Blepharoplasty

What is a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure more commonly referred to as an eyelid lift procedure or eye lift. It involves removing loose, excess tissue and drooping skin and, in some cases, tightening the muscles of the upper and lower eyelids. It may also involve resuspending fatty deposits to restore the natural contours of the eye area and create a brighter, more youthful look. This reduces drooping or sagging that can contribute to a tired and aged appearance, including dark circles and bags under the eyes.

Am I a Candidate for a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty may be a good option for patients who are unhappy with droopy eyelids, sagging, or wrinkles in the eyelid area. It can also be used to reshape the eyelids in younger patients who would prefer a different look. Blepharoplasty can also, in some cases, be used to improve a patient’s eyesight if droopy upper eyelids obstruct their vision. A lower eyelid lift can further address puffiness and bags under the eyes for a refreshed, youthful appearance.

Before pursuing upper or lower eyelid surgery, you should be generally healthy overall. Dr. Paquet will review your health history, including your use of blood thinners, and examine your eyelid area to develop a personalized treatment plan and determine your candidacy. He will also discuss realistic expectations for your blepharoplasty results, so you have a clear understanding of what the procedure can achieve. In some cases, you will also be asked to see an ophthalmologist prior to surgery to determine that blepharoplasty is a safe option. Certain eye diseases or conditions, such as dry eyes or glaucoma, can be worsened by blepharoplasty.

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Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is especially appealing to patients who wear eye makeup because excess upper eyelid skin can obscure products and even crease them away entirely. In the same vein, sagging lower eyelids and bags can’t always be effectively concealed with makeup. Upper and lower blepharoplasty are long-term solutions for patients who are bothered by these concerns. Blepharoplasty can also open up the eyes, creating a more alert look. Finally, for some patients, drooping skin can even obstruct vision, meaning upper lid blepharoplasty can come with meaningful medical benefits.

Types of Blepharoplasty

Two types of blepharoplasty exist and Dr. Paquet can help you determine whether you can benefit from a single or combination plastic surgery package. He may also recommend combining blepharoplasty with other facial cosmetic surgery options for best results.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery works to remove excess skin from droopy upper eyelids. This drooping skin can be removed using an incision in the natural crease of the eye, revealing more of the mobile lid. The procedure can also remove excess fat and reposition fatty deposits to restore natural contours. A brow lift is a common addition to this procedure, although it may need to be performed instead of eyelid surgery. Sagging brows can also cause the upper lids to press downward, meaning Dr. Paquet’s expertise can determine the best procedure for your needs.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

A lower eyelid lift can smooth undereye bags and sagging lower eyelids. It uses an incision within the lash line or inside the lower eyelid to resuspend sagging tissues, including fatty deposits, and remove excess fat to address bags under the eyes and dark circles. This can get rid of deep grooves or troughs under the eyes. Lower eyelid surgery can also be beneficial for patients who have lower eyelids that pull away from the eyes, causing dry eyes.

Before Your Blepharoplasty Procedure

During a consultation with Dr. Paquet, you’ll discuss your cosmetic concerns and which cosmetic eyelid surgery can best achieve your ideal results. Together, you’ll develop a treatment plan and set realistic expectations for your blepharoplasty results. You’ll review your medical history and medication list, including any blood thinners, to ensure a safe and effective procedure. Bloodwork might be requested by Dr. Paquet, and you’ll meet with our team to review paperwork. We recommend stopping blood-thinning medications, smoking, and alcohol to reduce risks and promote healing during your recovery.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure typically performed under general anesthesia, IV sedation, or local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. You may have the surgery on your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your treatment plan and intended results. Surgery is usually relatively quick, taking only 60 to 90 minutes.

In an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, incisions are made along the crease of the upper eyelid to remove excess skin and excess tissue. Through these incisions, drooping skin is removed and, as needed, the procedure can also remove excess fat and tighten the muscles. Once the desired appearance has been created, the incisions are closed using sutures.

In a lower eyelid lift, incisions are made on the inside of the lower eyelid through a hidden incision. Excess skin, excess tissue, and fatty deposits are removed or repositioned to restore natural contours and address bags under the eyes. The incisions are then closed using absorbable sutures.

Lower and upper eyelid surgery can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures like a facelift.

After Your Blepharoplasty Procedure

Following blepharoplasty, a lubricating ointment is applied to the eyes. This will likely cause your vision to be blurry in the early stages of recovery. Other side effects include swelling, redness or bruising, watering eyes, light sensitivity, and slight discomfort. Due to light sensitivity, patients are often advised to wear sunglasses in the car when they are driven home. You may need to wear them at certain points throughout your recovery, too. Dr. Paquet may prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable during the first few days of recovery.

Ice packs can be used to reduce swelling and discomfort during the early days of healing. Through the first few weeks of recovery, you should avoid using contact lenses and will be given instructions to use eyedrops and ointments or otherwise care for the area. Most patients require about one to two weeks of downtime after their blepharoplasty. Most patients can return to normal activities within 7-10 days. With realistic expectations and proper aftercare, blepharoplasty results can be long-lasting and transformative.

Why Choose Paquet Plastic Surgery?

When it comes to a delicate cosmetic procedure like blepharoplasty, the experience and credentials of your surgeon matter greatly. Dr. Christian Paquet is a board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a focus exclusively on procedures of the face and neck. As the founder and director of Paquet Facial Plastic Surgery, he brings a refined level of expertise and artistry to every procedure he performs.

By limiting his practice to the face and neck, Dr. Paquet has developed a deep understanding of the delicate anatomy of the eye area, allowing him to deliver precise, natural-looking blepharoplasty results. Whether you are considering an upper eyelid lift, a lower eyelid lift, or a combination approach, you can feel confident that you are in the hands of a specialist who is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. Patients throughout the Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona area trust Dr. Paquet for his personalized approach, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving outcomes that align with each patient’s unique goals and realistic expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty