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Loose skin and fat deposits can cause eyelids to droop, creating a tired appearance. Eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) performed by our experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Thomas Lintner, can address this concern. Over the years, national plastic surgery statistics gathered by organizations such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have consistently listed eyelid surgery as one of the top five surgeries performed. This surgery tends to give patients the most value for their money and creates a fresher and more approachable look.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids. Although each is considered an independent surgery, most patients have eyelid surgery performed on both to create a balanced appearance. In some cases, Dr. Lintner may suggest incorporating a brow lift as well, for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Other procedures that are commonly combined with blepharoplasty include facelift, microdermabrasion, and IPL laser resurfacing.
Depending on your individual concerns, Dr. Lintner can perform upper and/or lower eyelid surgery to address various signs of aging around the eyes.
Eyelid surgery can help qualified candidates achieve a more rested and rejuvenated appearance by removing loose skin and fat as well as tightening the delicate skin around the eyes to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, vision may be improved for patients who experience ptosis (sagging skin) in the upper eyelid area, since any obstruction caused by excess skin can be eliminated.
I felt as though Dr. Lintner and I were more on the same page and he was much more personable that the other doctors that I consulted with.M.S.G.
Individuals who have bags under their eyes and/or an overabundance of skin and fat above the eyes are typically considered good candidates for blepharoplasty. Patients should also be in good overall health. During your consultation with Dr. Lintner, a review of your medical history and a comprehensive exam can help determine if this procedure is right for you. To improve overall outcomes, Dr. Lintner sometimes recommends combining eyelid surgery with another procedure.
Blepharoplasty may not be necessary to treat the specific concerns of certain patients—in these cases, Dr. Lintner might suggest a less invasive treatment instead, such as BOTOX® injections.
Since every individual develops signs of aging or other concerns around their eyes at different periods in their lives, there really is no ideal age to undergo this procedure. At our practice, patients who are considering eyelid surgery are often about 40 years of age or older; however, the specific concerns of each patient, their level of severity, and an individual’s current state of health are usually more important factors than age when it comes to determining if this procedure is the best option. During your consultation, Dr. Lintner will evaluate your general health in addition to your needs and expectations to decide whether eyelid surgery is the most ideal treatment.
Upper eyelid surgery is a very delicate procedure designed to rejuvenate the skin in the area above the eye. This is achieved by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue, which helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles. By having this loose skin removed, patients who previously had their eyesight obstructed should have their full field of vision restored. Dr. Lintner also performs a browpexy for these patients at the same time, which prevents the removal of upper lid skin from pulling down the eyebrows and making one look angry or stern.
Puffiness and bags below the eyes can be eliminated with lower eyelid surgery. The fat pockets beneath the eyes can be repositioned to help fill hollow-looking tear troughs, and excess skin and fat may be removed. Lower eyelid surgery can provide the additional benefit of creating a more youthful-looking cheek appearance as lax tissue is tightened.
Double eyelid surgery, also referred to as “Asian eyelid surgery,” is a specialized version of the upper blepharoplasty procedure that is typically performed in patients of other ethnicities. The purpose of this procedure is to eliminate excess fat and enhance or create the crease in those who naturally do not have an eyelid fold.
Dr. Lintner performs eyelid surgery in-office under local anesthesia with nitrous oxide, helping patients avoid the initial side effects of recovering from general anesthesia. For patients undergoing upper eyelid surgery, tiny incisions are made along the crease of the upper eyelid, allowing Dr. Lintner to carefully remove loose skin and excess fat in the area. The skin is then skillfully tightened and reattached for a rejuvenated appearance. He then performs a browpexy to subtly lift the center and outer edge of the eyebrow for improved results. With lower eyelid surgery, redundant tissue under the eye is removed via a small, carefully placed incision. Remaining skin is then smoothed and tightened, helping to create a more rested and revitalized look.
Following surgery, patients will likely experience some swelling and bruising around the eyes, but these side effects typically subside after a week or two. Any potential discomfort should be able to be managed with medication, and cold compresses can help reduce swelling/bruising during recovery. Strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks, but many daily routines can be resumed a few days after surgery.
