Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Many individuals struggle with signs of age and exhaustion around the eyes. As the passage of time causes skin in this area to become increasingly lax, Dr Rory Dower understands that the resulting appearance of droopy, tired, or puffy eyes can cause women and men to look older than they actually are. For some individuals, the drooping of the eyelids can be so significant that excess skin obstructs their field of vision. Eyelid surgery—also referred to as blepharoplasty—can be performed on both the upper and/or lower eyelids to rejuvenate the eyes, improve the look of a tired or aged appearance, and restore the full scope of vision for those whose eyesight is currently impeded by sagging skin. Our experienced plastic surgeon performs the surgery with the goal of using meticulous surgical technique to create a refreshed and rested appearance around the eyes for a natural-looking outcome.

Commonly known as an eyelid lift, the procedure can address wrinkles, deep lines, and puffiness in the eyes resulting from genetics, sun exposure, the natural aging process, or other factors. These aspects all have different cosmetic influences on the upper and lower eyelids, respectively. Dr Dower and his team seek to fulfill each patient’s surgical goals by developing a personalized treatment plan designed to address all of the unique aesthetic concerns an individual may have. Eyelid surgery can often be combined with other surgical procedures—such as a brow lift—or adjunctive rejuvenative treatments from our medical spa (such as Chemical Peels and Medical Facials) to provide a more comprehensive final outcome.

Benefits

Eyelid surgery is designed to create a more youthful appearance under and around the eyes. While capable of providing many benefits, this procedure requires an aesthetic surgeon to make strategic adjustments in a manner that does not change the character of the face, nor produces an “overdone” look. Depending on each patient’s unique needs and goals, eyelid surgery performed by Dr Dower can effectively:

Remove excess skin and tighten the remaining skin in the upper or lower eyelids
Reduce pockets of fat in the upper or lower eyelids
Smooth wrinkles around the eyes
Improve dark circles and puffiness under the lower eyelid
Improve “hooding” or “drooping” effect of the upper eyelid
Restore field of vision

About the Procedure

Eyelid surgery can be performed to rejuvenate the upper and/or lower eyelids. Depending on the exact nature of your treatment plan, the procedure can utilize either general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or IV sedation. Dr Dower will speak openly and honestly about the different aspects of surgery, including the involved risks and expectations for the outcome, at the time of consultation.

Upper Eyelid Lift

In the upper eyelid, the natural aging process often causes skin to stretch and excess fat to congregate, creating upper eyelid bags and a “hooding” effect that may or may not obstruct vision. Contrastingly, a loss of volume in some areas that compromises the eyelid’s youthful contour may also occur.

An upper eyelid lift can restore a younger-looking, refreshed appearance by removing excess eyelid skin, and injecting or removing fat depending on your individual needs. Incisions are placed inconspicuously in the natural folds of the eyelid. Post-operatively, a very thin suture is required to keep the skin in place while it heals— the suture is removed approximately one week after surgery.

Lower Eyelid Lift

Signs of aging in the lower eyelid generally appear in the form of excess skin and changes in fat and/or volume distribution. These factors can result in under-eye bags, dark circles, or puffiness, often creating an aged or fatigued look.

Depending on your unique needs and goals, a lower eyelid lift can excise excess skin, reposition the fat under the eyes, or restore lost volume where necessary. The procedure places incisions on the inside of the eyelid along the eyelash line, often allowing any residual scarring to be discreet and virtually undetectable.

Results and Recovery

Following eyelid surgery, patients generally require one to two weeks of recovery time before returning to normal activity, though the particulars of your healing period depend on the complexity of your treatment plan. Those who opt for an upper eyelid lift commonly experience slight bruising around the eyes for approximately one week, which typically dissipates as healing progresses. In both upper and lower eyelid lifts, individuals can expect some degree of bruising or swelling post-operatively. Any discomfort can be managed with oral pain medication.

Patients generally report a rejuvenated facial appearance that is more alert and youthful as a result of eyelid surgery. Dr Dower strives to have transparent communication with eyelid surgery candidates so they are fully informed of the entire process, which can help result in high levels of patient satisfaction after treatment. Proper skin care and sun exposure protection through the use of sunglasses and sunscreen is vital to prolonging the results of surgery.

For more information about eyelid surgery with Dr Dower, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice today.