The eyes are a unique feature of the face and are often the first thing others see when meeting face to face; however, the delicate skin around the eyes are also the first to show signs of age and sun damage that can make you appear tired and unflattering.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Karen Leong uses blepharoplasty (also known as an eyelid lift) to reduce excess skin and fat and rejuvenate the upper or lower eyelid, creating a more youthful, “alert” appearance.
What is an Eyelid Lift?
Men and women alike consult with Dr. Leong for an eyelid lift to eliminate sagging eyelids or obstructed vision. Blepharoplasty, whether lower or upper, can produce a beautiful result with subtle yet striking improvements.
Patients considering eyelid rejuvenation may also ask about our nonsurgical options with dermal fillers, wrinkle relaxers, and platelet-rich plasma injections. There are many different MedSpa treatments that can provide some anti-aging benefits such as microneedling on the lower eyelids for better absorption of serums (like PRP) applied to the skin.
What Is an Eyelid Lift Procedure Like?
Dr. Leong performs eyelid surgery in her plastic surgery office with oral sedation and local analgesia. Depending on the type and complexity of the blepharoplasty, this treatment may be performed on the upper or lower eyelid alone or on a combination of both eyelids. Dr. Leong can also use fat transfer or dermal filler for tear troughs and hollow upper eyelids and to mask under-eye shadows. Blepharoplasty of the upper and/or lower eyelid can last up to two hours or more in the operating room, especially if both upper and lower eyes are treated. Oftentimes eyelid procedures are combined with brow lift surgery and/or laser resurfacing for complete rejuvenation of the upper face.
Upper eyelid surgery
Upper blepharoplasty removes the folds of skin that droop over the eye to create a more awake and open-eyed look. An incision is made in the natural lid crease to excise loose skin and fatty tissue. When healed, the incision is barely noticeable.
Lower eyelid surgery
Eyelid correction on the lower lid is performed to reduce puffy and bulging skin and fat. The incision is carefully made inside the eyelid (transconjunctival) to remove fat. There are no stitches! The skin is subtly lifted to allow for a softer, flatter look. For patients with more skin laxity and crepiness, an incision is made just below the lash line to allow the excess skin to be removed and gives direct access to the fat pads for excision. In some cases, nonsurgical laser resurfacing can be incorporated to tighten the skin and improve discoloration and fine lines.
Asian eyelid surgery
There are several methods that are frequently used when performing Asian eyelid surgery. The most common approaches include incisional or non-incisional. The technique used will be determined once your customized treatment plan is created. The overall goal is to create an upper eyelid crease or double eyelid appearance without altering your ethnic look.
Recovery and Results After an Eyelid Lift
After this outpatient surgery, you should plan about a week to recover and rest at home. A cold compress can help reduce discomfort, swelling, and bruising. The results from blepharoplasty surgery can last years, but the aging process does not stop. To maintain your surgical outcomes, other nonsurgical cosmetic treatments such as fillers, chemical peels, and laser treatments, and an excellent skin care regimen can be paired with your treatment to create a youthful-looking appearance for a longer period of time.
Two popular nonsurgical treatments that we may add include eCO2laserresurfacing to reduce lines and wrinkles around the eyes and improve skin texture or a TCA peel that addresses skin texture, tone, and firmness.
Am I a Good Candidate For an Eyelid Lift?
Aging is a natural and inevitable process, time only moves forward, and gravity only pulls downward. Most of us can only hope to age gracefully. Fortunately, we can help you slow the process. Dr. Leong’s objective in facial rejuvenation is to give you a refreshed appearance and to bring your visage to an earlier, more youthful you. Ideal candidates (both men and women) may have excessive, drooping skin and folds that exist on the top eyelid or dark, puffy under-eye bags. These conditions can cause functional and visual difficulties that can hinder everyday life.
Blepharoplasty costs can vary depending on whether you are having an upper eyelid lift, lower, or both. Costs start at about $6,500. When your treatment plan has been determined during your consultation, Dr. Leong and her team will go over your estimated costs. It is better to focus on choosing a skilled plastic surgeon who you believe can do an exceptional job instead of trying to find the cheapest place.
Dr. Leong does not accept insurance for eyelid procedures, but if cost is a concern, we offer several payment options and can help you secure low-interest financing if needed.
Eyelid surgery not only helps to refresh your appearance but can also improve other aspects of your life. You may find your field of vision expands when excessive, hanging skin from your eyelid is removed. It can also be easier to apply eye makeup when your upper eyelid is smooth. Eliminating fine lines, crepey skin, puffy bags, and dark circles under your eyes can make your eyes look brighter and fuller without cosmetics.
Wrinkles on your forehead and the corners of your eyes (crow’s feet) may be better corrected with a facelift or brow lift because the results of the eyelid surgery are confined to the eyelids only. Eyelid surgery can be combined with a nonsurgical treatment such as BOTOX injections, which combats wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. An injectable filler can also be effective because it adds volume to hollow areas for a smoother appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Leong will create your treatment plan based on your rejuvenation needs.
Noninvasive skin tightening procedures and injectable treatments (for example, BOTOX, Juvéderm, and Restylane) can provide some improvements. However, an eyelid lift would be better if you have moderate to severe sagging skin or want longer-lasting results.
After you have talked to Dr. Leong about your concerns and aesthetic goals for your eyes, she can explain her recommendations. She may also suggest a combination of surgical and nonsurgical procedures for optimal results.
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