Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)

The eyelids, along with other areas of the face and neck, may exhibit wrinkles, sagging skin and bulges due to hereditary factors and the natural aging process. Bags at the inner aspects of the upper eyelids and in the lower eyelids are generally due to a weakening of the retaining ligaments around the eye. These "bags" are actually fat that is "herniating" or pushing against the tissue layers in front of the fat bag. Drooping eyelid skin causes an older aged and tired appearance.


Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes by removing excess skin, muscle and fat from the upper and lower eyelids. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons for a fresh and rejuvenated appearance or for functional purposes to improve sight by lifting the droopy eyelids out of the patient's field of vision. Blepharoplasty can be combined with other surgical or non-surgical treatments in order to raise the eyebrows or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow's feet or dark circles under the eyes. Having a blepharoplasty can easily take years off of your facial appearance and is a popular Contours and Curves procedure.


Blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids.


UPPER EYELID LIFT
What is an upper eyelid blepharoplasty (cosmetic or functional eyelid surgery)?


An upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical modification of the upper eyelid used to remove sagging tissue and wrinkles and remove or reposition fat bags from the upper eyelid. It can be both a functional (affecting the function of the eye's vision) and cosmetic surgery.


What is an Asian upper eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Asian blepharoplasty, also known as "double eyelid surgery", is a type of cosmetic surgery where the skin around the eye is reshaped. The purpose of the procedure is to create an upper eyelid with a crease (i.e. "double eyelid") from an eyelid without a crease (i.e. "single eyelid").


Why do people have upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery?


Primarily people have upper eyelid blepharoplasty for reasons of excess skin of the upper eyelid that creates an appearance of tired, aging eyelids and for bulges of the eyelid that convey an appearance of tiredness. Other common reasons include excess skin that blocks the field of vision or to create a "double eyelid" in the Asian patient.


How is an upper eyelid blepharoplasty performed?


An upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. It is routinely performed in my office surgical suite using local anesthesia. The option of having the procedure performed in a surgery center under sedation is an option. In almost ten years of my surgical practice, I have never had any patient not tolerate an upper eyelid blepharoplasty performed using only local anesthesia. A pre-operative medication such as Valium can be used to reduce anxiety. Incisions are made along the eyelids in inconspicuous places (in the creases of the upper lids). Excess tissue is removed through these incisions and fine stitches are meticulously placed to close the incision.


What are the benefits of having an upper eyelid blepharoplasty?


The benefits of cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty include, a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance to the upper eyelid. My results are typically so natural that your friends usually don't identify that you underwent an eyelid rejuvenation procedure. Post operatively my patients are typically told how good and rested they appear. It is difficult for the layperson to decipher how incredible a blepharoplasty can alter persons aging eyes.


What are the risks and potential complications of upper eyelid surgery?


Complications from upper eyelid blepharoplasty are rare and unusual. As with any surgical procedure, post-operative bleeding and infection can occur. Dry eyes after blepharoplasty is possible but is usually temporary. Other rare complications include difficulty with full eyelid closure.


How long does an upper eyelid blepharoplasty take to perform?


An upper or lower blepharoplasty typically takes 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on how much work is done.


What are the post-operative instructions and limitations?


Immediately after surgery patients are instructed to go home and rest. The head is elevated on at least two pillows and cold compresses are applied to the eyes for 15 or 20 minutes of every hour while awake for the first 24 hours. Varying degrees of swelling and discoloration, which usually subsides within ten days, follows each operation. Patients are instructed to not lift greater than 15 pounds for the first week and to avoid lying in the sun. Sunglasses and possibly a hat are recommended when going out in the sun. There is usually little to no pain in the post-operative period. Analgesic (pain medicine) will be prescribed, as will prophylactic antibiotics. Our office will provide complete post-operative care instructions.


When can I resume normal activities?


Sutures are removed between 5-7 days after surgery. Work can be resumed within the first week but this depends on your specific job responsibilities. All strenuous activity can be resumed two weeks after surgery. By this time, the thread thin scars can be successfully camouflaged by make-up. These scars gradually blend in well with the surrounding skin over the next few months.


How long do the results of upper eyelid blepharoplasty last?


The effects of blepharoplasty last many years and are many times even permanent.


Contact Dr. Ryan Mitchell at 702-376-3095 to schedule a consutlation to see if this proceedure is right for you.
CONTOURS & CURVES
105 N. Pecos Rd. Ste # 112
Henderson, NV 89012