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Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a facial plastic surgery procedure that can produce dramatic results, rejuvenating the eyes and making you look more refreshed and rested. It is very important in blepharoplasty surgery to be conservative, since the excessive removal or skin or fat can create long term functional and aesthetic consequences. Patients from Houston and The Woodlands trust Board-Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sanaz Harirchian to provide blepharoplasty results that leave them looking naturally refreshed and rejuvenated.
What happens to our eyes as they age?
The eyes are a central focus of our face. They convey emotion, and communicate with others. Over time, a number of changes naturally occur around the eyes, leading to a more aged and tired appearance.
The orbital septum, which is a membranous sheet in the eye, can weaken, allowing the protrusion of orbital fat and creating “bags” under the eye or in the upper eyelid. The skin may develop wrinkles. The orbicularis muscle, which is the main muscle of the eyelid, may weaken and descend, in addition to the cheek fat pad. This weakening and descent of the cheek and fat herniation of the lower eyelid may create significant hollows under the eyelids or the “tear trough” deformity. These changes in the skin or fat around the eyes can produce noticeable signs of aging. This can result in a tired or aged look.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a facial cosmetic surgery procedure performed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Sometimes referred to as an eyelid lift, blepharoplasty can be performed to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including drooping eyelids, under eye bags, and puffiness. Blepharoplasty can be performed on either the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
- Benefits of blepharoplasty include:
- A more youthful appearance
- A more rested appearance
- Elimination of baggy or droopy eyelids
- Reduction of excess skin around the eyelids
- Reduction of excess fat around the eyes
- Reduced under eye puffiness and bags
- Reduced dark circles and discoloration under the lower eyelids
- Enhanced definition of the upper eyelid contour
- Long-lasting results
Blepharoplasty is not solely a cosmetic procedure: for patients who encounter significant ptosis (sagging skin) of the upper eyelids that obstructs their vision, a functional blepharoplasty may be performed.1
Patient Results
Before
After
Before
AfterWho is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
If you are troubled by saggy or droopy eyelid skin, under eye bags, or other factors that make your eyes appear aged or tired, you may benefit from an eyelid lift. A good candidate for blepharoplasty:
- Is in good overall health
- Is not a smoker
- Has realistic expectations about what can be achieved through plastic surgery2
Preparing for Eyelid Surgery
The key to feeling prepared for eyelid lift surgery is to attend a consultation with Dr. Harirchian. During this appointment, you will be able to be candid about your cosmetic goals. Dr. Harirchian will examine your upper and lower eyelid area, then conduct a brief review of your medical history. She will then educate you about the blepharoplasty procedure, and together you will decide if an eyelid lift is right for you. When your surgical procedure is scheduled, you will receive detailed pre- and postoperative instructions.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
For upper lid blepharoplasty, incisions are made in the natural upper eyelid crease. During lower eyelid surgery, incisions are made along the lash line and in the natural creases below the eye. Excess skin and excess fat are then removed, and the underlying muscles are tightened. The incisions are then closed with sutures.3
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Each person has a slightly different healing process after eyelid lift surgery. It is normal to experience some bruising and swelling around the eyes after a blepharoplasty procedure, but this will naturally resolve within a few weeks. You may feel some discomfort after blepharoplasty, and this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses or ice packs.
Most of Dr. Harirchian’s patients are able to return to work within a week or two of their blepharoplasty surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty
How long until I notice my blepharoplasty results?
You will begin to notice results within a few weeks of your eyelid lift. Final results should be noticeable within three to six months, after all swelling has resolved.4
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Your eyelid lift will be performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. It is normal to experience discomfort during the blepharoplasty recovery period, but this can be managed with pain medication.
Will I have scars after my eyelid lift?
Dr. Harirchian makes discrete incisions for blepharoplasty within the natural creases of the upper and lower eyelid, so there should be no visible scarring.
How long will my blepharoplasty results last?
The results of an eyelid lift are long-lasting. Still, no procedure can stop the natural aging process, so you may desire a touch-up after a number of years.
Is blepharoplasty covered by insurance?
When blepharoplasty is performed solely for cosmetic reasons, it is considered to be an elective procedure and is not eligible for coverage. However, if saggy skin (ptosis) obstructs a patient’s vision, functional blepharoplasty may be deemed medically necessary. In these cases, the surgery may be covered by insurance.
Can I combine my blepharoplasty with other procedures?
Yes. Many of Dr. Harirchian’s patients choose to undergo eyelid surgery in conjunction with other procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift. For more pronounced facial rejuvenation, you may also wish to combine your blepharoplasty with BOTOX®, dermal fillers, or laser skin resurfacing.
Is eyelid lift surgery safe?
Blepharoplasty is a commonly performed procedure that is considered to be safe, especially when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Harirchian. Risks, complications, and side effects of blepharoplasty are rare, and may include:
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Dry eye
- Temporary vision changes including double vision and blurry vision
- Noticeable scarring
- Difficulty closing the eyes5
Contact Dr. Harirchian
If you live in Houston, The Woodlands, or nearby communities and would like to rejuvenate your eye area with an eyelid lift, please contact us to schedule your blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. Harirchian.
Dr Harirchian was very kind and patient with all my questions. I just got my stitches out but I am already loving the results of my upper eyelid surgery!
1Mayo Clinic. Blepharoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174. Accessed March 6, 2023.
2American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/candidates. Accessed March 6, 2023.
3UCSF Health. Eyelid Surgery. Available: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/treatments/eyelid-surgery. Accessed March 6, 2023.
4American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What results should I expect after eyelid surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/results. Accessed March 6, 2023.
5Mayo Clinic. Blepharoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174. Accessed March 6, 2023.