What to Expect with Blepharoplasty Surgery (Eyelid Lift)

Sagging eyelids caused by excessive skin and fatty tissue can make a person look tired all the time, as well as appear much older than they are. Drooping eyelids can also interfere with one’s vision. Thankfully, blepharoplasty surgery – also called eyelid surgery or an eyelift – can reverse the effects of aging on the eyes.

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which excessive skin and fat are removed from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Sometimes called an eyelid lift, blepharoplasty has become so popular in the last few years that it is now in the top five most common cosmetic surgeries.

Excess or sagging skin around the eyes can make a person look tired and add years to their appearance. But blepharoplasty surgery can shave off years and provide a refreshing dose of self-confidence. Dr. Ali is a board-certified plastic surgeon at AMAE Med Spa in the Troy MI area who has performed hundreds of blepharoplasty surgeries. In this article he offers important information about Blepharoplasty surgery, to help you decide if an eyelid lift is right for you.

Anti-Aging Benefits of Blepharoplasty

As the years go by, the skin produces less collagen and elastin. This results in sagging, drooping and loss of the “snap back” that skin had when we were younger. Genetics, lifestyle, sun exposure and even gravity all play a roll in determining how and when a person’s eyelids will begin to sag and droop.

And when extra skin or fatty tissue around the eyelids is present, the muscles around the eyes can have a more difficult time keeping them lifted. Vision can become partially blocked over time by droopy eyelids, and saggy eyelids and “bags” can make a person look and feel old and tired.

But blepharoplasty can reverse this issue, by surgically removing excess and/or stretched skin and fat around the eyes. The result is a more youthful, rested appearance – as well as improved vision in many cases!

All blepharoplasty treatments begin with an initial consultation. Dr. Ali will go over everything the patient can expect throughout their procedure.

Blepharoplasty for the Upper Eyelids

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure which does not require general anesthesia (being “put to sleep”), and does not need a hospital stay. The eyelid area will be thoroughly numbed, so that patients will feel no pain or discomfort. The procedure itself is relatively straightforward in the hands of a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali.

In upper eyelid blepharoplasty, extra skin and fat are removed by way of a small incision made at the natural fold where the eyelid creases. Once the excess tissue has been eliminated, the incision is closed with tine stitches, so that scaring will be concealed in the crease not be clearly visible.

Blepharoplasty for the Lower Eyelids

The process of lower eyelid surgery is very similar. However, the tiny incision will be made directly behind the patient’s lower eyelid – so no scarring will be visible. Any excess fat and tissue under the skin will be surgically removed, leaving behind no baggy pockets beneath the eyes.

Blepharoplasty Preparation

As with any surgical procedure, it is important to properly prepare to achieve the best results and the fastest recovery. Even though blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure with minimal risk, results and recovery can be greatly improved by keeping a few things in mind beforehand.

First of all, patients are advised to stop smoking if at all possible. While we understand that this is challenging, the healing process will be much faster and easier if the patient can avoid cigarettes for at least three to four week prior to surgery.

Patients taking blood thinning medications (including aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Excedrin, Advil, and certain types of herbal supplements) are generally advised to stop taking them for at least one week prior to, and one week following surgery, as these can cause excess bleeding during and after surgery. However, this should be discussed with your prescribing physician. Never stop a medication without your doctor’s approval.

Also, inform Dr. Ali of your medical history. Don’t be shy. Any situation which might affect the procedure or outcome should be discussed during your initial consultation. Dr. Ali will prescribe any medications you may need for pain or infection prevention beforehand, so you can pick them up before surgery.

Finally, make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the procedure is complete, as you will be unable to drive home.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelift) Recovery

Blepharoplasty surgery takes approximately an hour from start to finish for a single eyelid. For those who may choose to do both eyelids at once, this time can be doubled.

It is common to feel some minor discomfort following the procedure. This can last as long as a few days but can typically be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. In some instances, Dr. Ali can prescribe strong pain-relieving medications. This is usually done at the time of the consultation, so that medication may be picked up prior to the surgery.

The presence of any bruising or swelling may last as long as a week before subsiding. A simple cold compress or ice pack should help.

Alternatives to Blepharoplasty Surgery

Every patient is different – and has different desires and beauty goals. An eyelift can be a fantastic solution for regaining a youthful look and removing vision obstructions. But for patients whose cosmetic concerns are wrinkles, rather than sagging lids, an eyebrow lift may be a preferable alternative.

If surgery does not seem like a good fit, talk to Dr. Ali about CO2RE, Profound, Morpheus8 or ThermiEye skin tightening. These nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedures can also rejuvenate the face and eye area using energy based treatments rather than surgery.

Similarly, Dr. Ali can suggest other procedures that can be used to compliment blepharoplasty. Botox, for example, is often used in addition to an eyelid surgery for patients who want to also get rid of fine lines and wrinkles. Some patients might want to consider dermal fillers, or advanced laser and radiofrequency procedures as well.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift) Surgery | Troy, MI area

If you’re tired of looking tired because of sagging, droopy eyelids, Blepharoplasty might be the right choice for you. Contact AMAE Med Spa in the Troy, MI area to schedule a consultation today.

Dr. Ali is here to help you achieve your own unique cosmetic goals. He will happily answer any questions you might have about blepharoplasty or the many other skin tightening and antiaging options available at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in the Troy, MI area.