| Recovery |
|---|
| Recovery 1 – 4 weeks |
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure for the upper and/or lower eyelids; it reduces signs of aging and produces a youthful, rested and pleasant look around the eyes. Because the eyes are one of the most expressive features of the face, rejuvenating them requires a remarkable surgeon who respects the unique attractiveness of each individual patient.
Dr. Valladolid has elevated eyelid surgery to an art form. With his strong sense of artistry and leading-edge techniques, Dr. Valladolid helps his patients recapture a youthful, vibrant expression. The surgical journey begins with a comprehensive assessment of each patient’s eyes and facial anatomy and involves a customized treatment plan taking into account his or her concerns and desires. Dr. Valladolid carries out the treatment plan with the highest attention to detail and technical finesse to create results that look naturally beautiful. Patients appreciate Dr. Valladolid’s warm, thorough approach from the initial consultation throughout the recovery.
Candidates for eyelid surgery wish to correct any of the following imperfections:
Some candidates have vision problems due to excess skin of the upper lids spilling over the lash line and obscuring the visual field. In these cases, eyelid surgery improves not only the appearance of the eyelids but also vision.
To qualify for surgery, candidates should be in good general health and not smoke (or be able to temporarily quit in preparation for surgery). Candidates should understand what can be achieved with eyelid surgery and desire improvement, not perfection.
Eyelid surgery is highly individualized to reflect the unique physical attributes and goals of the patient. During pre-operative consultation, Dr. Valladolid carefully crafts a surgical plan that takes into consideration the patient’s natural eyelid shape.
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure performed with local or general anesthesia. Dr. Valladolid can treat the upper eyelids and lower eyelids individually or together in one operation.
When treating the upper eyelids, Dr. Valladolid creates the surgical incisions in the natural folds and creases of the lids. When treating the lower eyelids, he creates the incisions just below the lower lashline or inside the lower lid. Scarring from the incisions is extremely discreet.
After eyelid surgery, the eyes are normally swollen and bruised. Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription painkillers can minimize discomfort. The worst of the swelling and bruising should resolve within a week to 10 days after surgery; at that point, patients can resume work, socializing and most of their normal activities. Light exercise can be resumed as soon as the patient feels ready, with more strenuous activity permitted after four to six weeks.
After your blepharoplasty, you may experience bruising and swelling for a few weeks. This is a natural part of your recovery and not indicative of your final results. When swelling subsides, you will notice a more refreshed and youthful appearance around the treated area. Blepharoplasty that is focused on the upper eyelid will result in less drooping, and your eyes may appear larger or more open. When the procedure focuses on the lower lid, you will notice a renewed and youthful look that provides more balance to the face overall. The appearance of your eye area may continue to improve weeks after surgery. Most patients feel ready to resume a majority of their regular activities, such as work and various outings, approximately 10 days after the procedure.
Depending on the specifics of your case and the targeted treatment areas, blepharoplasty surgery generally takes one to two hours to complete. Treating only the upper or lower lids will generally take less time than if both areas are treated. During your consultation, Dr. Valladolid will discuss your surgical goals and desired results to determine which areas will receive treatment and provide an idea of how long your procedure will take.
Blepharoplasty scars are typically concealed within the natural creases and folds of the lids and virtually undetectable when the eyes are open. It is important to note that the incision lines from the procedure will typically heal within a few months, although they can take longer to diminish based on patient-specific circumstances, such as eyelid skin quality, level of eyelid sagging (ptosis) and the location and size of each incision. Patients should also avoid direct exposure to the sun during recovery to protect the healing incisions and delicate eye area. Following postoperative care instructions can help further minimize long-term scarring from blepharoplasty.
After the procedure, you may experience blurred vision. This is often a result of the ointment applied to the treatment area and is generally expected to subside within a few days. Rest assured that Dr. Valladolid will fully prepare you for what to expect ahead of your procedure. He will also provide aftercare instructions to help you further understand the recovery process after your blepharoplasty. Consult with Dr. Valladolid about any concerns related to blepharoplasty to help you decide if this procedure is right for you.
Blepharoplasty is used to remove excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids. Sometimes excess or displaced fat in and around the lower eyelids can cause bulging or puffiness that casts the shadows we recognize as dark circles. The careful removal and/or repositioning of this fat can even out puffiness and bulging under the eyes, thereby reducing the appearance of dark circles.
However, dark circles can be caused by a variety of other environmental and genetic factors, and eyelid surgery cannot always specifically treat or remove the circles. If you are concerned about dark circles, Dr. Valladolid can explain whether blepharoplasty will help in your specific case.
To schedule an eyelid surgery consultation with Dr. Valladolid, please call (480) 770-5015 or email our practice today.
