Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to improve the appearance of the eyelids.
It can be done on both the upper and lower lids, and is used to remove excess skin and fatty deposits that may cause sagging of the upper eyelid or bags under the eyes. It can also be used to correct drooping eyelids by removing wrinkles or creases in this area.
A blepharoplasty procedure typically takes two to three hours to complete, depending on how much work needs to be done. During the operation, an incision will be made either above the natural line of the upper lid or below the lashes of the lower lid. The surgeon then removes any excess fat and skin before suturing up the wound.
Most people who undergo an eyelid lift procedure report feeling more confident about their appearance after recovery has been completed. Recovery time varies from person to person but typically takes up to two weeks for patients undergoing blepharoplasty surgery.
In order for optimal results it’s important that you follow all instructions given by your doctor closely before and after your surgery.
Am I a Candidate For Eyelid Surgery?
If you feel your eyelids are heavy or leave you with tired appearance you may be a good candidate for a blepharoplasty procedure. A consultation with Dr. Anzarut may be the best way to know. Dr. Anzarut will discusses what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.
Your safety is Dr. Anzarut’s primary concern. If you are in good physical health and do not have any medical conditions that would complicate recovery or increase the risk of surgery, you may be a candidate for eyelid surgery. Bleeding disorders, problems with dry eyes, uncontrolled hypertension, or LASIX surgery in the past 6 months may exclude you from having blepharoplasty.
In some patients drooping upper eyelids may be caused by loose skin on the forehead (brow ptosis) or stretched eyelid muscles (upper eyelid ptosis). This will be assessed during the consultation process. Dr. Anzarut can treat these conditions with either a brow ptosis or an eyelid ptosis procedure, if needed.
Contact Dr. Anzarut if you have any questions regarding your suitability and goals for eyelid surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Anzarut will discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment. Dr. Anzarut is also able to perform remote consultations.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a popular procedure for people in Vancouver who want to improve the appearance of their eyes. By removing excess skin, fat and muscle around the eyes, eyelid surgery can lead to a more alert and youthful look.
The benefits of eyelid surgery extend beyond just aesthetics; it can also reduce vision problems caused by drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, which means it typically requires only local anesthesia.
It’s also a relatively quick process with minimal downtime after the operation. Patients should expect some bruising and swelling in the treated area that should subside within two weeks. Other potential side effects are minimal compared to other types of cosmetic surgery, so recovery time is often shorter than other procedures.
By taking advantage of these benefits, patients can enjoy improved vision along with a more rested and youthful appearance. Eyelid surgery can help people look their best while eliminating any vision problems that may have been caused by excess skin or puffiness around the eyes.
With proper care before and after surgery, patients can be sure they will get the best possible results from their procedure.
How Does Eyelid Surgery Rejuvenate the Appearance Around Your Eyes?
The first signs of aging occur around the eyes. This is also the first place people look when talking to someone. Gravity and age cause the eyelid skin to droop, hood, and wrinkle. The smooth upper eyelid skin begins to disappear. Fat around the eyelids also changes. Excess fat can herniate forward from behind the eyes giving the appearance of bags. In others, the fat may shrink with age giving a hollowed appearance.
The position and health of the upper cheek will greatly influence the appearance of the lower eyelids. With age, upper cheek skin and fat begin to shrink and drop. Dark circles may develop under the lower eyelids as the cheek starts to drop with gravity. The result is a tiered and old appearance.
With eyelid surgery, known as blepharoplasty surgery, Dr. Anzarut can improve the appearance of drooping eyelids, bags around the eyes, and loss of fat. Related procedures can address the circles and drooping of the cheek. This leads to a more rested and youthful look.
Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Upper eyelid surgery (Upper eyelid blepharoplasty)
Dr. Anzarut will use a marking pen and calipers to mark the incisions and areas of fat excess or fat loss. Local anesthesia, freezing, is applied. Medicated eye drops are provided to reduce post-operative swelling. Some patients prefer an oral medication to help them relax during the procedure. If you think you may prefer this, let Dr. Anzarut know. To ensure the freezing has had its maximal effect your procedure will begin approximately 25 minutes after freezing.
Dr. Anzarut performs his skin incision at the level of the skin fold of the eyelids. This is usually 8 to 10 mm above the eyelashes. Excess skin, muscle and fat are removed as needed. In some patients fat is add to an area of fat loss and hollowing. If the eyelid muscles require repair, ptosis surgery, this completed. The skin incision is then stitched closed with non-dissolving sutures. Dr. Anzarut avoids dissolving on the skin because they create more scarring. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and should be pain free.
