Drooping or baggy eyelids can make the eyes look tired and aged. In some cases, sagging upper eyelid skin can also interfere with vision. At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center in Torrance, CA, we offer upper and lower eyelid surgery to improve both appearance and function. Different surgical techniques can be used depending on the degree of sagging, fat distribution, and skin elasticity. During a consultation, we determine the best approach based on each patient’s specific eyelid structure.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Excess skin and fat around the eyes can create a heavy, drooping appearance or cause under-eye puffiness. Blepharoplasty removes or repositions this tissue to correct these concerns. The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on the concerns being addressed. This surgery can often resolve issues that non-surgical skin tightening methods cannot treat and is a good option for patients with more advanced concerns.
What Does Blepharoplasty Treat?
Drooping Upper Eyelids
Excess skin on the upper eyelids can create a hooded appearance, sometimes extending over the lash line and interfering with vision. Removing this skin and adjusting the underlying tissue can restore a more open and alert look. Eye augmentation techniques may be used to refine the eyelid shape by adjusting fat placement or muscle support.
Puffiness and Bags Under the Eyes
Fat pockets beneath the lower eyelids can create persistent puffiness or deep under-eye bags. This can happen due to genetics, aging, or fluid retention. Lower blepharoplasty removes or repositions fat to smooth the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek and reduce the shadowed, swollen appearance.
Loose or Sagging Skin
Skin loses elasticity over time, causing the eyelids to appear stretched or wrinkled. This can lead to folds in the upper eyelids or crepey skin on the lower eyelids. Removing or tightening this skin can improve eyelid contour and prevent excess tissue from weighing down the eyes.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines Around the Eyes
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more prone to fine lines, especially at the outer corners. While blepharoplasty primarily focuses on structural concerns, it can help reduce some of these wrinkles by smoothing excess skin. For deeper lines or crow’s feet, additional treatments may be recommended.
Types of Blepharoplasty
- Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: This procedure removes excess skin and may adjust muscle or fat to improve the upper eyelid contour. An eye lift can enhance the eyelid crease and create a more defined shape.
- Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty: Fat is either repositioned or removed to smooth the lower eyelid. This form of eye surgery can also include tightening the skin or supporting the lower lid for better structure.
- Combination Blepharoplasty: Both the upper and lower eyelids are treated in a single procedure. This approach addresses multiple concerns at once and can create a more balanced appearance.
Techniques Used in Blepharoplasty
Upper Eyelid Surgery
A thin incision is placed in the natural eyelid crease, allowing access to remove or reposition excess skin, fat, and muscle. Once healed, the incision is virtually invisible, blending into the fold of the eyelid. Eyelid surgery can refine the shape of the upper lids while maintaining a natural appearance.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
- Transconjunctival Approach: The incision is made inside the lower eyelid, leaving no external scarring. This technique is ideal for patients who need fat repositioning without skin removal. It maintains the eyelid’s natural shape while reducing puffiness.
- Subciliary Approach: A small incision is placed just below the lash line to remove excess skin and fat. Scarring is minimal and fades over time. This method is best for patients who need both skin tightening and fat repositioning, offering eye lift results with a relatively quick recovery.
What to Expect From Your Blepharoplasty Surgery
Blepharoplasty is performed in our outpatient surgery center, and patients get to go home the same day. We can do upper eyelid surgery using local anesthesia which reduces the risks of general anesthesia while keeping the procedure comfortable. Surgery typically takes about one to two hours. Upper blepharoplasty is often faster and less involved than lower eyelid procedures. If both the upper and lower eyelids are treated together, the procedure may take longer. After surgery, patients spend a short time in recovery at our center before going home with a friend or family member.
What to Expect From Blepharoplasty Recovery
Initial Healing
Swelling and bruising develop within the first 48 hours and gradually improve over the next one to two weeks. Applying cold compresses and keeping the head elevated are recommended to minimize swelling. You may feel comfortable resuming light activities within a few days, but heavier exertion should be avoided until your healing progresses.
