(808) 226-9220

Home|Facial Plastic Surgery|Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Surgery

If you are experiencing signs of aging and fatigue around the eyes, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) offers an effective way to address those concerns and revitalize your appearance. The eyes are often among the first areas of the face to develop noticeable indicators of age and exhaustion. These indicators can include sagging skin over the eyes and puffy under-eye bags that produce a constant look of tiredness or make one appear older than they really are. With eyelid surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeon—Thomas Crabtree, MD—can give the areas surrounding the eyes a more youthful and refreshed aesthetic.

Blepharoplasty at a Glance

  • Eyelid surgery is typically an outpatient procedure
  • Upper eyelid surgery is usually performed at the clinic; combination upper and lower eyelid surgery is also usually in the clinic but may be performed in an operating facility
  • The length of the procedure varies depending on the treatment plan — approximately 1 hour is typical for upper eyelid surgery only; a minimum of 2 hours is expected for upper and lower eyelid surgery
  • Upper eyelid surgery usually only requires a local anesthetic; surgery for all four eyelids can be done under local anesthesia as well but occasionally requires general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist
  • Small stitches will be placed in the creases of the eyelids
  • Some degree of temporary swelling, soreness, and bruising can be expected following treatment; most patients can resume normal daily routines after one week. Strenuous activity should be avoided for a minimum of two to three weeks.
  • Scars often quickly begin to fade
  • Initial results are typically apparent immediately, with continuing improvement over the following weeks

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is the medical name for eyelid surgery, also commonly known as an “eyelid lift”. Eyelid surgery is a procedure that can rejuvenate the skin surrounding the upper and/or lower eyelids to produce a smoother, less aged, and more vibrant appearance.

Eyelid surgery offers both women and men a number of significant benefits, including:

Many patients are able to achieve their goals with eyelid surgery on its own, while others choose to combine this procedure with facelift surgery or other treatments for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

What Does the Eyelid Surgery Consultation Entail?

Your initial consultation with Dr. Crabtree will include an examination of your eyelids and a thorough discussion of your needs and goals to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for this procedure. Dr. Crabtree welcomes any questions you may have, and he will explain all aspects of the procedure so you will know what to expect. If you decide to move forward with the procedure, Dr. Crabtree will develop a customized treatment plan designed to meet your goals with the best possible results.

How Is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?

In cases of patients who are having either upper eyelid surgery or lower eyelid surgery performed, the procedure can often be done utilizing a local anesthetic. Occasionally, general anesthesia will be necessary.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

During upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Crabtree will create small incisions that follow the natural creases of the eyelids. Excess skin and fat will be removed to produce results that align with your treatment goals. Scarring should be well-concealed within the eyelid’s natural folds.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

For lower eyelid surgery, the incisions are typically created just below the lower eyelashes. Dr. Crabtree will eliminate excess skin and muscle, and either remove or reposition excess fat pockets to diminish the appearance of under-eye bags, bulges, and puffiness.

The small incisions from eyelid surgery are closed with sutures, which will be removed approximately one week following the procedure.

What Is Recovery from Eyelid Surgery Like?

The recovery process from eyelid surgery is a relatively easy one for many patients. Residual swelling and bruising around the eyes can be expected for several days after the procedure; however, most individuals are able to resume their regular daily routines about one week following treatment. The results of eyelid surgery should be immediately noticeable and become even more pronounced as the treated areas heal. Many patients experience outcomes that last for several years as long as they take good care of their skin.

To learn more about eyelid surgery, or to schedule a consultation, please contact Crabtree Plastic Surgery today.