What is an eyelid lift blepharoplasty?
An Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty) is a great way to restore youthfulness to droopy or baggy eyes. People who have this problem frequently complain of looking tired or angry. This is the result of the signs of aging and genetics. An eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) will address the upper and/or the lower eyelids to reverse these signs.
How is an eyelid lift performed?
A blepharoplasty can take between 1 and 3 hours depending on whether the upper vs. lower eyelids vs. both are performed. This procedure addresses either the upper or lower eyelids with separate goals in mind. In the upper eyelid, excessive skin is usually cut out along with a small amount of fat. Sometimes, Dr. Panossian may recommend fat injection into the upper eyelid in the case of someone with a gaunt appearance or deep eye sockets. The incision hides beautifully in a natural crease along the upper eyelids. If the muscle involved in upper eyelid elevation is weak or the eyelid itself is droopy, Dr. Panossian will correct this simultaneously.
Dr. Panossian also performs Asian blepharoplasty to re-create an upper eyelid crease. This crease is frequently absent in Asian cultures. This procedure, although simple, does require precision and attention to detail in order to avoid obliterating a person’s ethnic features.
A lower blepharoplasty addresses the bags underneath the eyes. Specifically, the goal is to remove the excess fat underneath the lower eyelids which occurs as gravity and age-related weakening of the support structures takes over. Dr. Panossian prefers to reposition the fat over the lower portion of the eyelid whenever possible to correct this issue permanently. The incision is placed through the inner lining of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival) or directly underneath the lower eyelid lashes and can extend sometimes into the natural crow’s feet wrinkles. The muscle of the lower eyelid is also tightened during this time, further reinforcing the lift aspect of the surgery.
We can combine both the upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures with other facial plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift, brow lift, or neck lift. The end result is total facial rejuvenation.
Recovery
What is the recovery from Eyelid Surgery like?
An eyelid lift is an outpatient procedure. Pain is usually minimal and oral medication can make it easily manageable. There is no need for bandages. The incisions are simply lubricated special ophthalmic ointment. Dr. Panossian may also recommend artificial tears or eyedrops to relieve dryness, burning, or itching. Light sensitivity, watery eyes, and slight blurring or double vision may occur for several days to weeks following surgery. Keep your head elevated for several days and use cold compresses to control swelling and bruising, if present. We remove the stitches in the first week following surgery.
There is to be no strenuous activity or heavy lifting for up to 3 weeks. However, most patients feel ready to return to work between 7 and 10 days following surgery. At that point, you can use makeup to conceal any bruising, if present. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage.
Risks and Complications
What are the risks and complications?
Complications from blepharoplasty procedures are infrequent when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Panossian is a facial plastic surgery expert and can deliver excellent results with minimal risk of complications. Minor complications can, however, occur such as double or blurred vision. This usually lasts only a few days. A small pimple or whitehead may form along the incision where the surgeon places the stitches. Dr. Panossian can take care of this in the office very easily, if necessary.
More severe complications are extremely rare, but can include difficulty in closing the eyes. A related problem is a persistent pulling down of the lower eyelids (or, ectropion). This can follow lower eyelid surgery but usually resolves with supportive taping of the eyelid.
In order to avoid these issues, Dr. Panossian requires strict adherence to pre- as well as postoperative instructions. Additional instructions are also provided under the Pre-and Postoperative General Instructions section. Dr. Panossian and his staff are available at all times to address emergencies or to clarify any pre- or postoperative instructions.
Why choose Dr Panossian
- He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
- Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
- Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
- Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
- Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
- Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
- Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
- He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
- Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
- Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
- Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
If you live near Pasadena, CA, Dr. Panossian offers eyelid lift among its services, and is also conveniently located at 39 Congress St., Suite 402 Pasadena, CA 91105
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
