What is Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery and Blepharoplasty?
As we age, loose or puffy skin can develop around the eyes. This can be frustrating because the excess skin can make us appear more tired or older than we are. By surgically enhancing the areas around the eyes the entire face is given a more youthful, rested appearance. Surgical Eyelid Lift and Blepharoplasty is one of the most popular procedures done by cosmetic surgeons today because the eyes are the most focused on part of the face thereby giving away our age.
We like to combine the procedure with others such as a Thermage and Botox® treatments to achieve the best results!
Our surgical techniques focus on removing fatty bulges and excess hanging skin. Lid Lifts can often be done in conjunction with a brow lift or laser treatment.
Am I a Candidate for Surgical Eyelid Lift and Blepharoplasty?
Both men and women are! During your consultation, we will discuss your expectations and concerns, as well as post-operative care. We also review your medical history to see if you have any ophthalmic condition that would be a contraindication to surgery. We also have pre and post-op pictures for you to see.
What is the procedure?
Eyelid surgery is usually performed in an ambulatory surgery center. It can also be performed in the office if the case is not too extensive. Procedures are performed under “twilight sleep” anesthesia and you should experience no discomfort or anxiety during the procedure. The procedure usually lasts 45 minutes to a few hours depending on how much work is done.
When treating the upper eyelids, an incision is made in the crease above each eye. This allows the excision of excess skin and muscle. Our physician is extremely meticulous about the perfect positioning of sutures to ensure proper closure of the skin after the procedure.
To treat the lower lids excess fat can be removed from the inner aspect of the lid so that there is no obvious incision on the outside of the lid. But, if there is excess skin, a small incision is placed beneath the lower eyelash to hide the tiny incision within a wrinkle, and the excess skin is removed.
What should I expect during recovery from Surgical Eyelid Lift and Blepharoplasty?
The most common side effects are bruising and swelling. We recommend ice compresses aggressively for the first 48 hours. Then warm compresses after the first 2 days. We may recommend SinEcch to minimize post-op bruising. Oral antibiotics or antibiotic drops are also prescribed. The Physician removes stitches within 5-7 days and most patients return to work within a week or so. Makeup may be usually worn after 7 days, and contact lenses may be used within a few weeks.
After the first couple of weeks, you will begin to see the results. You should be aware that you won’t have your best results for up to 6 months following surgery because healing continues to take place during this time. During this time, the incision lines will fade from a pink color to a nearly invisible thin white line, resembling a wrinkle. Typically, you may begin to wear eye makeup about 7 to 10 days after your surgery.
Just stay out of the sun and wear protective sunglasses. Remember, the sun, and genetics, contribute to the aging process.
Brow Lifts
Eyebrows that are too low may push down the upper lids making them appear droopy or creating a shadow that hides the eyes. Eyebrows can be repositioned and elevated through a small incision in the eyelid or brow. Thermage can also be used to provide a lift non-surgically; studies have shown results of Thermage to be similar to endoscopic brow lifts!
Syringomas
Syringomas are benign tumors, typically found clustered on eyelids, although they may also be found in other body parts. These can be treated with our Ellman device in a safe, and nonscarring method.
Is it possible to find a lower price for eyelid surgery from a true eyelid specialist?
Probably, although not by very much.
Is it possible to find a substantially lower price from a general cosmetic surgeon with little or almost no experience in treating the lid?
Eyelid surgery is not the best service on which to shop for sales. If your blender breaks, you can throw it out and buy another one. Unfortunately, that’s not so easy with your face. Searching for the bargain “eye job” or any surgery may be risking your appearance and, should complications arise, your vision, your psyche, and your pocketbook. You’re not buying an operation. You’re buying expertise. Bargain shopping is strongly discouraged.
*Individual Results may vary and no guarantees can be made.
**Results may vary. Unless noted otherwise, testimonials provided are patients of Tucson Cosmetics who have undergone completed treatment(s.) Before and after images reflect real results from real patients, although individual results may vary. Statements estimating treatment duration and the amount of treatments required are based on the typical experience of patients of Tucson Cosmetics, however, duration and amount of treatments needed may vary per client. A guarantee is neither provided nor implied.