Home Eyes & Brows Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
December 28, 2012
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Also known as eyelid surgery or eyelid lift, upper blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that removes or tightens sagging skin around the eyes, creating a smoother, more taut appearance. In addition to removing extra skin, this procedure often involves the removal of fat pockets that make eyes look puffy.
Typical candidate for upper eyelid lift surgery are men and women age 35 + who are noticing puffy and sagging upper eyelids. You may not be a candidate if you take prescription blood thinners such as warferin which you can not take a break from, or if you have chronic dry eye syndrome.
The consultation, aside from the surgery itself, is the most important part of the cosmetic surgery process. Schedule a consultation today to discover if this procedure is right for you. Dr. Buonassisi is an expert cosmetic eyelid surgeon and will assess your medical history and objectives. Have all your questions answered and expectations managed.
Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi is an expert in cosmetic blepharoplasty. He begins by carefully measuring the appropriate amount of skin to remove. The eyelid is injected with local anesthetic so that the patient feels minimal discomfort during the surgery. He makes a precise incision in the eyelid, ensuring that the scar will be hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid once healed. He carefully removes skin and underlying fat. The incision is closed with fine sutures and these remain in the eyelids for one week. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty surgery typically takes from 1 – 1.5 hours, and patients can return home the same day.
The eyes are one of the first parts of the face to show the signs of aging. This is due to a number of factors including, genetics, sun exposure and the natural aging process. As we age, we begin to notice changes that contribute to an overall tired look. In the upper and lower eyelids we begin to notice sagging and loose skin, and these structure begin to lose their firm texture. At the same time, fat deposits begin to bulge forward as we develop lax eyelid structures. In general, women have a hard time applying makeup like they used to, while men and women find that they look more tired than they actually feel. Others feel that while the rest of their face looks youthful, their puffy eyes give away their true age, or make them look older than they are.
Patients are typically very satisfied with the results of their blepharoplasty surgery and appreciate that it requires minimal downtime. Following blepharoplasty surgery, your eyes will appear more youthful, rested and less puffy. The lower eyelid area will be more flat and smooth, and the lid skin will be tighter as it was when you were younger.
Dr. Buonassisi uses a variety of anesthesia techniques depending on each patient’s situation. In most cases, it is performed using local anesthesia and the option to take oral sedative. Occasionally, when combined with other procedures, such as facelifts, a different type of anesthesia may be used.
There will be some bruising in most cases. This usually lasts up to 1 week. Most patients are presentable and return to work within one to two weeks. Although they may look bruised and swollen for a week or so after the surgery, many patients are ready to be at their desk doing computer work earlier than that.
All surgeries result in scars. However, they are generally very difficult to see and appear invisible to the casual observer once they have fully healed. This is because the incision lines are carefully placed in the normal upper creases the eyelids.
There is no specific age when upper eyelid surgery is appropriate. Most patients seek consultations for this procedure after age 35. Having said that, some patients experience lose skin and puffy eyelids as a result of family genetics and may consider this surgery sooner.
Before surgery, you will have an in depth discussion with Dr. Buonassisi about the risks and benefits of the procedure. You will also receive an information packet that includes many of the major risks of this surgery as well as detailed pre and post surgery instructions. Fortunately, most surgery complications are infrequent and minor when performed by a competent facial plastic surgeon.
This depends on your job. Some patients go back to desk work after 5 days. While recovery time varies with each individual, Dr. Buonassisi generally recommends at least 1 week of recovery. There may still be minor bruising and swelling after this time, though this can usually be disguised with make-up.
You should avoid any significant strain or exercise in the first week after surgery in order to reduce swelling and promote healing. During the second week after surgery, you can begin light exercise, again avoid heavy lifting or sustained, strenuous aerobic exercise. After three weeks, you should be able to engage in your usual activities without restriction in most cases.
A number of other aesthetic procedures are often combined with upper eyelid surgery. These include lower blepharoplasty, brow lift, facelift, necklift, and laser skin resurfacing.
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