Eyelid surgery can be a very powerful operation to treat excessive skin and soft tissue of the upper and/or lower eyelids. The earliest signs of aging often begin around the eyes. Over time, the skin and underlying support structure become weak and therefore begin to droop. Most patients complain that friends often mention they look tired and un-rested, others complain about unsightly “bags” under their eyes. Sometimes the excess tissue can droop so bad as to block your vision. This surgical procedure not only removes the excess tissue, but also helps rejuvenate the surrounding orbital contour to give you a renewed youthful appearance. After the procedure, patients often comment that people say they appear to have more energy and it frequently boosts self-esteem. This is one procedure that provides high patient satisfaction as it turns back the effects of time and improves self-image.
EYELID SURGERY CONSULTATION
While some patients only complain of the upper eyelids, others desire correction of the lower eyelids, and a subset desire to have both the upper and lower eyelids rejuvenated. The eyelid “bags” patients often complain about are fat pads located behind the upper and lower eyelid that have lost its integrity and strength and are therefore falling out of their compartment. Regardless of whether an upper or lower eyelid is being performed, the incision is placed within an eyelid crease line and thus hidden upon healing. The excessive skin and muscle are excised and if needed, the fat pads are removed to eliminate the “bags”. The incision is closed with very fine suture.
During your consultation, Dr. Tsai will present you with all the possible options in detail and work with you to individualize treatment according to your specific goals and expectations to provide you with the best possible result. If you desire other areas of face rejuvenation, this procedure is often combined with Facelift, Browlift, or Neck lift (Platysmaplasty). There is also a non-invasive option for Skin treatments performed in the adjacent medical spa or at the same time as surgery.
PROCEDURE
The upper eyelids typically take around 20 minutes to complete and the lower eyelids around 30 minutes for a total time of 1 hour, if all 4 eyelids are to be performed. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia (fully asleep) in the adjacent surgicenter. Patients return home the same day as the procedure so transportation will need to be arranged. Your first checkup will be the following day in clinic. Advice is given to sleep at an upright angle in bed for 24-48 hours to decrease swelling and bruising to the face. Ice packs are also recommended for the first 24 hours, on and off. There may be bruising to the eyelids and surrounding tissue, but this is normal and will resolve over the next several days. Patients usually return to normal daily activities within a few days. Pain is tolerated with prescribed oral pain medication. Exercise is resumed approximately 4 weeks after the procedure.
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Meet the Doctor
Dr. Roger Tsai
Dr. Roger Tsai is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, providing care to patients from all over the world. His interests include aesthetic cosmetic surgery that encompasses the entire body as a whole, specializing in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery. He also performs non-invasive rejuvenation and has a special interest in health and nutrition.