Bye bye droopy eyes.

Because our eyes reveal and express ourselves, it’s no surprise that keeping them youthful, vibrant, and responsive is the goal of many people. If that’s your goal, too, then know that eyelid lifts are one of our specialties.

Blepharoplasty also referred to as an eyelift, eyelid tuck, or eyelid surgery, is a safe, effective, and common procedure that allows the surgeon to reshape the upper and lower eyelids. By removing excess fat, skin, and atrophied muscles, the eyelid can be reshaped to get rid of bags under the eyes and the excess skin of the upper eyelid which very often obstructs good vision as we age.

Age, sun exposure, smoking, and hereditary factors can all contribute to wrinkles, deep lines, and sagging skin around the upper eyes. This aging process can cause people to look older, as well as cause us to have a tired or sad facial expressions.

Every upper eyelid surgery must be customized for each patient because it is critically important to create a natural, rested look after surgery and not a “wide-eyed” expression. In fact, almost every patient considering upper eyelid surgery desires a post-operative appearance that leaves them looking like a rested, better version of themselves without looking strange or “surprised.”

Eyelift Candidates

• Tired, sleepy appearance
• Under eye bags
• Low eyebrows
• Vision obstruction
• Hooded upper eyelids

Preparing for an Eyelift

Prior to an eyelift procedure, you should adhere to standard pre-op guidelines to allow for patient safety and maximum post-op results as follows:

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Do not smoke in the weeks surrounding the procedure.
• Do not take pain medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Provide a list of any medications that are taken regularly.
• Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.
• Do not wear makeup or contact lenses to surgery.
• Patients must have a friend or relative drive them to and from the procedure.

About the Procedure

The incision for an eyelift procedure is placed in the natural crease that is already present above the eyelid and it is imperceptible when the eye is open. Through these incisions, the skin is separated from the underlying fatty tissue, and excess fat, and loose skin will be removed. If the brow is found in a low position, it will be re-positioned to its proper height prior to performing upper eyelid surgery in order to provide the right foundation for the most natural, youthful appearance of the upper eyes after surgery. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions, and the eyes are lubricated with an ointment. Depending on the extent of tissue removal, the eyes may be bandaged. The blepharoplasty procedure can be performed along with a facelift or other facial procedures for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Aftercare & Recovery

Because blepharoplasty is considered an outpatient procedure, patients can begin the recovery process in the comfort of their own home the same day as surgery. After the procedure, a loose-fitting dressing is applied. Typically, there is little to no discomfort after surgery. However, if pain is present, it can easily be controlled with over-the-counter medication. Bruising and swelling are  normal parts of the recovery process and generally diminish in seven to 10 days. To help the recovery process:

• Recline in a face-up position at a 45-degree angle for at least one week
• Avoid strenuous activities for two to three weeks
• Keep scheduled follow-up appointments

Each patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.

Request your consultation with one of our Plastic Surgeons in Sandy Springs or Hiram to learn more.

Procedures & Treatments