Lower eyelid surgery (Lower eyelid blepharoplasty)
Similar to upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Anzarut will use a marking pen and calipers to mark the incisions, areas of fat excess, and areas of fat loss. Local anesthesia, freezing, is applied. Medicated eye drops are provided to reduce post-operative swelling. If you prefer, the procedure can also be performed with sedation or with general anesthesia (asleep). To ensure the freezing has had its maximal effect your procedure will begin 20 minutes after freezing.
If the addition of fat is required to treat hollowing, this is done first. Next, an incision is made on the inside of the eyelid or on the outside of the eyelid just below the eyelashes. Excess fat under the eyes is either removed or repositioned. If necessary, excess skin is removed and the upper check is lifted (midface lift). A stitch is placed to support the eyelid in order to avoid lower eyelid drooping. This is called a canthopexy. In some cases Dr. Anzarut will place a temporary suture between upper and lower eyelids. This is called a Frost stich. A lower lid blepharoplasty procedure takes one to two hours depending on the complexity of the individual case.
Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
The key to a fast and painless recovery is to minimize swelling and bruising. Dr. Anzarut takes special measures to shorten your recovery after your eyelid surgery procedure. If you have fat (fat grafting) added you will have significantly more swelling and bruising. It is important to follow the pre and post-procedure instructions.
2 Weeks Before Surgery
Before blepharoplasty surgery you will be provided with a list of foods and medications to avoid (LINK). On the day of the procedure ensure you fill your prescriptions and bring them to the office with you. You may also benefit from ensuring you have ice packs ready for your journey home and the following 48 hours. You should have a pair of comfortable sunglasses to use during the week after the procedure. You should arrange a recliner or multiple pillows to allow you to sleep with your head up for the first two nights after surgery. Finally, you will need to arrange a ride to bring you home after the procedure.
The Day of Your Procedure
At the time of the procedure, medications are used to reduce bruising and swelling. After surgery it is very important to ice the area. Icing is done 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for the first 48 hours, while awake. Ice is applied indirectly with a cloth placed between the ice and the skin. Your head is kept elevated for the next 48 hours to help reduce swelling. This means you will benefit by sleeping with your head up. This can be done by sleeping in a lazy boy chair or with multiple pillows. Avoid any heavy lifting or straining for the first 3 weeks after surgery. This may increase the risk of bleeding.
The First Week After Surgery
The first week after surgery your eyelids may not close as tightly. To avoid problems with dry eyes Dr. Anzarut will advise you on the use of medications to keep the eyes clean and lubricated. You will use an ointment at night and liquid drops during the day. Your stiches are removed by Dr. Anzarut 5 to 7 days after surgery.
After The First Week
After the first week the swelling and bruising will have subsided. You can start to use makeup. At this point you can slowly resume normal activities. Heavy lifting or straining should still be avoided for 3 weeks. You can shower, however you should avoid swimming for 3 weeks.
Talk to Dr. Anzarut if you have any questions or concerns about the recovery period.
Eyelid Surgery Results
It may take several months for the final results to appear. With an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, most of the swelling and bruising is gone by the second week.
With lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the recovery period is more variable. It depends on the complexity of the procedure required. The results of eyelid surgery last a long time, however the aging process does continue.
It is important to take care of the area as it heals and sun protection will help maintain your results. Note that it may not always be possible to obtain optimal results with one procedure, and another operation may be required in a few cases. This is more common in patients requiring the addition or fat (fat grafting).
Eyelid Surgery Before and After Photos
See Eyelid Surgery “Before and After” Photos
Eyelid Surgery Risks and Complications
Blepharoplasty, like all surgery, carries some risk. Complications are not common and usually minor when surgery is performed by a certified plastic surgeon (LINK).
Don’t be afraid to ask Dr. Anzarut any questions you may have about the procedure or recovery process.
Some of the possible side effects of Eyelid Surgery include temporary dry eyes, temporary difficulty closing the eyes, temporary sensitivity to bright light. Rarely patients can develop a cyst along the incision line. This can easily be removed under local anesthesia. Infection is very rare.
Lower eyelid surgery carries the additional risk of lower eyelid droop (ectropion). During lower eyelid surgery Dr. Anzarut places a special stitch (canthopexy) to avoid this problem.
