Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Overview
The upper eyelids are one of the first areas of your face to show signs of aging. As the eyelids droop and sag, you may appear older and more tired than you actually are. This loose, sagging skin may also allow fat pockets around the eye to protrude, causing your eyes to appear puffy. In upper blepharoplasty, also known as upper eyelid surgery, excess skin and fat are removed from your eyes to create a natural, more awake, more vibrant appearance without changing the shape of the eyes.
It has been said that the eyes are the windows to our souls. Our eyes are the defining features of our face and shape our interactions with others. For these reasons, blepharoplasty is an extremely popular procedure. With the advanced techniques used by Dr. Chung, your blepharoplasty may be safely and effectively performed in the office under local anesthesia, with the expectation that you would be able to return to work within a week. Dr. Chung has performed countless eyelid procedures on her patients from the Boston area, including Brooklime, Wellesley, Newton, Needham, Andover, North Andover, Waltham, Salem, Peabody, Lynnfield, and the surrounding communities.
Am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
If you have excess upper eyelid skin or puffy bags around the eyes, you may be an excellent candidate for blepharoplasty. The best candidates for this procedure are healthy patients who do not smoke and do not have any serious eye conditions.
What happens during the initial consultation for blepharoplasty?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Chung will discuss your concerns about your eyes: are you concerned by the amount of loose skin? Does the texture of your skin bother you? Do you have puffy bags? Do your friends and loved ones say that you “look tired?” Dr. Chung will also carefully evaluate your medical history, paying special attention to any prior history of eyelid surgery, dry eyes, or the use of blood thinners. During the physical examination, Dr. Chung will carefully assess the amount of skin laxity, the amount of fatty bags, and the position of the eyebrows. Evaluating the position of the eyebrow is important in the discussion about realistic outcomes. As we get older, not only does the upper eyelid skin age and droop, but the position of the eyebrows will also drop. For some patients, Dr. Chung may also recommend a brow lift for optimal results.
What happens during the blepharoplasty procedure?
Typically, your upper eyelid surgery may be performed in the office under local anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately one hour. You may take an oral medication such as Valium to help you relax during the blepharoplasty, and all patients need a ride home after the procedure. Dr. Chung will use a surgical marking pen to measure and mark out the planned incisions and the precise amount of skin to be removed. The skin is then cleansed with an antiseptic, and local anesthetic will be placed carefully in the eyelid skin. An incision is made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, and excess skin is removed. Occasionally, the fatty bags may also be removed or repositioned, as well as possibly a thin strip of muscle. Bleeding is usually quite minimal. All incisions are then closed with tiny, meticulously placed stitches. Antibiotic ointment is then placed on the incisions.
Complementary procedures
Many patients choose to have lower eyelid surgery at the same time as upper eyelid surgery for total eye rejuvenation. Some patients may also benefit from a brow lift at the same time to help refresh the upper third of the face.
What is the recovery like?
Immediately after surgery, there will be some mild swelling and possibly some bruising. This will get a little worse over the next 2 days before it gets better. Blepharoplasty causes very little pain. It is unlikely you will need to take any pain medications the day after surgery. You will ice your eyes for the first 2 days after surgery and will apply an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin to the incision line Dr. Chung will allow you to get the incisions wet on the 2nd day after surgery. Most patients feel great after upper blepharoplasty, but Dr. Chung asks that you refrain from exercising or strenuous activity for one to 2 weeks. Stitches are usually removed in 5-7 days. Once the stitches are removed, you may use makeup but need to be careful when removing the makeup so as not to pull on the incision line.
What will I look like?
The majority of the swelling and bruising will be gone in 1 -2 weeks, and there will be continued improvement for several months. The incision will also be slightly pink for a few months, but will fade and ultimately become barely visible. Most people will not even know you’ve had eyelid surgery! You will have a wonderful refreshed quality, and those around you will comment that you look “rested” and “great,” but will not be able to place their finger on the cause. With blepharoplasty, you will experience firsthand how an improved look will inspire an improved outlook.
“The eyes are the window to the soul…”
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