Eye creams and nonsurgical treatments can delay aging around the eyes but not prevent it. A blepharoplasty or eyelid lift can undo signs of aging like sagging, wrinkles, and undereye bags. This effective procedure can give you brighter, younger-looking eyes and may even improve your vision.
What is an Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)?
Blepharoplasty is a procedure that addresses signs of aging around the upper and lower eyelids. This delicate skin can start to show the effects of time and environmental damage before the rest of your face.
Blepharoplasty lifts and tightens loose skin, removes excess fat, and tightens muscles. Results are dramatic but natural-looking, as though you woke up looking restored and bright-eyed with no more overhanging skin and undereye bags.
How Long Does Blepharoplasty Last?
Blepharoplasty rejuvenates your eyes, turning back the clock. If you are considering this procedure, you may wonder how long you can expect these rejuvenated results to last. In general, blepharoplasty results last ten to fifteen years or longer.
Some people will be happy with their results for life, while others may choose to have another procedure when signs of aging return.
How Does Blepharoplasty Work?
Dr. Leong can perform blepharoplasty on the upper lids, lower lids, or both. The procedure is performed under oral sedation and local anesthetic. It can last up to two hours, especially if you have both eyelids treated.
Upper Eyelid Lift
This procedure uses an incision hidden in the upper eyelid creases, making it nearly invisible when healed. Dr. Leong will remove folds of loose skin and excess fatty tissue to leave your upper eyes looking smooth and lifted. If you have folds of skin that block your view, upper blepharoplasty can restore your vision.
Lower Eyelid Lift
During this procedure, Dr. Leong uses an incision hidden inside the eyelid that requires no sutures. She will remove excess fat to correct the appearance of undereye bags. If you have significant skin laxity under your eyes, an incision hidden in an undereye crease can tighten the undereye area and restore a more youthful eye shape.
Peri-orbital Resurfacing
Dr. Leong routinely resurfaces the skin around the eyes with either a chemical peel or laser at the same time as eyelid lift to rejuvenate the entire area around the eyes and ensure that your results last.
What is Recovery Like After an Eyelid Lift?
You may have some swelling, discomfort, and bruising after your procedure. Cold compresses can help manage these effects. You will usually need about a week to recover before returning to your regular activities.
Scars will heal quickly and fade until no one can tell they exist. You can expect long-lasting results, making the relatively short recovery time more than worth it.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?
People with concerns about drooping eyelids or undereye bags make good candidates for blepharoplasty. If overhanging eyelid skin blocks your vision, an eyelid lift will restore your full range of sight. Ideal candidates are healthy and have reasonable expectations about their results.
Can I Have Other Procedures With an Eyelid Lift?
If you have concerns about your eye area, you may also have drooping or sagging brows. A brow lift combines well with an eyelid lift for a fully rejuvenated effect. Eyelid lifts are also commonly combined with face and neck tightening procedures to refresh your overall appearance. The benefit of combination procedures is that you only go through one recovery to achieve optimal results.
You can also have a range of nonsurgical procedures, including laser treatments and chemical peels, to keep the eyelids tight and smooth. Dr. Leong partners with Dr. Zena Gabriel for nonsurgical treatment options.
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.