The average person blinks about fifteen times a minute, making the eyelids one of the most mobile parts of the face. This constant stress and age-related collagen loss can lead to sagging eyelids and puffy bags under the eyes. Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty rejuvenates the eyelids for a more youthful and alert appearance.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a procedure to correct issues with the upper or lower eyelids. It is also known as blepharoplasty or an eyelid lift. Depending on your needs, this procedure can treat the upper lids, lower lids, or both. Eyelid surgery can be performed alone or in combination with various other procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift.
*Individual results may vary.
How Does Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Work?
Dr. Leong performs eyelid surgery with oral sedation and local anesthesia. The procedure may take up to two hours for the upper and lower lids.
Upper Eyelid Lift
The incision for this procedure is hidden in a crease of the upper eyelid. Dr. Leong lifts and removes excess skin to tighten and smooth the area. She will also remove excess fat if necessary to reduce the appearance of heaviness or puffiness.
Lower Eyelid Lift
A lower eyelid lift is usually performed with an incision inside the lower eyelid. Dr. Leong removes excess fat and subtly lifts the skin so the undereye area looks smoother and firmer. If you have sagging or crepey skin under the eyes, she may use a small incision under the lower eyelashes to remove excess skin.
Dr. Leong will frequently perform peri-orbital resurfacing at the same time as a blepharoplasty. She may use a laser or chemical peel to rejuvenate the area around the eyes and boost your eyelid surgery results. She may also include dermal fillers or fat transfer to address tear troughs or other areas.
What is Recovery Like After Eyelid Surgery?
Depending on the details of your procedure, you may have bruising and swelling in the eye area. These will improve significantly during the first few days. Most people can return to work and their daily routine after one week. Dr. Leong will monitor your recovery and tell you when to resume your exercise routine and other physical activities.
How Long Does Eyelid Surgery Last?
Blepharoplasty provides dramatic improvements, but it cannot stop the progress of aging. Factors such as collagen loss and environmental exposures will eventually cause skin laxity to develop. Most people are happy with eyelid surgery results for at least ten to fifteen years.
You can prolong and enhance the results of an eyelid lift with a range of non-surgical treatments. These include laser resurfacing, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and fat transfer. Dr. Leong works closely with expert dermatologist Dr. Zena Gabriel to provide the best options for non-surgical eyelid rejuvenation.
Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Lift Surgery?
Eyelid surgery makes an excellent choice for anyone bothered by drooping eyelids or frustrating undereye bags. Good candidates vary widely in age since symptoms like undereye bags are often genetic. Ideal candidates have reasonable expectations and no serious health problems. You might not be a good candidate if you have an eye infection, certain medical conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
“Dr. Leong is amazing at what she does and makes you feel incredibly comfortable at the same time. I’ve gone to other plastic surgeons who make it feel like a business transaction, but Dr. Leong and her staff make it feel like a friend giving you advice. Her office is very cozy with pink walls, fluffy pillows, and crystal chandeliers. I am so happy with my results and felt so comfortable having her as my surgeon. I would trust Dr. Leong with any procedure.”
-S.S.
Take the Next Step
To make an appointment with Dr. Karen Leong, call us at (949) 844-8999 or fill out the consultation form below.