Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons Serving Pensacola, FL & Mobile, AL
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a popular facial plastic surgery procedure to improve the appearance of the eyes. The eyes are one of the most prominent and expressive parts of the face. However, as we age, our lids can start to droop and we can develop bags that make us look tired and worn down no matter what our actual internal feelings are.
Eyelid surgery can help to restore brightness and youthfulness to the eyes and the entire face. If you are interested in this procedure, please call Restore Plastic Surgery today at 850-500-7527 to schedule your consultation. Our office in Pensacola welcomes patients from across Florida, nearby Mobile, Alabama, and throughout the nation.
Upper Eyelid Lift
An upper eye lift addresses the upper lids of the eyes. As we age, our lids often start to sag and droop, making us look older and tired. An upper eyelid lift will trim away excess skin and fat in order to open up the eyes and create a brighter, more youthful look.
Upper eyelid lifts are usually performed under local anesthesia in the office. You’ll have some swelling and bruising for a week or two, so you’ll probably want to take some time off of work.
Lower Eyelid Lift
A lower blepharoplasty addresses prominent bags under the eyes. The under eye area is one of the areas of the face that shows age most quickly. When you have bags that don’t go away, it can make you look much more tired and older than you really feel.
During a lower eyelid lift, the fat pads under your eyes that are causing the bags are removed and redistributed. Fat transfer to the cheeks is often performed at the same time in order to improve the facial contours and create a smoother and more youthful under eye appearance.
Asian Eyelid Surgery
Many men and women of Asian descent have a “monolid,” with no visible crease in the eyelid. We can perform surgery to create a crease, which can have the effect of making the eyes appear larger and brighter. An added benefit of this surgery for women in particular is having an increased area of visible space for eye makeup.
Asian eyelid surgery is similar to an upper eye lift in the time it takes to perform and the recovery time. This surgery is very popular, and the majority of patients who undergo it are very pleased with the results.
Eyelid Surgery Candidates
In order to be a candidate for eyelid surgery, you should:
- Have good eye health, with no active or unmanaged eye diseases
- Not have had LASIK surgery within the past 6 months
- Not have dry eyes
- Be a non-smoker or willing and able to quit
Eyelid surgery is one of the best ways to immediately brighten the face and achieve a more rested and youthful appearance. Eyelid surgery can also be combined with other procedures such as a facelift or fat grafting in order to achieve more comprehensive results.
How Long Does It Take for Eyelid Surgery to Settle?
Results from eyelid surgery are visible as soon as swelling and bruising subside. This can take ten to fourteen days. Once swelling and bruising have settled, your results will continue to be noticeable for several years to come.
How Can I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?
In preparation for eyelid surgery, we will instruct you to:
- Stop taking certain medications, herbs, and supplements
- Avoid all products with nicotine
- Follow all preoperative instructions
If you are undergoing general anesthesia, you will need to avoid eating, drinking, and using marijuana in the 24 hours leading up to your procedure.
Before your procedure, it is a good idea to create a comfortable recovery space at home. This can include books, magazines, and streaming services that allow you to stay in place and rest and relax for the first few days. It can also be useful to arrange for help from another adult who can take on your familial and household duties while you recover.
What Is Recovery Like From Eyelid Surgery?
Most people can resume working and non-demanding physical activities after five to seven days. It may take up to six weeks before you are ready to engage in more demanding activities. During your follow-up visits, we will help you determine when it is safe to resume specific tasks.
There will be some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following eyelid surgery. Pain is typically mild and can easily be handled with over-the-counter medications. Swelling and bruising will subside on their own – faster when you carefully follow our pre and postoperative directions. You will have several follow-up visits with Dr. Young as you recover, allowing us to help ensure you are comfortable throughout.
What Can I Expect From My Results?
Results from blepharoplasty will be visible as soon as bruising and swelling diminish. Upper eyelid surgery can continue to produce results for five to ten years. Lower eyelid surgery can continue to produce results longer, perhaps as many as 20 years. Much of this is dependent on your lifestyle choices, your daily skin care routine, and genetic factors.
We offer a range of products that can be used in specific combinations to help extend results. We can provide personalized recommendations during your time in our care.
Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?
Eyelid surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. There will be no discomfort during your procedure. Discomfort in the hours after surgery is possible and may last for up to seven days. Pain following blepharoplasty is typically mild and can be handled with over-the-counter medications.
We will discuss pain mitigation and steps to take during recovery that will help reduce postoperative discomfort to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Schedule Your Eye Lift Consultation
Please call Restore Plastic Surgery today at 850-500-7527 to schedule your consultation or schedule online. Our office in Pensacola, Florida serves patients from across the state, Mobile Alabama, and throughout the country.