Following surgery, patients will likely experience some swelling and bruising around the eyes, but these side effects typically subside after a week or two. Any potential discomfort should be able to be managed with medication, and cold compresses can help reduce swelling/bruising during recovery. Strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks, but many daily routines can be resumed a few days after surgery.
In many cases, the results of eyelid surgery can last for approximately 7 to 10 years. With that in mind, it is important to note that the longevity of results is different for each patient. In addition to each patient’s unique response to the natural aging process, factors such as good skin care regimens, sun protection, avoidance of smoking, and others will play a part in determining how long the effects of eyelid surgery will last. Taking care of your skin and your overall health can go a long way toward maintaining exceptional results well into the future.
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty comes with some degree of risk. During the consultation process, Dr. Lintner will go over potential complications with you in detail, ensuring you are fully informed about your procedure and know what to expect. Possible complications that can occur after eyelid surgery include difficulty closing your eyelids, dry eye, numbness, and infection. Dr. Lintner uses meticulous surgical technique to minimize your risk of complications, and will provide you with post-operative care instructions to help make your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible. Should you notice any symptoms of complications, please do not hesitate to call us.
There is currently no non-surgical alternative to eyelid surgery that can effectively reduce excess skin or rejuvenate areas around the eyes with results that are as significant or as long-lasting. That said, patients who are primarily concerned with crow’s feet and expression lines around the eyes may benefit from a treatment such as BOTOX® Cosmetic. This popular injectable can smooth away wrinkles for a more refreshed and youthful appearance; however, the results are temporary, and follow-up injections will be necessary to maintain the effects for extended periods. For patients who have excess, drooping skin over the eyes and those who would like to address puffiness and bagginess in the eyelid regions, surgery is often the most effective choice.
Eyelid surgery may be eligible for insurance coverage when it is deemed “medically necessary”—typically in cases where excess eyelid skin is causing vision impairment or other functional issues. However, when blepharoplasty is performed for cosmetic purposes, it is generally considered an elective procedure and is unlikely to be covered by insurance.
During the eyelid surgery procedure, anesthesia is administered, meaning that patients should not experience any pain. For the first few days to weeks after surgery, there may be some minor-to-moderate bruising and swelling around the eyes. Most patients are able to manage any postoperative discomfort with pain medication, cold compresses, and adequate amounts of rest.
In order to avoid irritating the incision sites and impairing postoperative healing, patients are generally advised to avoid wearing eye makeup for at least two weeks after surgery. During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Lintner can assess the progress of your recovery and provide you with a personalized timeline for when it is appropriate to begin wearing makeup again.
Swelling is a normal part of the blepharoplasty recovery process, but there are steps you can take to reduce discomfort and optimize your recovery. Dr. Lintner recommends the following strategies for managing swelling after eyelid surgery:
All surgical procedures entail some degree of risk, but when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, eyelid surgery is generally considered quite safe. Dr. Lintner has decades of experience helping patients achieve their cosmetic goals, and he is committed to upholding the highest possible standards of patient care. He will thoroughly explain the blepharoplasty procedure to you and outline the potential risks associated with surgery so that you can make an informed choice. Dr. Lintner strives to be a partner in your healthcare, and he will do everything in his power to ensure you feel comfortable, confident, and empowered throughout the treatment process.
In cases where vision impairment is being caused by loose, overhanging upper eyelid skin, upper blepharoplasty may be able to restore a more open field of vision by removing the obstructing skin. During a consultation, Dr. Lintner can assess your concerns and determine whether upper eyelid surgery is right for you.
If you are considering eyelid surgery, contact Advanced Aesthetic Surgery today. Our helpful and courteous staff will answer any questions you may have regarding eyelid surgery. They will also schedule a consultation for you to meet with Dr. Lintner for an assessment of your blepharoplasty needs and to determine what other procedures, if any, would supplement your eyelid surgery.