Blepharoplasty

Your eyes are often the first things we notice in a person’s face. They are also our most powerful form of non-verbal communication. Unfortunately, the area around the eyes is also frequently the first to show signs of aging. Excess skin, wrinkling, sagging tissues and puffiness around the eyes can result in a tired, aged appearance beyond our years.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a plastic surgical procedure for correcting excess skin folds in the upper eyelids or reducing wrinkling, sagging, or puffiness in the lower eyelids. Dr. Yau can tighten the eyelid's muscles and tissues and remove excess skin and fat as required. Her goal is to create a refreshed and well-rested appearance. The procedure can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelids, or on both.

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are those who are in good overall health, do not smoke, do not have any serious eye conditions, and have healthy facial tissues and muscle. People with eye disease, including glaucoma or retinal detachment, thyroid disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure are not good candidates for blepharoplasty.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

Dr. Yau typically performs upper eyelid blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure requiring local anesthesia. General anesthesia may be used for anxious patients or for those requiring lower eyelid blepharoplasty or a combination of both upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending upon your unique situation.

For the upper eyelid, Dr. Yau typically makes an incision along the natural lid crease to ensure that it is well camouflaged. For the lower eyelid, she usually makes the incision just below the lash line so that excess skin can be removed inconspicuously. If no skin is removed, incisions may also be made from the inside so there is no visible scar. Once the incisions are made, fat deposits are repositioned or removed correcting any areas of puffiness or contour irregularity. Often, if the lower eyelid has become stretched from the aging process, Dr. Yau will also tighten the lid to rest in the proper location, thereby correcting any lid droopiness. Finally, skin is excised and incisions are closed. The final result is a long-lasting rejuvenated appearance.

Recovery After Blepharoplasty

Patients are advised to apply lubricating drops/ointment and cold compresses to the area for the first 2 to 3 days after blepharoplasty. This aids in healing and helps to minimize side effects. The timeline for return to work or social activities depends on many factors. Healing is much quicker for patients having only skin removed than for patients also having fat removed with muscle adjustment. Stitches are usually removed after 4 to 5 days, and most swelling and other side effects typically subside within 2 to 3 weeks. Patients are often pleasantly surprised to find that the recovery from blepharoplasty is easier than expected. After only a short outpatient procedure, your eyes will look refreshed and more youthful.