Eyelid Rejuvenation

Asian blepharoplasty, also known as “double eyelid surgery”, is a type of cosmetic surgery where the skin around the eye is reshaped. The purpose of the procedure is to create an upper eyelid with a crease (i.e. “double eyelid”) from an eyelid without a crease (i.e. “single eyelid”).

Primarily people have upper eyelid blepharoplasty for reasons of excess skin of the upper eyelid that creates an appearance of tired, aging eyelids and for bulges of the eyelid that convey an appearance of tiredness. Other common reasons include excess skin that blocks the field of vision or to create a “double eyelid” in the Asian patient.

An upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. It is routinely performed in my office surgical suite using local anesthesia. The option of having the procedure performed in a surgery center under sedation is an option. In almost ten years of my surgical practice, I have never had any patient not tolerate an upper eyelid blepharoplasty performed using only local anesthesia. However, pre-operative medication can be used to reduce anxiety. Incisions are made along the eyelids in inconspicuous places (in the creases of the upper lids). Excess tissue is removed through these incisions and fine stitches are meticulously placed to close the incision.

The benefits of cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty include, a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance to the upper eyelid. My results are typically so natural that your friends usually don’t identify that you underwent an eyelid rejuvenation procedure. Post operatively my patients are typically told how good and rested they appear. It is difficult for the layperson to decipher how incredible a blepharoplasty can alter persons aging eyes.

Complications from upper eyelid blepharoplasty are rare and unusual. As with any surgical procedure, post-operative bleeding and infection can occur. Dry eyes after blepharoplasty is possible but is usually temporary. Other rare complications include difficulty with full eyelid closure.

An upper or lower blepharoplasty typically takes 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on how much work is done.

Immediately after surgery patients are instructed to go home and rest. The head is elevated on at least two pillows and cold compresses are applied to the eyes for 15 or 20 minutes of every hour while awake for the first 24 hours. Varying degrees of swelling and discoloration, which usually subsides within ten days, follows each operation. Patients are instructed to not lift greater than 15 pounds for the first week and to avoid lying in the sun. Sunglasses and possibly a hat are recommended when going out in the sun. There is usually little to no pain in the post-operative period. Analgesic (pain medicine) will be prescribed, as will prophylactic antibiotics. Our office will provide complete post-operative care instructions.

Sutures are removed between 5-7 days after surgery. Work can be resumed within the first week but this depends on your specific job responsibilities. All strenuous activity can be resumed two weeks after surgery. By this time, the thread thin scars can be successfully camouflaged by make-up. These scars gradually blend in well with the surrounding skin over the next few months.

The effects of blepharoplasty last many years and are many times even permanent.