significant bruising, this is probably not your final result if you have just performed blepharoplasty. It is important to be patient and wait for your skin to heal fully before judging the results of your surgery.
Waiting for 6 months will give you a better idea of the outcome of your blepharoplasty.
Why Trust Blepharoplasty Procedure to Aesthetic MdR?
Dr. Luis Macias is an internationally renowned, highly trained, double-board-certified plastic surgeon in Marina del Rey. Every surgery, especially those performed on the patient’s face, is conducted with great attention to detail and precision. Dr. Macias has years of experience performing blepharoplasty surgeries, specializing in creating natural-looking and subtle results. He understands how crucial natural cosmetic results are to patients, and he is very careful to avoid any overcorrecting with eyelid lifts.
Clients who perform blepharoplasty with Dr. Luis Mcias are happy with the smoothing away of heavy bags and corrected prominent sagging. They say that after blepharoplasty with Dr. Macias, they are aging with grace.
If you need to ensure the aesthetic results of the blepharoplasty surgery, trust Dr. Macias and his team at Aesthetic MdR. They will provide you with all the necessary information regarding your procedure. Additionally, they will give you follow-up instructions to ensure a smooth healing process and desired outcomes.
Consult with Dr. Macias for a personalized, comprehensive approach to your blepharoplasty surgery and achieve refreshed, rejuvenated eyes that will stand the test of time.
Blepharoplasty Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries some risks and potential complications. The most common ones include:
- Infection: If proper post-operative care is not followed, there is a risk of infection.
- Scarring: Incisions made during the surgery may result in visible scars, although they usually fade over time.
- Dry eyes: Some patients may experience dry eyes after surgery due to changes in eyelid position or decreased tear production. This can be temporary or permanent and may require eye drops for relief.
- Bleeding and bruising: Some degree of bleeding and bruising is normal after surgery, but excessive bleeding may require a visit to the doctor for further evaluation.
- Bleeding behind your eye (called retrobulbar hematoma). This is a very rare but serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.
- Temporary vision changes: Some patients may experience blurred or double vision after surgery, which usually resolves within a few days or weeks.
Once again, if patients follow the post-operative instructions carefully, these risks and complications can be minimized. For example, smoking should be avoided as it can increase the risk of infection and delay healing. Patients should also avoid rubbing their eyes for a few weeks. This helps prevent scarring and potential damage to the surgery site.
Are the Results of Blepharoplasty Permanent?
Considering that your aging process never stops, the results of blepharoplasty are not considered permanent. However, they are very long-lasting if performed correctly and if proper care is followed post-surgery. As you continue to age, the skin around your eyes may begin to sag again. However, it will not look as severe as it did before the procedure.
The upper blepharoplasty results usually last from five to seven years, depending on the individual and their lifestyle.
Lower blepharoplasty results usually last forever because the fat pads are removed from underneath your eyes and do not grow back. However, if you gain significant weight after the surgery, the remaining fat cells in your body may increase in size. This can cause puffiness under the eyes.
To maintain long-lasting results, following a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition is important. Protecting your skin from sun exposure can also help slow the natural aging.
How Much Does an Eyelid Surgery Cost at Aesthetic MdR?
Not every blepharoplasty procedure is the same. The cost depends on the patient’s requirements, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon’s experience. Therefore, it is easier to determine an exact cost with a consultation.
If you’re about to undergo eyelid surgery yourself, you should consider a personal consultation with Dr. Macias. Meet him with clear goals you want to achieve from the surgery and bring a list of questions you may have. Dr. Macias will explain the best way to achieve those goals within your budget. He will also discuss any risks associated with the procedure.
The budget will vary depending on the operation’s complexity and if you want to do an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both.
To Sum Up
With your eyes being one of the most expressive and delicate features of your face, it is important to choose a highly skilled and experienced surgeon for an eyelid surgery. Dr. Macias at Aesthetic MdR has a reputation for delivering natural-looking results with minimal scarring – that is what you need if blepharoplasty is on your mind.
An educated and professional approach to eyelid surgery can help you restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This includes upper blepharoplasty for droopy or hooded eyelids, lower blepharoplasty for under-eye bags and puffiness, or a combination of both.
In addition to blepharoplasty, if you want a complete rejuvenation of your face and significant changes in your appearance, Dr. Macias will recommend complementary procedures. These may include a brow lift or a facelift. These procedures work well together with eyelid surgery to achieve overall harmony in your facial features.
