Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from your upper and lower eyelids, giving you a more alert and refreshed appearance. If you suffer from ptosis, or sagging eyelids that obstruct your vision, this surgery can also give you back your vision unobstructed by excess skin and tissue. Whether you’re seeking blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons or functional improvement, an eyelid lift is the ideal method to address both.

Some of the benefits of eyelid surgery include:

• Tighter, smoother upper eyelids
• Improved peripheral vision with removal of drooping skin
• Reduction in under-eye puffiness and bags
• Fewer fine lines around the eyes
• Eyes that appear more open, youthful, and awake

Because eyelid surgery can address the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, the procedure is highly customizable. Upper blepharoplasty addresses drooping or hooded upper eyelids, while lower blepharoplasty targets puffiness, loose skin, and under-eye bags or volume loss. Both upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures can be performed individually or combined for comprehensive eyelid rejuvenation.

Candidates for blepharoplasty are nonsmoking adults in good overall health and with no serious medical conditions. Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty may also have:

• Drooping upper lids that make them look tired
• Weakened muscles on their upper or lower lids
• Excess skin obstructing their vision
• Undereye puffiness and bags
• Excessive wrinkling around the eyes

The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty is to visit Dr. Patel for a consultation. During your appointment, he will perform a thorough evaluation, including any necessary vision tests, to ensure that blepharoplasty is a safe and appropriate option for you.

Eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day. Once anesthesia is administered, Dr. Patel begins the surgery by placing incisions strategically along the upper eyelid fold or inside the lower eyelid. For an upper eyelid lift, incisions are carefully placed along the natural crease of your eyelid, ensuring that any scars are well hidden. For lower eyelid blepharoplasty, incisions are made inside your lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach) to minimize visible scarring.

Fat deposits will be removed or repositioned, loose skin will be trimmed away, and your eyelid muscles will be tightened. Once all corrections are complete, the incisions are closed with sutures or medical adhesives. Blepharoplasty surgery typically takes one to two hours, depending on whether both the upper and lower lids are being addressed and if you are combining other cosmetic procedures with your blepharoplasty.

Recovery after blepharoplasty is relatively straightforward, although some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common in the first few days. Swelling and bruising usually peak around day two or three but gradually diminish, and using ice packs and keeping your head elevated can help reduce swelling. Any discomfort is easily managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. You may also experience blurred vision initially, but this is expected and typically resolves within a few days.

If you are coming to Dr. Patel from out of town, you have a myriad of choices of places to stay as you recover, from the centrally located Hotel Vin to the extended stay amenities of the Hilton Garden Inn.

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work about one week after eyelid surgery, though you will need to wait to engage in strenuous exercise or activities for at least two weeks, or until Dr. Patel clears you.

Following surgery, your eyelids will initially appear swollen and bruised, but as the healing process progresses, you’ll see noticeable improvements in the appearance of your eyes. Once you’re completely healed from blepharoplasty surgery, you’ll enjoy a fresher, more youthful look and improved vision.

Your blepharoplasty results will be long-lasting, but keep in mind that the natural aging process will continue over time.

When you’re considering eyelid surgery, experience and expertise matter. Dr. Prem Patel is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon who brings skill, precision, and artistry to every blepharoplasty procedure.

At WOW Cosmetic Surgery, we prioritize your safety and comfort while providing gorgeous, natural-looking results, striving to give every patient an outstanding experience from consultation through recovery. We understand that you deserve to Look WOW, Feel WOW, and Be WOW!