Dr. Anzarut has published his research on the importance of this stitch in cosmetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty. It was published in the most highly regarded plastic surgery journal (the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery). This work is one of the most highly quoted research papers on the topic of lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
You can reduce the risks of complications by ensuring your surgeon is a certified plastic surgeon and by following your surgeon’s instructions closely after surgery.
Cost of Eyelid Surgery
The cost of eyelid surgery can vary greatly depending on the type and extent of the procedure. It is important to discuss pricing details with a board certified cosmetic surgeon prior to scheduling any treatment.
The cost of any procedure may include surgeon fees, facility costs, anesthesia costs, medications, and fees for medical tests. Purely cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by the medical services plan.
Patients should also factor in any additional expenses such as travel costs and lodging if they are travelling from out of town for their procedure. It is recommended to speak with Dr Anzarut about payment plans and insurance coverage options that may help cover some or all of these related expenses.
Cost of Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)
If the excess skin and hooding of the upper eyelids is so severe that it blocks your peripheral vision the costs of surgery may be covered by the medical services plan (MSP). If damage or weakness of the eyelid muscles is the cause of your eyelid drooping (ptosis), the costs of surgery may be covered by the medical services plan (MSP).
If you decide to pay privately for upper eyelid blepharoplasty the cost may be between $2,000 to 3,000.
Cost of Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)
If the drooping of the lower lid leads to significant deformed or the tearing function of the eyes is impaired, the costs of surgery may be covered by the medical services plan (MSP).
If you decide to pay privately for lower eyelid blepharoplasty the cost ranges from $2,500 to $4,000.
Non-Surgical Alternatives To Blepharoplasty
For those considering eyelid surgery, there are several non-surgical alternatives that can be explored.
One of the most popular is the use of injectables and fillers, such as Botox or Dysport, to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin around the eyes. These temporary treatments can provide an improvement in appearance that lasts for up to four months.
Another option is laser resurfacing, which uses a light-based technology to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging around the eye area.
Finally, chemical peels can help to reduce fine lines and give skin a smoother and more even appearance. Chemical peels also help to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
All of these treatments are safe and effective at improving the look of eyelids without surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The surgery can remove excess skin, reduce puffiness, and create a more refreshed appearance. It is commonly performed to address visible signs of aging around the eyes.
2. Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Good candidates for blepharoplasty are generally healthy adults who are concerned about drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, excess skin, or a tired appearance. Candidates should have realistic expectations regarding results and understand the benefits, limitations, and recovery process associated with eyelid surgery.
3. What Concerns Can Eyelid Surgery Address?
Eyelid surgery can improve excess upper eyelid skin, puffiness, under-eye bags, and loose skin around the eyes. By creating a smoother and more youthful appearance, the procedure can help patients look more rested and refreshed while maintaining natural facial expression and overall facial harmony.
4. Is Blepharoplasty Performed on the Upper or Lower Eyelids?
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on the patient’s concerns. Upper eyelid surgery typically addresses excess skin, while lower eyelid surgery focuses on puffiness and under-eye bags. A consultation helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
5. How Long Does Eyelid Surgery Take?
The duration of eyelid surgery varies depending on the areas being treated and whether additional procedures are performed. In many cases, blepharoplasty can be completed within one to several hours. Your plastic surgeon can provide a more personalized estimate based on your treatment plan.
6. What Is Recovery Like After Eyelid Surgery?
Recovery after blepharoplasty varies from patient to patient. Temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common during the early healing period. Most individuals gradually return to normal activities within a couple of weeks. Following post-operative instructions carefully can help support proper healing and recovery.
7. Will There Be Visible Scars After Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty requires incisions, which result in scars. Surgeons typically place incisions within natural eyelid creases or discreet locations whenever possible. While scars are permanent, they often fade significantly over time and become difficult to notice once healing is complete and tissues have matured.
8. Can Eyelid Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes, eyelid surgery is frequently combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures. Common options include brow lift surgery, facelift surgery, neck lift surgery, facial fat grafting, and non-surgical treatments. Combining procedures may help address multiple cosmetic concerns while creating a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
9. How Long Do Blepharoplasty Results Last?
Blepharoplasty results are generally long-lasting, although the natural aging process continues after surgery. Many patients enjoy improvements for years following treatment. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and proper skincare may help preserve results and support a refreshed appearance over the long term.
10. When Will I See My Final Eyelid Surgery Results?
Initial improvements are often visible shortly after surgery, but swelling and bruising may temporarily affect the appearance. As healing progresses, the eyelids become smoother and more refined. Most patients appreciate their final results within several months as tissues settle and residual swelling resolves completely.
