Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty or oculoplastic surgery) can be performed on the upper and lower eyelids to help your eyes look younger and brighter. The overall result makes your eyelids more taut, which, in turn, provides a more rested and alert appearance.

The surgeons at Renaissance Plastic Surgery have extensive experience with both upper and lower eyelid surgery, and they are also informed about the latest advances in these procedures. In order for eyelid surgery to be a success, you need a surgeon with this kind of skill and expertise.

Every surgery we perform is customized to give you the appearance you want in a way that looks natural, while also staying safe and medically sound.

In the evaluation of your eyes, our surgeons will evaluate your forehead and eyebrow position to determine what is necessary for optimal results. Eyebrow repositioning (brow lift) is often done in conjunction with eyelid surgery. The surgeon will discuss this in more detail at the time of your consultation.

What can upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) correct?

• Puffiness of the upper eyelids
• Droopy, saggy skin that hangs over the upper eyelid (and, in some cases, interferes with vision)

What can lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) correct?

• Under-eye bags
• Sagging skin under the eyes that causes the bottom of the eyeball to show
• Wrinkles under the eyes

Are there visible scars after eyelid surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making incisions within the natural creases of the upper eyelids.

Lower eyelid incisions are usually made below the lash line to minimize a visible scar. In certain situations, an incision is made inside the eyelid, and the fat is removed from the inside. If mild skin wrinkling is present, it can be corrected during the same operation with a chemical peel or laser resurfacing.

What happens during eyelid surgery?

No two surgeries are the same. We will discuss your particular case with you in detail so that you know exactly what to expect during and after your procedure.

Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure. You will receive a local anesthetic with deep sedation or general anesthesia, and the full surgery will take 1-3 hours.

In the case of drooping upper eyelids, for example, the incision is made in the natural crease, and the excess skin and any fatty tissue is removed to create a smoother eyelid. The incisions will be closed with stitches that will be removed approximately 5 days later.

During lower blepharoplasty, excess skin and eye bags in the lower lid area are removed. In most cases, the lid is also tightened with deeper sutures that do not require removal. Drooping skin and tissues from the cheek area may also be lifted, if necessary, to create a younger look.

What can you expect after eyelid surgery?

You will be able to go home the same day, but you must have someone available to drive you home and possibly spend the first night, as you will be drowsy from the anesthesia.

You can expect some bruising and swelling around your eyes for a period of days to weeks. When the healing process is complete, your eyelids will look naturally taut and more youthful.

After a few days, you may cover any discoloration with makeup so that you can return to work and normal activities as soon as possible.

Your stitches will be removed within a week after your surgery. Eyelid skin tends to heal quickly.

How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?

The need to perform a second blepharoplasty is uncommon; however, as the aging process continues, excess skin may eventually recur. This can usually be addressed under local anesthesia by removing a “pinch” of skin, applying a chemical peel, or laser resurfacing.

Our patients have been very happy with their appearance after eyelid surgery, which has helped them look years younger.

Is eyelid surgery right for you?

Our physicians at Renaissance Plastic Surgery can help you choose the best procedures for the outcome you want. We listen carefully to how you wish to look and give you a realistic vision as to what we can accomplish for you. For example, we may recommend a different surgery such as a brow lift or a non-surgical procedure to best achieve your goals.

Most importantly, we want to answer all of your questions so that you feel completely comfortable with us and the procedures you have chosen.

Contact us now to discuss eyelid surgery / blepharoplasty.