Eyelid Surgery for a More Refreshed, Youthful Appearance
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to address sagging or drooping upper eyelids, under-eye bags, and excess skin or fat around the eyes. Changes in the eyelids can develop naturally with age, but some people may have a tendency toward under-eye bags or excess eyelid tissue at a younger age.
At New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center in Plantation, FL, blepharoplasty is customized to each patient’s anatomy, concerns, and aesthetic goals. Procedures are performed in a state-of-the-art facility with modern surgical technology and operating rooms that follow strict State of Florida licensing and safety standards.
If you’re considering eyelid surgery in Plantation or Fort Lauderdale, call our office at (954) 424-8882 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding South Florida communities.
Why Patients Choose Blepharoplasty
Patients consider eyelid surgery for a variety of cosmetic concerns. Depending on your individual anatomy, blepharoplasty may help:
- Address sagging or drooping upper eyelid skin
- Reduce the appearance of under-eye bags
- Improve the appearance of puffiness around the eyes
- Remove excess eyelid skin
- Address excess fat around the eyes
- Create a more refreshed appearance
- Restore a more youthful-looking appearance
- Improve overall facial balance around the eyes
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects excess or sagging eyelid skin and, when appropriate, excess fat around the eyes. The procedure may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your individual concerns.
During surgery, your surgeon removes or adjusts excess tissue as appropriate and carefully closes the incisions to create a natural-looking crease of the upper eyelid. This allows the resulting scar to be concealed within the natural fold of the eye as a result.
Blepharoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes approximately two to three hours.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper blepharoplasty focuses on excess or sagging skin and tissue affecting the upper eyelids. The incision is placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. This allows the resulting scar to be concealed within the natural fold of the eye as it heals.
Depending on your individual needs, the procedure may involve removal of excess skin and underlying fat. Your surgeon will determine the appropriate approach based on the amount of excess tissue and your desired result.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower blepharoplasty addresses concerns such as under-eye bags, bulges, and excess tissue beneath the eyes. Depending on your anatomy and the surgical approach selected, the incision may be placed along or near the lower lash line. This helps conceal the scar within the natural structures around the eye.
Your surgeon will evaluate the lower eyelid area and determine which approach is appropriate for your individual needs.
What Happens During Blepharoplasty?
Before surgery, your surgeon will evaluate your eyelids, discuss your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Blepharoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to three hours. During the procedure, your surgeon may:
- Remove excess eyelid skin
- Address excess fat around the eyes
- Carefully close the surgical incisions
- Position incisions within natural eyelid folds or near the lash line when appropriate
Blepharoplasty Safety and Anesthesia
Your safety is an important part of every stage of eyelid surgery. Because blepharoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, patients must follow their surgical team’s instructions regarding eating, drinking, and medications before surgery.
Patients are generally required to avoid eating or drinking for approximately eight hours before surgery to help reduce the risk of complications associated with anesthesia, including aspiration.
Your surgical team will provide specific preoperative instructions based on your individual circumstances.
Potential Risks and Complications
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure, and as with any surgery, potential risks and complications exist.
Possible complications may include:
- Temporary blurred vision
- Temporary double vision
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Dry eyes
- Burning or itching
- Excessive tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Whiteheads near the suture line
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Asymmetry
- Changes in scarring
- Difficulty completely closing the eyes
- Temporary pulling down of the lower eyelid
- The need for additional surgery
What to Expect After Blepharoplasty
After surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Some discomfort, tightness, swelling, and bruising around the eyelids are expected during the initial recovery period. Your surgical team will provide instructions for managing discomfort and caring for the treated area.
You may also experience temporary:
- Dryness
- Burning
- Itching
- Excessive tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred or double vision
Eyelid Incision and Scar Care
Your surgeon will place incisions strategically from patient to patient. As the incisions heal, scars typically become to make scars as inconspicuous as possible.
For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is hidden within the natural crease of the eyelid. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision may be positioned near the lash line, depending on the surgical technique.
Scarring varies from patient to patient. As the incisions heal, scars typically become less noticeable over time. Your surgical team will provide specific instructions for caring for your incisions during recovery.
Returning to Normal Activities
Recovery varies from patient to patient, and your cosmetic surgeon will provide personalized instructions based on your healing progress.
In general:
- Reading may be resumed after approximately two to three days.
- Many patients can return to work in approximately five to ten days.
- Contact lenses may be resumed after approximately two weeks, following physician re-evaluation.
- More strenuous activities may be resumed after approximately three weeks.
- Bruising and swelling should gradually improve over several weeks.
How Long Do Blepharoplasty Results Last?
Blepharoplasty can provide long-lasting improvement, although results vary between patients.
Some patients enjoy the results for many years, while others may eventually notice additional changes as the natural aging process continues.
Future changes in the skin and tissues around the eyes may affect your appearance over time. In some cases, adults with sagging or drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, excess eyelid skin, or puffiness may be candidates for blepharoplasty. The procedure is not limited to older patients. Patients may consider additional treatment or a touch-up procedure years after their original surgery.
Can Blepharoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Blepharoplasty may be combined with other cosmetic procedures depending on your individual goals and overall treatment plan.
For some patients, eyelid surgery may be performed alongside procedures such as:
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty
Healthy adults with sagging or drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, excess eyelid skin, or puffiness may be candidates for blepharoplasty. The procedure is not limited to older patients. Your surgeon will evaluate your eyelid anatomy, overall health, and aesthetic goals to determine whether eyelid surgery may be appropriate for you.
Blepharoplasty typically takes approximately two to three hours, although the exact surgical time depends on the areas being treated and the complexity of your procedure.
Blepharoplasty incisions are strategically placed within natural eyelid creases or near the lash line when appropriate. Scars vary between patients but are designed to be as inconspicuous as possible once healed.
The goal of blepharoplasty is to create a refreshed and more youthful appearance while maintaining natural facial expressions. Your surgeon will develop the treatment plan around your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Results can be long-lasting, although the natural aging process continues after surgery. Some patients may eventually choose additional treatment or a touch-up procedure many years later.
More strenuous activities may need to be avoided for approximately three weeks. Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe to resume exercise and other demanding activities.
Schedule a Blepharoplasty Consultation in Plantation
Blepharoplasty can address sagging eyelids, excess skin, and under-eye bags while creating a more refreshed and youthful appearance. Understanding the surgical technique, potential risks, recovery process, and expected results is an important part of making an informed decision.
At New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center, your eyelid surgery treatment plan is tailored to your individual anatomy, concerns, and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, you can discuss upper or lower eyelid surgery, incision placement, recovery, potential risks, and any questions you may have about the procedure.
Call our Plantation cosmetic surgery center at (954) 424-8882 to schedule your blepharoplasty consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding South Florida communities.
