Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures we perform in San Diego. This is because eyelids are often the first area of the face to show signs of aging- even in younger patients.
Upper eyelid surgery is performed using a well-hidden incision in the natural skin crease. Extra skin and sometimes fat is removed to restore a more youthful contour. The upper eyelid procedure can be done in the office under light sedation and is completed in approximately 30 minute.
Lower eyelid surgery targets bulging fat pads, loose skin, and contour irregularities of the lower lid and lid-cheek junction. A transconjunctival eyelid lift involves no external incisions. Extra fat is teased out and carefully removed through the lower lid conjunctiva (internal lining). Sometimes a skin pinch is added to tighten the skin.
This patient had a trans-conjunctival lower eyelid lift (along with rhinoplasty).
Lower eyelid surgery with skin and muscle tightening is performed when folds of excess skin are visible even with the lower eyelid relaxed. This is often combined with eyelid tightening procedures to maintain a youthful tone to the lids and prevent a sad “droopy” look.
The patient above had upper and lower eyelid surgery with skin and muscle tightening.
Adjunctive procedures to eyelid surgery include fat grafting and skin resurfacing. Fat grafting to the lower lids and cheeks can correct the “tear trough” groove deformity that arises with aging. Fat grafting to the upper lid (and lower brow) corrects the “hollow eye” deformity due to fat loss from aging.
This patient had upper and lower eyelid surgery with fat grafting to correct the groove beneath her lower lids.
Recovery from eyelid surgery is 1-2 weeks, with sutures removed in one week. Contact our office today to learn if you are a good candidate for this procedure!
