What Happens to the Upper and Lower Eyelids During Aging?
Several events occur in the eyelid cheek junction area during the aging process. Fat around the eyeball within the eye socket becomes more pronounced, creating eye bags. Cheek tissues loosen from the upper cheek and tend to fall downward, revealing a hollowness under the eyelids. Fat volume diminishes in the face, further accentuating hollowness under the eyes, and the skin in this area tends to thin out and become loose and wrinkled. With an upper or lower blepharoplasty, I can provide you with a more natural, smoother, and youthful appearance around your eyes and upper cheeks!
Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Ideal candidates for an upper blepharoplasty have excess or sagging upper eyelid skin or extra skin folds. Candidates for a lower blepharoplasty often have eyelid bags, dark circles, and hollowness that may make you look tired. All candidates should have specific surgical goals in mind, a positive outlook for the outcome of their surgery, and are in good general health with no underlying medical conditions that may impair healing.
What to Expect During an Eyelid Surgery Consultation
During your consultation, I will talk to you about your previous medical treatments and surgeries, current medications, drug and alcohol use, drug allergies, and surgical goals. My team and I will also evaluate your general health status, take photographs, discuss surgery options, and recommend a plan of action, as well as discuss likely outcomes and potential risks.
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How Do You Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?
To prepare for eyelid surgery, you may need to adjust your current medications, stop smoking, and avoid taking aspirin or over-the-counter drugs that may increase bleeding or bruising. You should also arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery as a safety precaution.
What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?
In upper lid blepharoplasty, I remove and reposition only medial fat deposits and skin, keeping most eyelid volume to avoid the appearance of overdone lids. In lower eyelid blepharoplasty, I remove a modest amount of excess skin through a small subciliary (below lash line) incision. Fat bags are released from their attenuated membrane and spread out to fill the hollow area below the eye bags and above the cheek. The released upper cheek is lifted over the top of the newly draped fat and secured internally. For patients who have severe cheek volume loss, I add small amounts of filler (or fat harvested from other locations) to commingle between the other transposed fat. Each incision I make conceals the scars within the natural structure of the eyelid.
How Long is Eyelid Surgery Recovery?
My team and I will give you specific instructions on how to care for your eyes, medications to apply or take orally, specific concerns to look out for, and when to follow up. You may initially experience some swelling, bruising, irritation, discomfort, and dry eyes. For maximum results, you should apply a lubricating ointment and cold compresses as needed during the healing process. It is also important to practice routine sun protection and use darkly tinted glasses until the healing process is complete. However, most patients experience a more rested and youthful appearance within 10-14 days!
Request Your Consultation with
Dr. Spiro today!
Request a Consultation
Dr. Spiro today!
