Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

As we age, the fat around the eyeball bulges forward as the supporting tissues stretch, and the skin gets looser. The cheek fat sags, and the lower edge of the eye socket becomes hollowed. The junction between the eyelid and cheek slides down and becomes more obvious.

Most surgeons remove the fat that has sagged forward. Because we lose fat in the face as we age, this leads to increased hollowing of the eye socket, and does not raise the eyelid/cheek junction. I prefer to reposition the fat, and lift the upper edge of the cheek fat at the same time. Incisions are made inside the lower lid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty). If there is loose skin, it is removed with incisions in the upper lid fold and just below the lower lash line.

Who is it for?

Most patients are over 30. However, some people have puffy or tired looking eyes in their teens or twenties. This is due to a familial tendency for the fat surrounding the eyeball to sag outwards and downwards. If you have these problems then you may benefit from eyelid surgery at any age.

If you have the type of Asian eye with no fold in the upper eyelid, a blepharoplasty can also create a pleasing and natural fold, that is still Asian in appearance. If well done, the appearance should blend with the remaining facial features, as an eyelid fold is also a normal variant in Asian populations.

What to expect

Blepharoplasty is done under either local (injections to freeze the tissues) or general anesthesia as an outpatient. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activity for twenty-four to forty-eight hours after surgery. You will have puffiness and bruising of the eyelids for seven to fourteen days.

The results of blepharoplasty are usually long lasting and few people require re-operation until 10 or 15 years later. Just like a face-lift, the surgery will make you look less tired and more cheerful and alert.

Because surgery does not improve the skin elasticity (and therefore fine lines), you may get additional improvement from fractional laser treatment or a chemical peel.

If you are considering Eyelid Surgery in Orange County, please click here to contact Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Bailey, to set up a consultation.

Before and After Pictures

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Before	After
Before	After
Before	After