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.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) After Care Instructions

• Postoperative Instructions

  After surgery it is best for you to keep your head elevated on 2 pillows when in bed.

  Apply ice packs to your eyes for at least the first 72 hours to minimize swelling and bruising you will have after surgery. Use ice packs to your eyes every 2 hours for 20 minutes while awake. It is easiest to use frozen corn or peas that can be re-frozen.

  IF YOU HAVE DISCOMFORT IN YOUR EYES, TAKE THE PAIN MEDICATION AS DIRECTED. It is best to take it with crackers, Jello, etc. APPLY REFRESH PLUS EYE DROPS (AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER) IN EACH EYE (2-3 DROPS) AS OFTEN AS YOU NEED THEM. If you have no pain, do not take the medication. Do not drink alcohol until you have stopped the pain medication.

  A light diet is best on the surgery day after you get home. Begin by taking liquids slowly and progress to soups or jello. You can start the next day with a regular diet.

  You can expect some bleeding from the suture lines and swelling of the eyelids. However, you should call the office if you have a continuous bloody drip, significantly more swelling on one side than the other, or any severe eye pain.

  IF YOUR EYES BURN OR REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN WHEN SLEEPING, APPLY THE REFRESH P.M. OINTMENT (AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER) INSIDE THE EYELID AS LONG AS NEEDED. THIS WILL MAKE YOUR VISION BLURRY, BUT IT WILL CLEAR AS THE OINTMENT IS ABSORBED.

  USE TOBRADEX EYE DROPS IN EACH EYE (2 DROPS) 3 TIMES PER DAY FOR THE FIRST 3- 4 DAYS.

  The 2nd day after surgery you can begin washing your face (but not your eyelids) gently with a mild soap (Ivory or Neutrogena) and rinse with water. It will not hurt to get water on the stitches or in the eyes.

  Smiling, yawning, or pulling on the eyelids should be avoided for 1 week after surgery. This is especially important the first few days following removal of the stitches.

  Avoid strenuous activity (INCREASING YOUR HEART RATE ABOVE 100 BEATS PER MINUTE) i.e., aerobics, heavy lifting, and bending over for the first 3 weeks after surgery. After 2 weeks you should slowly increase your activities so you will be back to normal by the end of the 3rd week.

  If you experience itching in the eyes or any discomfort after a few days postoperatively, warm compresses will relieve your symptoms.

  If your eyes become red and irritated or if you form yellow matter in your eyes, discontinue the ointment and call our office.

  If you awaken in the morning with eye irritation or red eye-it means you need to use more Refresh Plus at nigh as your eyelids do not close completely for several weeks after surgery.

  General Information

  Tearing often occurs after surgery. This will stop as the swelling goes away.

  Tightness of the eyelids is a normal feeling after surgery. This may make it hard to close the eyelids completely. This will relax with time. There may be a feeling of numbness of the eyelids that will subside with time.

  Red discoloration of the eyes may occur if there is a lot of swelling. This is painless, will not harm your vision, and will disappear completely. This swelling may also cause the lower lid to pull away from the eye. This will subside as the swelling goes down.

  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.

  Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3 weeks after surgery. If you must bend down to pick something up, bend at the knees and not at the waist.

  All incisions will be extremely sensitive to sunlight during the healing phase. Direct sun is to be avoided. When going out, even on cloudy days, use a sunscreen with SPF 20 or greater that has both UVA and UVB protection for at least 6 months.

  Take your medications carefully and only as directed.

  If you have nausea, vomiting, rash, shortness of breath, or diarrhea after taking your medications, please call the office.

  If you develop a fever (oral temperature greater than 101o), and/or have redness or increased pain at the site of your surgical incisions, please call Dr. Sundine’s office immediately at 949-706-3100 (Irvine Office) or 949-677-5845 (Dr. Sundine’s cell).