At RSVP Med Spa, eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, offers more than just an aesthetic enhancement—it can also address functional issues that impact your daily life. Whether you’re considering the procedure for cosmetic reasons or to improve vision problems caused by drooping eyelids, our expert team is here to guide you through the process and help you achieve your desired outcome.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. This surgery can address both cosmetic concerns, such as sagging or puffy eyelids, and functional issues, like impaired vision caused by drooping lids. By tightening the skin and reshaping the eyelids, blepharoplasty can help restore a youthful appearance and improve overall eye function. In addition to upper and lower eyelid surgeries, Dr. Fu also specializes in Asian blepharoplasty, or double eyelid surgery, to create a natural-looking crease in individuals with a monolid.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 325,000 blepharoplasty procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2020, making it one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for individuals seeking a refreshed, rejuvenated look.
Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery offers a solution to a variety of both functional and aesthetic concerns, helping you look and feel your best. This procedure is available for men and women of all ages to address the following concerns:
Drooping Upper Eyelids
Excess skin that sags over the upper eyelids can cause a tired or aged appearance and may even impair your vision. Eyelid surgery tightens the skin and muscles, improving both appearance and function.
Under-Eye Bags
Puffiness or bags beneath the eyes are common signs of aging and can make you look older or constantly tired. Lower eyelid surgery smooths and tightens this area, giving you a refreshed, youthful look.
Excess Skin and Wrinkles
Both the upper and lower eyelids can develop excess skin, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Eyelid surgery can remove this skin to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Fat Deposits
Fat can accumulate in the eyelids, contributing to a swollen or puffy look. Surgery repositions or removes excess fat to restore a balanced, natural appearance.
Obstructed Vision
For those experiencing vision problems due to drooping eyelids, the surgery can provide significant relief by clearing the obstruction and improving your field of view.
Our Eyelid Surgery Procedures
Eyelid surgery is a straightforward procedure, but understanding the steps can help ease any concerns you may have. The process for eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, varies depending on whether you’re focussing on the upper or lower eyelids.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is made along the natural crease of your eyelid, just above the lashes. This allows for the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat, helping to tighten and lift the upper eyelid. Once healed, the incision is discreetly hidden within the crease of your eyelid, ensuring minimal visible scarring. Learn more about upper blepharoplasty here.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is typically placed just below the lash line, allowing for the removal of excess skin and fat that causes puffiness or bags. In some cases, instead of removing the fat, it can be repositioned to fill in hollow areas under the eyes, giving a smoother, more youthful appearance. If only fat is being addressed, a “transconjunctival blepharoplasty” may be performed, where the incision is made inside the lower eyelid, leaving no external scar. Learn more about lower blepharoplasty here.
Double Eyelid Surgery (Asian Blepharoplasty)
Asian blepharoplasty, also known as double eyelid surgery, is a specialized procedure aimed at creating a natural-looking crease in the upper eyelid for individuals with a monolid or minimal crease. The procedure involves carefully placing the incision along the intended crease and removing or repositioning fat and tissue to create a defined double eyelid. This surgery is performed with great precision to enhance the appearance while preserving ethnic identity and achieving a natural result.
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty can usually be performed through external incisions made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids, such as the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids. With a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the incisions are made from the inner surface of the lower eyelid. This type of procedure can remove lower eyelid fat without an externally visible scar, but it does not allow excess skin to be removed. External skin resurfacing with a chemical peel or laser may be performed simultaneously. This allows the skin surface to be addressed for wrinkling and pigmentation.
Infrabrow Excision Blepharoplasty
Infrabrow excision blepharoplasty is a periorbital rejuvenation surgery. It addresses the shortcomings of the conventional blepharoplasty operation. The technique is widely used by many Japanese, Korean, and Chinese plastic surgeons. The idea rests on alleviation of the lid redundancy through excision of infrabrow skin, subcutaneous tissue, and orbital orbicularis as opposed to that of the upper lid or the suprabrow area. This is followed by a layer-by-layer approximation of the structures with no undermining. Skin sutures are either absorbable or are removed in one week.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
Will eyelid surgery improve my vision?
For patients with severely drooping upper eyelids, eyelid surgery can improve vision by removing the excess skin that may be blocking your field of view. If sagging eyelids interfere with daily activities like reading or driving, surgery may provide significant relief.
Is eyelid surgery only for cosmetic reasons?
No, eyelid surgery is often performed for both functional and cosmetic reasons. While some patients seek the procedure to enhance their appearance and achieve a more youthful look, others undergo surgery to correct drooping lids that obstruct vision or cause discomfort.
What is the recovery process like?
Recovery time varies by patient, but most people can return to normal activities within 7-10 days. Swelling and bruising are common immediately following surgery but should subside within a week. Full healing may take a few weeks, during which you should avoid strenuous activities to allow your body to recover.
Are there risks or complications associated with eyelid surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery carries some risks, including infection, scarring, and dry eyes. However, complications are rare, especially when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Selena Fu. We’ll discuss all potential risks during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
How long do the results last?
The results of eyelid surgery are long-lasting. While the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy a more refreshed, youthful appearance for many years following the procedure. Maintaining healthy skin habits can also prolong the results.
How soon will I see results after the surgery?
You’ll begin to notice improvements as the swelling goes down, typically within 1-2 weeks. Full results become more apparent after the healing process is complete, which may take several weeks to a few months.
How do I prepare for eyelid surgery?
Before surgery, you’ll need to stop taking certain medications and avoid smoking to ensure proper healing. Our team will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions during your consultation.
Ready for a Consultation?
If you’re considering blepharoplasty for functional or cosmetic reasons, schedule a consultation at RSVP Med Spa today. We’ll discuss your concerns, explain the procedure, and create a personalized plan to help you achieve your goals.
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