Blepharoplasty, which is a surgery to remove excess or loose skin, is typically elective to be performed for a patient’s own aesthetic reasons. The lower eyelid blepharoplasty is to improve puffy lower eyelids, which we call “bags”, and reduce the wrinkling of skin. Sometimes, a Blepharoplasty surgery is needed for functional reasons, such as when one’s eyelid skin protrudes over the eyelashes and causes an interruption or loss of peripheral vision.
Blepharoplasty is most commonly performed through external incisions made along the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids. Incisions may be made from the inside surface of the lower eyelid, medically referred to as “transconjunctival blepharoplasty”. This allows lower eyelid fat to be removed.
Dr. Layke and Dr. Danielpour perform this operation on an outpatient basis. The surgery is usually complete in about an hour or two, especially if doing both upper and lower eyelids.
The recovery process after a blepharoplasty is fair to painless, though bruising and swelling may take up to a few weeks to completely subside. Ointment should be kept on the incisions to keep them lubricated and help with the healing process. Ice packs are recommend to place on the eyes to reduce bruising and swelling for the first 2 days after surgery. Eye drops are typically prescribed,as they may help in pain management and in preventing infections. Patients are recommended to keep their heads higher than the body while sleeping as this will accelerate the recovery process. Stitches are usually removed anywhere from two-seven days after the operation. Patients typically experience excessive tearing, light sensitivity and sometimes double or even blurred vision for the first week or so after a blepharoplasty surgery. Contact lenses are prohibited to be worn until the incisions are healed.
It’s amazing what impact the eyes have on our appearance! We use our eyes to communicate, and it’s most certainly the most captivating feature on anyone’s face.
As it has been said time and time again, “the eyes are the windows to the soul”.
To schedule your consultation with two of Beverly Hills’ Knowledgeable Plastic Surgeons, please call Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group 310.853.5147