Seattle Plastic Surgery

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face procedures::eyelid surgery

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Do your eyes portray the youthful appearance that you desire? Your eyes are one of the first features of the face a person will notice. If you have bags beneath the eyes, wrinkled, drooping eyelids, and sagging eyebrows that give the entire face a tired or sad expression, eyelid surgery can help. Eyelid surgery can brighten the face and restore a more youthful appearance by reducing the fat and extra skin that cause these conditions.

before the eyelid surgery
The plastic surgeon needs to have a clear understanding of your expectations so that he can evaluate the options available and determine if eyelid surgery will achieve your desired results. Eyelid surgery is often performed in conjunction with other facial procedures such as skin resurfacing or a facelift to restore a youthful appearance.
As with any surgery, you should also come to the consultation prepared to discuss you medical history including previous surgeries, past and present medical conditions and current medications. It is important for you to provide complete information. High blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes are among the medical conditions that may increase the risks associated with eyelid surgery.
Your plastic surgeon will want to know if you have allergies, especially if they affect your eyes. He or she may ask whether you have ever tried and were unable to wear contact lenses, you should bring them with you in case your surgeon wants to test your vision.
It will be necessary for your surgeon to know if an ophthalmologist ever told you that you have a condition called "dry eye" or “dry eye syndrome” or if you have any other problems with your eyes.

the eyelid surgery
Because each person’s facial features and expectations are different, not all patients will attain the same results or have the same surgical technique. The physician may operate on the upper or lower eyelids as he deems necessary.
If you are having upper eyelid surgery, the doctor make the incision such that it is hidden within the natural fold of upper eyelid and extend the incision slightly beyond the outside corner into the laugh lines or other existing creases. Through this incision, your plastic surgeon will remove excess fat and skin. Sometimes the upper eyelid problem is aggravated by sagging of the eyebrows, and this may require correction with a brow lift (see related link)
For lower eyelid surgery, a similar incision is made just below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. Your doctor may also suggest creating the incision inside the lower eyelid. In general, these cases are used when you do not have a large amount of excess skin after the fat has been removed. While the method does not require an external incision, in this procedure, the excess skin cannot be removed.

after the eyelid surgery
You probably will be permitted to go home after a few hours, although some patients may stay overnight in the hospital or surgical facility. You can expect to see some discoloration around the eyes for the first 7-10 days after the eyelid surgery. Additionally you may feel some tightness near the eyes and have some excess tearing or dryness in your eyes. Sensitivity to light may also be an issue and you may choose to wear dark glasses for a certain amount of time.
As with any surgery, you can help to help shorten the recovery period by following the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after surgery.

The information presented on this site is intended to be used for informational use only, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If you are planning on having a procedure performed or if there is anything you don't understand about your procedure, please consult one of our physicians.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons click here or call (206) 438-4730.