Laser Blepharoplasty
Why Blepharoplasty?
As we age our skin loses its firmness and begins to sag. This is especially true around the eyes since the eyelids have the thinnest skin on your body. Exposure to the sun also leads to a loss of elasticity in the skin around the eyes and can cause more sagging or wrinkles. Dr. Clariday’s goal is to revitalize droopy and puffy eyelids so that the appearance of the eyes communicates the energy and vitality that one feels inside.
Why Should I Choose an Ophthamologist for my Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?
The eye is so complex in its parts that it has given rise to many specialties within the field of ophthalmology. Cosmetic surgeons who are Ophthalmologists specialize in delicate procedures for treating the skin, muscles, glands, and bones which surround, support, and aid in the proper functioning of the eye. Many people seek the expertise of surgeons with this medical training and experience to improve the cosmetic appearance of the areas surrounding their eyes. These same procedures can also lead to improved vision.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Cosmetic Blepharoplasty tightens the appearance of the skin around the eyes giving the individual a youthful appearance. Blepharoplasty is the second most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedure after liposuction. This is because it is a smaller surgical procedure that does not take a great amount of time and causes little discomfort, yet can provide significant benefit. Blepharoplasty is performed at Clariday Aesthetics to remove excess skin from the upper eyelid area or to remove bulging fat pads from the lower eyelid. It is also frequently performed in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as CO2 laser resurfacing. Although blepharoplasty is not a major operation, it should not be considered a trivial procedure. The eyelid is a very delicate structure and requires gentle and meticulous surgical technique in order to obtain a good result. Every patient experiences at least some swelling for several days and most people return to work within several days to a week. Lower eyelid surgery can sometimes be performed through the inside of the lower eyelid, thus leaving no visible external scar.
Preparing for Eyelid Surgery
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The Day before Eyelid Surgery
On the day before your eyelid surgery, make sure that you have the following items stocked at home:
• ice cubes
• clean washcloths
• clean bowl for cold water
• gallon-size Ziploc® bags (to make ice packs)
• sterile gauze pads
• bottle of acetaminophen
• bottle of artificial tears
Also, be sure that you have arranged for someone to take you to and from the place where your Blepharoplasty will be performed.
Arranging Transportation and After-Care
It is imperative that you arrange for someone to transport you home after your eyelid surgery. Make sure that you clearly understand your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, as they are vital to a quick, comfortable, and safe recovery from blepharoplasty. |
The Day of Eyelid Surgery
While the directions for preparing for eyelid surgery may differ somewhat from surgeon to surgeon, there are some general guidelines you can follow to help ensure the procedure goes smoothly. Before adhering to any of the following guidelines, check them with your surgeon.
Make sure to shower and shampoo before the procedure and to wash your eyebrows. Cosmetics should not be worn. False eyelashes, contact lenses, jewelry, and any other unnecessary accessories should be left at home. The ideal type of clothing to wear on the day of surgery is a loose-fitting and comfortable outfit. Check with your surgeon about whether any prescription medicines or eye drops you regularly take may be taken the morning of your blepharoplasty.
More information pre and post surgery.
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Blepharoplasty FAQ's
Q: How long does the surgery take?
A: As a general guideline, performing upper or lower eyelid surgery alone usually takes about 30 minutes, while having them performed together takes about 1 hour. A full face resurfacing takes approximately 25 minutes.
Q: Where is the surgery performed?
A: Dr. Clariday's surgeries are done in his Webster office.
Q: What type of anesthesia is used?
A: Most people report minimal discomfort during blepharoplasty performed under local anesthesia. People who tend to have a low pain tolerance or are nervous may elect to have conscious sedation. We highly recommend this for people who are having their lower lids done and require it for resurfacing of the face.
Q: Is there much swelling or bruising?
A: Expect to have some bruising and swelling the next few days following surgery. Most bruising and swelling is gone by 10 days.
Q: Are there any stitches?
A: You will have stitches in your upper eyelids and they will stay in for 10 days.
Q: Are the scars very noticeable?
A: In the upper eyelid, the incision line is hidden in the crease of the eye. In most cases, the lower eyelid incision is placed along the back of the eyelid and leaves no external scar. It will usually take about 6 months for the scar to achieve full thinning.
Q: Do I need to be off work?
A: Most normal activity can be resumed within 2 to 3 days. Remember, if you have upper eyelid surgery you will have stitches in your eyelids. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least one week. If you are having full face resurfacing you will need to be off work for 10 days.
Q: Do many men have eyelid surgery?
A: Blepharoplasty is the second most popular cosmetic procedure performed in men.
Q: Shouldn't I go to a plastic surgeon to have my eyelids done?
A: Dr. Clariday is an ophthalmologist who specializes in oculoplastics. As a highly experienced blepharoplasty surgeon, he performs over 400 eyelid surgeries a year.
Q: Can dark circles beneath the eyes be corrected by lower blepharoplasty?
A: Some dark circles are shadowing from fat pads. While blepharoplasty and fat repositioning may help to soften their appearance in selected cases, it will not eliminate them altogether.
Q: How long does the improvement last?
A: In the large majority of patients, cosmetic eyelid surgery needs to be performed only once.
Q: I’ve had or plan to have LASIK. Does this pose a problem?
A: No, although there are several timing considerations. As refractive surgery has increased in popularity, the number of people seeking blepharoplasty who have already had or are actively considering having LASIK has increased dramatically. Fortunately, the two procedures are compatible. When planning treatment, however, several factors should be considered.
Q: I have dry eyes. Does this limit my options?
A: Yes, but not drastically. Conservatism is key. In patients with dry eyes, several simple modifications in blepharoplasty technique are generally applied to lessen the chance of corneal exposure and increased tear evaporation. It is imperative that overcorrection be avoided and that there be minimal interference with blinking. Talk with Dr. Clariday for more information.
Use of artificial tears: Since any form of blepharoplasty may temporarily lessen the force of blinking in the immediate post-operative period, the liberal application of preservative-free artificial tears is advised, including the use of an artificial tear lubricating ointment applied at bedtime.
Q: Are the scars very noticeable?
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One Month |
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Two Months |
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Six Months |
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One Year |
Q: What can I Expect?
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Two Days After Upper blepharoplasty |
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Five Days After |
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One Week After |
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Three Weeks After |
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Three Months After |
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