Blepharoplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Fenton, Sterling, Livonia and San Diego, CA

Muscles naturally weaken as the human body ages and those muscles that make up the eyelids are no exception. Over time, a noticeable drooping effect commonly occurs around the eyes as muscle, skin, and fat become succumb to the pull of gravity. While individuals with this condition are often unhappy with the physical appearance of this change, it can also be a cause for concern when weakened eyelids begin to interfere with peripheral lines of vision. A frequently recommended solution for cosmetically addressing a droopy eyelid is a procedure known as blepharoplasty, which is often referred to as an eyelid lift.

Before and After Photos

About Blepharoplasty

Droopy eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a common cosmetic procedure for those looking to keep or regain their youthful appearance. Blepharoplasty takes out excess skin and fat, corrects sagging eyelids, and reduces fatty pouches below the eyes. Often, an eyebrow lift is performed at the same time as a facelift or laser skin resurfacing.

  • Preparation: None Required
  • Procedure: For the upper eye, incisions are made in the crease above the eye and a thin crescent of excess skin is taken out. For fatty deposit or bulge under the eyes, a small incision is made just inside the lower eyelid and the fat is taken out.
  • Length of Procedure: Approximately one hour
  • Recovery or Downtime: Keep head elevated to reduce swelling and bruising, as well as using cold compresses. Antibiotic ointment may be prescribed as well or aquaphor to keep sutures moist.
  • Pain: Mild discomfort; some swelling at the treatment area.
  • Results: More visible, brighter, youthful eyes.

Procedure

Prior to undergoing the procedure, photographs are taken of the eyes before the procedure to aid in technique and planning as well as provide a foundation from which to compare long-term results.

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed in the comfort of the attending physician’s office with the use of a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area.

Once a patient is comfortable, the physician will make a small incision along the fold of the eyelid and carefully remove a predetermined amount of fat and skin as needed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures.

Eyelid Veins

Spider veins are a problem for thousands of men and women. They can appear just about anywhere on the body, but when they appear in visible places, like the face, people feel particularly apt to treat them and treat them fast. Read about spider vein treatments to learn more about the options available for delicate areas of the body, including the face and especially the eyelids.

What Causes Vein Damage of the Eyelids?

The eyelids are especially susceptible to the development of damaged veins due to the delicate nature of the skin. The thin eyelid veins can easily bulge and become enlarged due to venous deficiency. Blood in the veins may flow backward instead of moving forward building up pressure on the walls of the capillaries and veins.

Blood Pressure and Age

Another culprit of veiny eyelids and face is due to high blood pressure, which can cause inflammation of the eyelids as a result. Rubbing of one’s face and eyelids too harshly can also break the very fragile capillaries within the eyelids. The aging process also takes its toll on every organ within the body. Aging skin becomes thinner, and as it does, the eyelid veins within naturally become more prominent.

Lifestyle

Excessive stress to the eyes, such as reading in harsh or dim light or spending extended time at the computer, can damage the eyes and the surrounding tissue, causing veiny eyelids and other problems.

Exposure to Sunlight

Though regular exposure to sunlight is just a normal part of life and necessary for a person’s health and well-being, overexposure can damage the skin, including the eyelids. Eyelids are some of the most commonly unprotected places on the face, and sun damage can cause the skin around the eyes to age as well as spider veins.

Results

Patients that elect to undergo blepharoplasty experience the benefit of being able to return home shortly after the procedure has been completed. Patients report minimal side effects associated with this treatment which may include minimal swelling, bruising and puffiness at the incision point alongside the potential for temporarily blurry or watery eyes. To learn about possible complications, click here.

Many of these symptoms are easily treated with over-the-counter pain medications. We also recommend applying a cold compress to the eyes for about 24-hours following the procedure. Incision scars fade over time and are often reduced in appearance by the strategic placement within the crease of the eyelid.

Many patients see immediate and lasting results after undergoing blepharoplasty while those with more severe drooping eyelid may prefer to undergo the treatment multiple times to achieve the desired results. As an added benefit to improved vision, the lifting of the eyelids generally leads to a more youthful appearance for many patients.

Contact

Prospective patients considering blepharoplasty to improve the lift of eyelids are encouraged to schedule a no-cost consultation at our Michigan center for cosmetic surgery, the Skin and Vein Center. It’s important that patients check with their insurance providers prior to undergoing treatment as the cost of blepharoplasty that improves an individual’s vision may potentially be covered.

If you’re interested in Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery in Michigan, call the Skin and Vein Center today!

FAQ

What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery, medically known as blepharoplasty, is a procedure for those looking to regain or keep a youthful appearance. This procedure removes excess skin and fat, corrects sagging eyelids, reduces fat deposits below the eye, and removes excess skin from the upper or lower eyelids.

Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

Candidates for eyelid surgery include those experiencing excess or loose skin, bags or bulges under the eyes, or puffy eyelids or eyelid hooding.

What is the eyelid surgery procedure?

For the upper eye, incisions are made in the crease above the eye and a thin crescent of excess skin is removed. For fatty deposit removal under the eyes, a small incision is made just inside the lower eyelid and the fat is removed.

What kind of anesthesia is used during eyelid surgery?

Eyelid reduction surgery is done with a local anesthetic, and in some cases, a mild sedative.

How can I prepare for eyelid surgery?

No special preparation is required.

What can I expect during the procedure?

Incisions are made and the excess skin/fat is removed and then sutured.

What can I expect post-procedure?

You may experience mild discomfort or some swelling. You can expect to see a more youthful look. If excess skin was blocking your vision, you will experience a wider field of vision.

What is the recovery time for eyelid surgery?

During the recovery, you should keep your head elevated to reduce swelling and bruising. You should also apply cold compress for the first 24-hours and use the recommended ointment. Most patients recover in 10 to 14 days.

What are the risks associated with eyelid surgery?

Risks associated with eyelid surgery include swelling and bruising, eye dryness, difficulty closing your eyes, bleeding from the incisions, and infection.

What is the cost for eyelid surgery?

The cost for eyelid surgery will be discussed at the time of the pre-operative visit.

Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?

Eyelid Surgery is one of the least painful cosmetic procedures that can only bring you a bit of discomfort but a quick recovery!