By Dr. Jesse E. Smith, MD, FACS
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Upper blepharoplasty, commonly known as an eyelid lift, is a popular facial cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of the eyes. For those considering this transformative surgery, understanding the pre-and post-operative care is crucial for a successful outcome. In this blog, Dr. Jesse E. Smith, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, shares essential tips and guidelines for patients undergoing upper blepharoplasty.

Before the Surgery

1. Initial Consultation:

The journey begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Smith evaluates your medical history, discusses your aesthetic goals, and explains the procedure in detail. This session is an opportunity for you to ask questions and express any concerns.

2. Preparing Physically and Mentally:

Prior to surgery, it’s important to be in good physical health. Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can hinder the healing process. Ensure you are well-rested and mentally prepared for the surgery.

3. Medications and Supplements:

Inform Dr. Smith about any medications or supplements you are taking. Certain medications and supplements, like blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and turmeric may need to be paused as they can increase bleeding risk during surgery.

4. Arranging for Assistance:

Plan to have someone drive you home after the procedure and, if possible, stay with you for the first 24 hours. Assistance during the initial recovery phase is invaluable.

After the Surgery

1. Immediate Post-Operative Care:

Immediately after the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area or the office. You might experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising, which are normal post-operative symptoms. Cold compresses can help minimize swelling.

2. Follow-up Appointments:

Follow-up visits with Dr. Smith are crucial. These appointments allow him to monitor your healing and address any concerns. Adherence to these check-ups ensures optimal recovery.

3. Medication and Pain Management:

Dr. Smith may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter options. It’s essential to follow his guidance on medication use. You will also have a topical antibiotic ointment to use, It is important to follow the directions of use.

4. Protecting Your Eyes:

During recovery, avoid straining your eyes. Limit screen time and reading during the first few days. Sunglasses can protect your eyes from sunlight and wind when outdoors.

5. Sleeping Position:

Sleep with your head elevated for the first few days. This head above heart position helps reduce swelling and promotes faster healing.

6. Activity Restrictions:

Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending for a few weeks after surgery. These actions can increase blood pressure around the eyes and affect healing and cause swelling.

7. Watching for Complications:

While rare, complications can occur. Contact Dr. Smith immediately if you experience severe pain, vision changes, or signs of infection.

Upper blepharoplasty can significantly rejuvenate your appearance, but the key to a successful outcome lies in meticulous pre-and post-operative care. By following these guidelines and under the expert care of Dr. Jesse E. Smith, you can look forward to a smooth recovery and excellent results.

Remember, every patient’s journey is unique, and Dr. Smith and his team are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your individual needs.

Some of the effects of aging can be frustrating. None of us want to deal with sagging skin, bulging bags, and drooping eyelids. It gives you a tired look, even when you are feeling your very best. These changes are entirely natural, but some find they give a less-than-pleasing appearance.

Thankfully, blepharoplasty can be used to revitalize the areas near the eye. Excess skin and tissue are removed to prevent drooping and sagging of the eyelids. Blepharoplasty can enhance facial appearance but since eyelid issues vary, there are distinct types of surgery. This article will delve into what each of them is all about.

Cosmetic vs. Functional Blepharoplasty

Cosmetic blepharoplasty is a surgery that is done for visual enhancement. It is done to remove bags under your eyes and eliminate excess skin and fat around the eyelids. The main purpose is to make the face look more energetic and youthful. This can open the eyes, and make them look less tired.

On the other hand, functional blepharoplasty is for those who have loose skin around the upper eyelid which is causing issues with a person’s eyesight. It also makes it easier to wear glasses or contact lenses If the eyelids are not baggy.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty is a procedure where extra skin, and occasionally fat, is removed because it makes the eyes seem hooded, heavy, or droopy. This surgical procedure involves having an incision made in the crease of the upper eyelid. Also called an upper eyelid lift, upper blepharoplasty provides people with a more alert, rested, and youthful appearance.

Traditional eyelid surgery is often ideal, but some patients may need a specialized treatment option. Those with excess eyelid skin (dermatochalasis) necessitate a procedure to remove the extra skin. Patients with protruding fat pads can also have those removed without harming the skin.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Sometimes called lower eyelid surgery, lower blepharoplasty involved removing extra skin and repositioning fat deposits. These fat deposits create bags, puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles around the eyes. The lower lid blepharoplasty tightens and repositions the eyelid fat and builds a highly contoured transition from the midface to the bottom eyelid.

When this procedure is done, a small incision is made at the lower eyelid. This can be inside the lid or beyond the lash line. This provides entry to the area below the eye. The fat and excess tissue are repositioned or removed to refresh and rejuvenate the appearance of the eye.

In some cases, patients may have a hidden incision for lower blepharoplasty. This means that a very concealed incision inside the eyelid is used to reposition fat deposits. Another incision in the excess skin can be utilized to remove skin and tighten the area of the eyelid.

Is Blepharoplasty Right for You?

If you believe blepharoplasty could be the right treatment option for you, it is important to talk to a facial plastic surgeon. They can give insight into which type of surgery is best for your specific needs. Make sure to choose an experienced surgeon who can walk you through the process and provide outstanding results.

Around 50% of people of East Asian descent have eyelids that either have no pretarsal crease or only a partial crease. This is called a mono-lid eyelid, and it does not always cause functional or cosmetic problems. However, some individuals experience obstructed vision or eye irritation from the eyelashes.

Choosing Asian double eyelid surgery, also known as Asian blepharoplasty or Asian eyelid surgery, helps create an upper eyelid crease. This can improve a patient’s line of vision or enhance the cosmetic look of the eye as a whole.

If desired, Asian double eyelid surgery provided by an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Smith, can be used to remove excess fat from below and above the eye in younger patients. This creates much less puffiness near the eye and can do away with bags under the eyes.

The Best Candidates for Asian Double Eyelid Surgery

There are several situations where Asian double eyelid surgery might be the right procedure for you. The following are a few examples:

• You are not satisfied with the current shape of your eyelids.
• Your eyelid goes too far over the upper part of your iris.
• Your eyelids have extra fat, and the eyes appear to be puffy.
• The upper eyelid goes inward when opening the eye, causing the eyelids to brush the cornea and cause damage or irritation.

Procedures Available for Asian Double Eyelid Surgery

A full incision technique is used for those with excess skin and fat at the upper eyelid. The results are the most permanent, but since an incision is made through the crease, there will be slight visible scarring.

After Dr. Smith makes an incision, excess fat and skin are removed as needed. Sutures are used to create the same look as a double eyelid. The incision will be closed with sutures which are typically resolve on their own accord.

Partial incision procedures are for those with extra skin but no extra fat in the eyelid. This has less scarring than a full incision procedure. An incision is made on the upper border of the crease but is slightly less in length.

Sutures are used to create the look of a double eyelid before the incision is closed. Sutures usually resolve of their own accord.

Those without extra fat or skin in the eyelid may choose a no-incision procedure. This has no scar and little swelling. However, it may not be permanent in all cases. Rather than making incisions, small holes are used to pass sutures. These will be under the eyelid skin, and no suture removal is needed.

What to Expect During the Recovery Process

Most patients experience little pain after a double eyelid procedure. Swelling can vary based on the patient and the chosen surgery. Bruising typically clears up within two weeks. Patients can typically return to office work after three to seven days. Driving is also possible after the swelling has resolved, and pain medication is no longer in use. Physical activity can often be resumed two weeks after the surgery.