Blepharoplasty Newport Beach

Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat and, usually, excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Newport Beach eyelid surgery can be performed to correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes — features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. However, it won’t remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows. While it can add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes, it will not erase evidence of your ethnic or racial heritage. Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.

What is a blepharoplasty?

A blepharoplasty, sometimes referred to as an eyelid tuck, is a procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. The procedure is designed to remove some excess skin and possibly some fat from the upper eyelids. In the lower eyelids the procedure is aimed at correcting the bags that develop in the lower eyelids. Typically this involves removing some fat and skin from the lower eyelids.

How do I know if I need a blepharoplasty?

Many patients come to our office seeking improvement in the appearance of their eyelids; however after they have been examined they end up needing a brow lift. To determine the appropriate procedure for each patient we first begin by placing the eyebrow into a pleasing position. If the redundant skin of the upper eyelid disappears when the brow is positioned upward a brow lift would probably be the most appropriate procedure. If elevation of the brow does not improve the appearance of the upper eyelids then an upper eyelid blepharoplasty may be most appropriate. In some cases both a blepharoplasty and brow lift may be needed.

At what age might I need a blepharoplasty?

Typically a blepharoplasty is performed after 35 years of age or older. There are some individuals who may be genetically predisposed and may have lower eyelid bags in their 20’s that may benefit from a blepharoplasty.

How is a blepharoplasty performed?

For the upper eyelid blepharoplasty the incision is designed to fall into the crease in the upper eyelids. A small amount of skin and is removed possibly along with some fat in the upper eyelids. The skin is then sutured together and reinforced with some small tapes. For the lower eyelids there are two possible approaches. In patients who have bags of their lower eyelids but who do not demonstrate significant skin excess (typically younger patients) the procedure may be on the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) without any external scarring. The excess fat creating the bags in the lower eyelids may then be removed through this incision. In those patients who have both lower eyelid bags along with some skin laxity a different approach is taken. These patients require an incision below the lower eyelashes. Through this incision both the fatty bags and the excess skin can be addressed. In some patients who have laxity of the lower eyelids a procedure to tighten the lower lids may need to be added.

How long does it take to perform a blepharoplasty?

Generally it takes about one hour to treat the upper eyelids and another hour to treat the lower eyelids.

Do I need to be hospitalized for a blepharoplasty?

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and will be performed at our fully accredited outpatient surgical center.

What type of anesthesia is used for a blepharoplasty?

A blepharoplasty may be performed under general anesthesia or with sedation. In all cases anesthesia is also used.

Where are the scars for a blepharoplasty located?

The scar for the upper eyelids falls into the upper eyelid crease. For the lower eyelid the scar follows a natural crease below the eyelashes. In cases where a transconjunctival approach is used the scar is actually on the inside of the eyelid. The eyelid skin is very thin and heals quite well.

Is a blepharoplasty a painful procedure?

Typically there is only mild discomfort associated with a blepharoplasty procedure. You may experience a temporary burning sensation after the procedure for an hour or so. Patients are given oral pain medication, which helps to manage any discomfort.

What do I need to following my blepharoplasty?

For the first 72 hours after the surgery you need to take it very easy. You should keep your head elevated and use ice packs on your eyes to minimize any swelling you may have. You should use the eye drops prescribed as well as the pain medication as needed. Your activity should be light for the first three weeks after the surgery. Contacts can be worn when the eyes start feeling normal and the majority of the swelling has subsided. This is usually about 10 days after surgery. If it is necessary to pull down on your eyelid to insert them, they should not be worn for 2 weeks. Wear glasses until then. It is common to have blurred vision after your procedure as the cornea can swell-it can take several weeks to resolve-be patient, it will go away. Cosmetics can be worn on the face as early as 5 days after surgery. However, eyelid or eyelash cosmetics should not be worn until 2 weeks postoperatively.

When are the sutures taken out after the blepharoplasty procedure?

The sutures are removed between postoperative days 5 and 7. There is minimal discomfort associated with removal of the sutures.

When can I return to work following the blepharoplasty?

Patients are generally able to return to work a week following the procedure. Those patients who are very concerned about their privacy may want to wait two weeks before returning to work to make sure that there is no residual bruising or swelling.

How soon can I begin to exercise following the blepharoplasty?

You may perform some exercise such as light walks after the procedure. You should not return to your full exercise regime until three weeks after your surgery. Early strenuous exercise may result in prolonged bruising and swelling and even the risks of developing bleeding behind the eyeball.

Schedule an Orange County Eyelid Surgery Consultation

Dr. Michael J. Sundine is a renowned facial plastic surgeon in Orange County who has more than 23 years of experience helping patients enhance their facial features. In addition to performing eyelid lift in Newport Beach, he is a renowned Orange county rhinoplasty and facelift surgeon. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sundine and learn more about your treatment options, contact his practice today at 949 706 3100.