Eyelid Lift

Comments Dr. Hilinski is "Double Board Certified" in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Featured Case Rhinoplasty Case Example The current Featured Rhinoplasty Case Example was chosen because of the many complexities involved with her surgery. This is an otherwise healthy young lady who desired reshaping of her nose due to several areas of concern. She had no prior surgery on her nose. click here to continue

Aging changes involving the upper eyelid typically reflect too much skin that appears to hang over the eyelid margin. When this occurs, you lose the normal crease just above the eyelid and this leads to that baggy, tired look. Many women are also frustrated by the inability to apply make-up to the upper eyelid because of excessive skin folds. Whenever upper eyelid blepharoplasty is being considered, one must also assess whether the eyebrow has descended enough to contribute to the problem. If this is the case, a browlift may need to be performed in conjunction with upper eyelid blepharoplasty to achieve optimal results. The upper blepharoplasty incision is designed to blend in with the existing but hidden natural skin crease. Redundant skin is removed and excess fat is taken out as needed. The incision is closed with the end result being a sharper, well-defined upper eyelid crease with a refreshed new look.

Before & After Photos

In contrast to the upper eyelid, lower eyelid blepharoplasty emphasizes removal of excess fatty tissue. Only in certain instances is it necessary to remove lower eyelid skin. Typically, there are no external incisions with lower lid blepharoplasty. The incision is usually hidden on the inside of the eyelid (termed transconjunctival blepharoplasty). In rare cases where an external incision is required (for excess skin), it can be readily hidden just below the eyelashes. Excess fat is removed from the individual fat compartments below the eye and the incision is allowed to heal from the inside out. The result is restoration of a smoother, more youthful lower lid contour.

Healthy men and women who are looking to improve aging changes of the upper and/or lower eyelids may be good candidates for blepharoplasty. Upper blepharoplasty is typically performed on patients complaining of heaviness of the upper eyelid and/or decreased definition of the skin crease extending across the upper lid. Lower blepharoplasty is typically performed on patients bothered by unwanted bags or puffiness along the lower eyelid, which may also be accompanied by dark shadows or dark circles under the eyes.

Blepharoplasty is usually performed under local anesthetic with sedation as needed. The procedure typically takes place in an outpatient surgery setting, though the upper eyelid lift can be performed in the office setting with just local anesthesia. Upper blepharoplasty generally takes between one and one and a half hours to complete while lower blepharoplasty may take one and a half to three hours to complete.

Patients are able to go home soon after the surgery is completed. Swelling and bruising can be minimized by elevating the head while sleeping and applying cold compresses. Any pain that patients experience can be controlled with low-dose prescription medication. The sutures are removed within four to seven days after surgery. Swelling subsides within a few days and patients are usually presentable in public and able to return to work within seven to ten days. By 2-4 weeks, it is difficult to tell that you ever underwent surgery.

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Q - What is an eyelid lift?
The eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to rejuvenate and reshape an aging upper and/or lower eyelid. The eyelid lift can improve the appearance of bagginess along the upper eyelids and puffiness below the lower eyelids. The surgery may be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or on both. When a combined upper and lower blepharoplasty (called a ‘quad bleph’) is performed, it may be described as periorbital rejuvenation.

Q - Who is a good candidate for an eyelid lift?
Good candidates for the eyelid lift include healthy men and women who are bothered by aging changes of the upper and/or lower eyelids. The eyelid lift may not be appropriate for individuals with chronic tearing of the eye, dry eye, eye muscle weakness (ptosis), or other vision problems that may negatively impact the healing process.

Q - Where is the eyelid lift procedure performed?
Dr. Hilinski performs most eyelid lift in an outpatient surgery setting. When performing just an upper eyelid lift, the procedure can also be performed in the office setting.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for the eyelid lift?
Upper eyelid lifts may be performed with just local anesthesia. Lower eyelid lifts and combined upper and lower eyelid lifts require at least some form of sedation.

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Dr. Hilinski's office in San Diego, CA is conveniently located near the following: La Jolla Temecula Murrieta Inland Empire Palm Springs Palm Desert Newport Beach Laguna Beach Orange County San Clemente