Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift cosmetic surgery is a procedure designed to reduce the signs of aging around the eyelids and restore a more alert and youthful eye appearance. The procedure involves various steps, which may differ slightly depending on the surgical technique used for lower or upper eyelid surgery.
At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient of the steps involved in the procedure. The patient will feel more reassured about the blepharoplasty after understanding what the procedure involves.
Board certified plastic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD provides eyelid surgery to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding locations.
Anesthesia
The surgeon may undertake the blepharoplasty with the patient under local anesthesia with mild sedation. In case the patient is anxious, or the surgery is more complicated, the plastic surgeon may recommend general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist or a registered nurse anesthetist will administer the general anesthesia.
Lower Blepharoplasty
After the anesthesia, the surgeon will commence the lower eyelid lift plastic surgery procedure by placing tiny incisions in pre-determined areas. These incisions are typically discreetly hidden in the natural skin creases beneath the lower eyelashes. The surgeon will excise extra fat or skin and may tighten sagging underlying muscles through these incisions.
In case the patient has visible depressions beneath the lower lids, the surgeon may perform an additional facial fat transfer procedure or use dermal filler injectables to address these hollows. They will seal the incisions cautiously after the blepharoplasty is complete.
Upper Blepharoplasty
The surgeon will place the incisions in the natural creases of the upper eyelids. Subsequently, they will remove loose skin through these incisions to address droopiness in the upper eyelids and any concerns regarding partial vision obstructions. Furthermore, the surgeon may reposition the underlying muscles through the incisions if they are weak or drooping.
After removing the excess skin, the surgeon will lift and reattach the remaining skin to develop smoother and more youthful looking upper lids. They will then close the incisions with fine stitches.
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
In case a patient does not need skin tightening but only the removal of fat deposits around the eyelids, the surgeon may recommend a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. This procedure is relatively less invasive and suitable for patients who do not have significant puffiness under the eyes.
After the anesthesia, the surgeon will place a few small incisions within the lower lids. They will remove the excess fat deposits through the incisions to improve the appearance of the lower lids. Muscle tightening and skin excision are not involved in this surgical procedure.
Recovery
After the blepharoplasty is complete, the patient can typically return home on the day of the procedure itself. The procedure involves a downtime of around one week following, after which they can resume their routine activities or return to their workplace. To address the swelling in the initial two or three days, ice therapy can be used.
The surgeon may prescribe mild pain drugs and a topical cream for relief from the initial discomfort. The patient should avoid sun exposure in the treated areas for the initial several weeks.
Experienced cosmetic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.
For more information on cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and treatments by Beverly Hills board certified plastic surgeon, Roger Tsai, MD please click here or call us at 310.276.1190. Taking patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and other surrounding cities.