Also Known as a Blepharoplasty
CLICK HERE FOR BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS
Eyelid surgery or eyelid lift often refers to removing the skin of the upper eyelid to remove that drooping skin or hooded upper eyelid skin. This procedure is called an upper blepharoplasty. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both males and females, can have a very dramatic effect in restoring a more youthful, rested appearance. When loose folds, sagging skin and bagginess are reduced, the eyes appear more naturally alert and brighter.
Eyelid Lift Video Review
The less common eyelid lift involves the lower lid or area below your eyes. Sometimes simply the fat bag under the eye is removed. This can be done without an incision of the skin. Other times there is too much skin of the lower lid and this must be tightened.
Both the upper eyelid lift and lower eyelid lift surgery can be done at the same time. Often, eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is performed in conjunction with a facelift, forehead or brow lift and a neck lift. Since the procedure cannot eliminate crow’s feet at the corners of the eye or wrinkles beneath the eye, laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels may also be done.
Lower Eyelid Non-Surgical Treatment
Another common procedure that can be combined with eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is adding volume with a filler like Bellafill. Rather than removing the lower eyelid fat bags restoring the volume of lower eyelids is often all that is required. Bellafill, which is a natural, long term filler, is one of the best fillers of this. It is the best nonsurgical approach to lower eyelid bags since it does not remove the bags but restores the volume lost in the cheeks and malar area to give a more youthful, less tired look.
Click here for Before and After Bellafill Photos
THE PROCEDURE is (usually) short
A blepharoplasty is usually performed in an outpatient surgical facility under local anesthesia. Mild sedation may also be used. The procedure takes from 1 to 2 hours depending upon the extent of the condition and whether work is being done on both the upper and lower lids.
For the upper lids, an incision is made along the natural fold of the eyelid, extending from corner to corner, and excess fat and skin is removed. For the lower lids, the incision may be made right below the lower lash line and excess skin, fat and muscle removed. The underlying muscles may also be tightened.
THE RECOVERY is (usually) quick
Although there will be some swelling and bruising which will fully diminish in a couple of weeks, many of our patients return to work within days of the surgery. The stitches will be remove) during the first week after surgery or they are dissolvable. Scarring is usually invisible since the incisions are made in the natural lines and skin folds.
There could be complications.
Complications for an upper eyelid lift or blepharoplasty are minimal. The major risks of any of these surgeries are excessive bleeding or bruising, and asymmetry.
Too much skin removed on the lower lids or heavy scarring in the lower lids could lead to a pulling down of the lower eyelid. This is called an ectropion. This usually requires a follow-up procedure. Eye lifts are never to blame for the “deer in headlights” look mocked in tabloids and celebrity mags. That startled look is from an improperly done forehead lift!
I am interested! What do I do next?
If you are considering this procedure we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Windle. During this visit Dr. Windle and you will come up with a plan to meet your cosmetic surgery goals that will be custom tailored to get the best result with the least potential for complications and minimal downtime.
CONTACT US NOW! WE’LL TELL YOU MORE
As with any surgery, eyelid surgery may carry some risks along with the potential of side effects. These will vary by individual and will be fully discussed during your initial consultation with the Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Brian Windle, treating patients in Seattle, Washington as well as Kirkland, Bellevue, Medina, Clyde Hill, Renton, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Renton, Woodinville, Bothell, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, Edmunds and Everett.