Removal of Stitches
We remove sutures from the upper eyelids after five to seven days. If dissolvable sutures are used, this step will not be needed, but we will continue to monitor you for proper healing. If mild irritation occurs around the incision sites, prescribed ointments or lubricating drops help keep the area comfortable.
Returning to Normal Activities and Final Results
Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities, including work, within a week. Bruising may still be present but can often be concealed with makeup after about ten days. Bending over, contact sports and other activities that increase blood pressure should be avoided until your surgeon gives you the “all-clear” to prevent excess swelling. Residual swelling continues to improve over several months and your results will continue to be more refined. Swelling may take six months to a year to fully resolve. Your incisions will fade gradually and blend into the natural eyelid contours.
Tips for a Better Recovery From Blepharoplasty
The first few nights after your procedure, consider using multiple pillows or a wedge pillow to elevate your head slightly while sleeping. When you use cold compresses, be sure to protect your skin with a clean cloth or gauze rather than applying the ice directly to the skin. Only use a cold compress for 15-20 minutes at a time, a few times per day.
You should keep from straining your eyes as you heal by avoiding excessive screen time, reading for long periods, or wearing contact lenses too soon. If you go outside, protect your eyes from the sun with a pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Try to stay away from dusty or smoky environments that could irritate your eyes and make sure you follow any specific instructions that we give you after your surgery.
Common Add-On Procedures
- Brow Lift: This surgery lifts the brows to reduce heaviness on the upper eyelids and smooth forehead lines. This can enhance the results of blepharoplasty, especially for patients with low or sagging brows.
- Facelift: Facelifts address sagging skin in the lower face and jawline, complementing eyelid surgery for a more balanced rejuvenation. A facelift and blepharoplasty can be performed together for a more comprehensive approach.
- Dermabrasion: This is a non-surgical treatment that exfoliates the skin’s surface to improve texture and reduce fine lines around the eyes. This treatment can refine the results of eyelid surgery by smoothing the surrounding skin.
- Chemical Peel: These treatments improve skin tone and texture by reducing discoloration, fine lines, and sun damage. They work by exfoliating the top layers of skin through the application of a chemical solution. When used on the area around the eyes, peels can reduce wrinkles and tighten the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty
Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Patients who have excess eyelid skin, fat deposits, or sagging that affects their vision or appearance may benefit from blepharoplasty. Good candidates are in overall good health, have realistic expectations, and do not have conditions that affect healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or severe dry eye. A consultation helps determine whether this procedure is the right option based on eyelid structure, skin quality, and overall health.
How Long Will My Blepharoplasty Results Last?
Results from blepharoplasty are long-lasting, as excess skin and fat do not typically return. However, the natural aging process continues, and some patients may notice subtle changes over time. Protecting the skin from sun exposure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help preserve results for many years.
When Can I Wear Contact Lenses Again?
Most patients can resume wearing contact lenses about two weeks after eyelid surgery once the swelling has subsided. The eyes may feel dry or more sensitive during the initial healing period, so lubricating drops can help. It’s important to avoid pulling on the eyelids when inserting or removing lenses to prevent irritation. You can ask your surgeon when you can begin wearing your contacts again.
How Soon Can I Apply Makeup?
Eye makeup, including mascara and eyeliner, should be avoided for at least ten days to prevent infection and irritation. Once healing progresses, patients can use clean, hypoallergenic makeup to cover any residual bruising. It’s best to discard old eye makeup to reduce the risk of bacteria near healing incisions.
Are There Non-Surgical Eyelid Tightening Options?
For patients with mild skin laxity, Ultherapy® may be an alternative to surgery. This treatment uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production and it can firm the eyelid skin over time. While it does not remove excess tissue, it can offer subtle tightening for those not ready for blepharoplasty. We can also use other treatments to treat concerns around the eyes such as neuromodulators for crow’s feet and frown lines. During your consultation, ask us what treatments and procedures we recommend for your situation.
