Blepharoplasty is sometimes referred to as “eyelid lift surgery” and is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries at Dynasty Dermatology. This surgery helps reduce and reposition fat pockets and sagging eyelid skin. Read on to learn more about blepharoplasty in Pasadena, CA.

Rejuvenate Tired or Drooping Eyelids with Expert Eyelid Surgery

Saggy or drooping eyelids can be an age-defining feature for many people. It is a major reason people consider blepharoplasty in Pasadena, CA to remove the excess sagging skin and to create a more alert and youthful eyelid appearance. The blepharoplasty procedure is safe, and it can be performed under local anesthesia while you are awake. The excess tissue is removed, and the scar is hidden in the crease of the eye. Incisions are virtually unnoticeable after they have healed.

Pain medications and relaxing medication are given orally an hour before the eye lift procedure, and consent must be signed before taking these. After the area is numbed, the procedure itself is essentially pain-free. Most people do not need narcotic medication afterward, but you will have a prescription to take if needed. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home. The whole procedure, including numbing, takes about 2 hours.

In some patients, blepharoplasty can improve vision by increasing peripheral vision and providing a less obstructed field of view. Often, you must have severely droopy eyes hanging over the eyeball, to qualify for insurance reimbursement. The cosmetic eyelid lift is not covered by insurance, as an artfully designed lift is created to maximize the cosmetic benefit, rather than taking the minimal amount to allow you to see better.

The risks associated with the blepharoplasty procedure are similar to having a biopsy. There is a risk of pain, bleeding, or bruising/hematoma, infection, and decreased sensation in the upper eyelid, which improves with time. An oral antibiotic is prescribed to prevent infection. Nearly every patient has some baseline asymmetry, where one eyelid differs from the other. While surgery can significantly reduce this asymmetry, perfect symmetry may not always be achievable. It’s also worth noting that the procedure does not alter the position of the eyebrows.

Before eye lift surgery, you need an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist stating that your eyes are healthy. This exam should also note any history of dry eyes or other conditions that may affect your candidacy for an upper eyelid lift. If you do have dry eyes, you can still have surgery, though a smaller amount must be taken.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure at Dynasty Dermatology

The eye lift blepharoplasty procedure, including all the visits before and after the surgery, is a package price. You will have a pre-operative visit 1 week before the procedure, where photographs will be taken, consent will be signed, and questions answered. You will receive a prescription for sedating medicine that you must bring with you.

If you use Latisse for eyelash growth, you may resume this medication 6 weeks after blepharoplasty. The aging process will continue, and you may want to repeat blepharoplasty at some point in the future. However, depending on your health and other factors, an upper eyelid blepharoplasty can last 10 years.

Smokers, diabetics, and patients on blood thinners are at increased risk of surgical complications because they heal more slowly. You should stop any blood thinners (aspirin, fish oil, Vitamin E, ibuprofen – see list) 2 weeks prior and limit alcohol intake. Arnica pellets can be purchased, which will improve bruising. You should start taking 5 pellets, 3 times a day, beginning a week before surgery.

These can be purchased on Amazon.com or at most Whole Foods stores. You will eat as normal before surgery, and take your pre-operative antibiotics. Do not wear any makeup on the day of surgery and do not wear contact lenses.

Before the blepharoplasty procedure, a purple surgical pen will be used to create precise markings to designate where the excess skin and fat pads need to be removed. These markings may stay on your skin for 1-2 days after surgery but will fade easily. During the procedure, the decision for how much tissue to remove will be made based on an evaluation of factors such as your underlying facial muscle structure, bone structure, and the symmetry of your eyebrows.

Recovering from Blepharoplasty Surgery

After surgery, you should apply cold packs (or frozen peas) every hour for 5 minutes over each eye. The ice can reduce the swelling and keep bruising to a minimum. Sleep on two pillows and avoid bending over where your head is below the level of your heart. Expect minimal, mild discomfort during the immediate recovery period. If the pain is severe or any abnormal symptoms develop, call the office immediately.

While you recover, your eye area will be bruised and possibly swollen almost shut, particularly during the first few days. It may take a few weeks for healing to be complete, during which time you should not wear eye makeup. You can resume wearing contact lenses when the eyelid swelling subsides enough to allow the lenses to be comfortable. If you wear eyeglasses, you can put them on carefully at any time after surgery.

Sutures are removed in 6-7 days, although you may have a black eye or experience bruising which may last 7-10 days. Some patients have delayed swelling, though most experience a full recovery by 2-6 weeks. Collagen continues to remodel over 6-12 months. Most patients have a follow-up visit at 6 weeks, 6 months, and a year after the procedure. During this recovery time, sunscreen and sunglasses are critical to improve wound healing and scar appearance. You can use silicone gel and massage to improve the recovery process.

Younger-Looking Eyes with Blepharoplasty in Pasadena, CA

The upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a procedure associated with a very high satisfaction rate and improved self-image. It can easily result in a more natural, youthful appearance and erase 5-10 years, without changing the shape or overall character of your face.

You can protect your investment by using skin-firming cream, reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours while outside or driving, and continuing to see our board-certified dermatologist at Dynasty Dermatology for your skin care needs.

Contact our dermatology office today to schedule your appointment or to get more information about blepharoplasty in Pasadena, CA.