An eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is a popular procedure that transforms your tired appearance and restores a bright-eyed, well-rested, youthful appearance. Dr. Nima Naghshineh is a board-certified plastic surgeon who combines artistry with advanced surgical techniques to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results with blepharoplasty.
Why Do the Eyelids Droop with Age?
The delicate skin and muscles of our eyelids relax and droop with natural aging and can create a tired appearance over time. A face or eye injury or medical condition may also damage the eyelids, such as Horner’s syndrome, stroke, tumors, and diabetes. Droopy upper eyelids can obstruct your vision and develop on one side or affect both eyes, making it challenging to watch TV, drive, or read comfortably. Sagging eyelid skin can also cause people to struggle with eye fatigue or irritation, and they may need to lift the eyelid skin with a finger to see clearly.
Eyelid surgery removes the loose, sagging eyelid skin and restores the natural eyelid contour. Fat deposits in the face (including the eyelids) tend to sink lower as we age, causing undesired eyelid puffiness. Blepharoplasty removes or redistributes these fatty tissues and tightens the internal structures for a youthful eyelid appearance and proper function.
What to Expect During an Eyelid Lift
Blepharoplasty can be done under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, meaning you will be unconscious for the procedure. It’s a quick outpatient surgery lasting around one hour, meaning patients can go home shortly after their eyelid surgery. Dr. Nima will make an incision in the natural fold of the upper eyelid to access the tissues and remove excess skin and fat. He closes the incision with sutures that are removed within the first week of blepharoplasty recovery.
The incision line from blepharoplasty is concealed in the natural eyelid crease, making it visible only when your eyes are closed. The red mark will fade significantly in the first year after eyelid surgery and often becomes imperceptible once it has fully healed.
Upper blepharoplasty may be combined with lower eyelid surgery to reduce bags and puffiness under the eyes. The incision line for lower blepharoplasty is made inside the eyelid or just under the lower eyelash line and is also nearly invisible once healed.
What to Expect After Blepharoplasty
Some patients may have blurred vision right after their eyelid lift due to the lubricating ointment applied to the eyes. You may experience temporary light sensitivity, watering eyes, double vision, and mild discomfort. Swelling and bruising should dissipate within 10 to 14 days of blepharoplasty so you can begin to enjoy your eyelid lift results. Most patients are highly satisfied with their blepharoplasty results, which may last a lifetime.
Eyelid rejuvenation with blepharoplasty offers a tighter, more defined eyelid appearance with results that appear gradually as the tissues heal.
If you’re interested in an eyelid lift, please contact Dr. Nima Plastic Surgery in Pasadena, California, at (626) 696-8181. Schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon to see if eyelid rejuvenation with blepharoplasty is best for your cosmetic goals.
