Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
A blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is a procedure which aims to give the eyes a more youthful appearance. It does so by targeting the excess skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids, helping you look more alert and rested.
Patients who consider a blepharoplasty are typically showing signs of aging around the eyes. These can include drooping upper eyelids, creating an additional fold and disrupting their natural contour, or an accumulation of fat in the upper and lower eyelids, causing swelling of the periocular tissue.
A blepharoplasty does not correct wrinkles on the forehead or at the corners of the eyes. When Dr. Zadeh assesses you, he or she will determine whether you would benefit from combining an eyelid lift with a face and neck lift, which would rejuvenate your entire face at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different blepharoplasty techniques?
When used in the correct context, each blepharoplasty technique produces reliable and sustainable results, giving a refreshed and rejuvenated look to the eyes, creating a smooth contour and a more youthful and rested appearance. Eyes will lose their sad, tired or angry look. During your appointment, Dr. Zadeh will assess your entire face before sitting down with you to determine the best treatment plan.
1. Upper eyelid lift
During this procedure, an incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid, starting near the inner corner and ending at the outer corner of the eyelid. Dr. Zadeh is careful to conceal the incision in an existing natural crease. Given its location, the scar becomes practically invisible, especially when makeup is applied over it.
The excess eyelid skin is removed. Fatty deposits can be repositioned or removed, and eyelid muscles can be tightened if necessary. The final result is a youthful and refreshed look, as your eyes will appear more alert.
2) Lower eyelid lift
During this procedure, an incision is made below the lash line of the lower eyelid (subciliary), or on its inner surface (transconjunctival). With the subciliary approach, the excess skin is removed and the fat and/or underlying muscle are repositioned or removed if necessary. The scar is nearly invisible as it is concealed below the lower lashes. With the transconjunctival approach, an incision is made through the conjunctiva (thin membrane coating the inner surface of the eyelid). This approach is solely used to redistribute or remove excess fat from the lower eyelid; it is not suitable for patients with excess skin.
How long is the recovery period? Are there any restrictions in terms of activities?
You must avoid any intense physical exercise during the first two to three weeks following your surgery in order to give your body a chance to heal comfortably. You can resume your normal physical activities four weeks after your surgery. It is important for you to listen to your body. It will tell you if you are ready to exercise and how much exercise you can handle. Pain or discomfort when exercising is a sign that your body is not quite healed and that it would be better to wait a few weeks before trying again.
It is also crucial to avoid prolonged sun exposure in order to allow optimal healing of your wounds. It is recommended to apply sunscreen (minimum SPF30) and wear a hat when you go outdoors, regardless of weather conditions, to protect your face.
Who is a good candidate for a blepharoplasty?
The ideal patient for this procedure is in good general health. This surgery may not be suitable for you if you smoke or have complex health issues for which you are currently being treated. Furthermore, this procedure is not performed on patients who are not psychologically prepared for surgery.
Will I be under anesthesia during surgery?
This surgery can be done under general anesthesia, where you will be completely asleep for the duration of the procedure. In other words, you’ll be blissfully unaware throughout the surgery.
You can also have surgery under local anesthesia and sedation. Your face will be anesthetized (frozen) using injections (like at the dentist) and you will receive intravenous medication that will make you sleepy and disassociated from events for the duration of the procedure.
What is the cost of an eyelid lift?
The final cost of your treatments will be calculated on an individual basis in accordance with your needs. In general, an upper eyelid lift costs $3,200, whereas a lower eyelid lift costs $5,500. A surgery combining both procedures costs $7,700. However, additional charges may apply if the patient has a particular condition or if different surgeries are combined.