EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, restore firmness to the area surrounding the eyes and make you look more rested and alert. As we age, the muscles around the eyes weaken and the skin becomes loose. This may produce drooping skin in the upper eyelids, and bulging of the lower eyelids, which creates a tired and sad appearance. Blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess skin from the upper eyelids and bulging tissue and excess skin from the lower eyelids. The goal is to achieve a refreshed appearance with smooth upper and lower eyelids. Upper lid or lower lid surgeries can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures such as facelift
Initial Consultation for Eyelid Surgery Procedure
During your initial consultation with Dr. Hyman, he will discuss with you your objectives and expectations from surgery. This will also involve a complete medical history, and an examination of the skin, fat and muscles around your eyes. Dr. Hyman will suggest a procedure that suits you best and answer any questions that you might have.
Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Blepharoplasty is performed through incisions hidden within a natural crease of the upper lid and below the lash line or inside the lower lid. Excess skin is removed from the lids. Fat may be removed or repositioned depending upon your individual anatomy. The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours and is performed as an ambulatory procedure in the hospital or Dr. Hyman’s private ambulatory surgery facility.
The facelift procedure takes between 2 and 3 hours and is performed in Dr. Hyman’s private ambulatory surgery facility under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Most patients are able to leave the surgical center accompanied by a private duty nurse or responsible adult following their surgery. You may elect to spend the night in our recovery facility with 24 hour nursing care.
Post Eyelid Surgery
Following surgery, cold compresses are applied to the eyes for comfort and to minimize swelling and bruising. Sutures placed during surgery are removed three to five days following surgery. Most patients are able to read two days following surgery and to return to work after one week. Walking is permitted the day after surgery, but strenuous activity should be avoided for three weeks. Contact lenses should not be worn until two weeks following surgery. Bruising should subside in 5-10 days and swelling should subside in 2-4 weeks. Final results may appear in 1-2 months. Incision lines will continue to refine and fade for 1 year.
How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Hyman and his staff will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation with Dr. Hyman, or you can request an appointment online.