Eyelid Lift Surgery in New Jersey

What is the most important part of the face? What makes the first and most significant impression, and has influenced the greatest number of poems? No question: the eyes.  But what if the biggest impression your eyes make about you is aging yourself or looking exhausted? Let’s face it, none of us want a poem written about us that starts out with “You look old and exhausted.”

The eyes are one of the first places to show signs of aging. The bottom lids become heavy and baggy, most often caused by fatty deposits. The upper eyelid skin becomes lax and droopy, and accumulates extra fatty deposits that add to the overall bulk of the upper lid. Not only can these features make you appear aged and tired, for some it can affect their vision.

Eyelid surgery, known medically as blepharoplasty, targets the skin around the eyes, lifting drooping lids and smoothing under-the-eye bags. In most cases, eyelid surgery creates a remarkable change that will lighten your face, making you look younger, alert and happier. And no doubt it will have you smiling in the mirror and more confident simply walking down the street.

What is a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift)?

This procedure consists of either an upper eyelid lift, a lower eyelid lift, or a combination of both. It really depends on the consensus you and your physician reach. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your physician during your consultation. At the consultation, your physician will want to know everything about your medical history and current medications. You can discuss your goals and expectations for the surgery as well as ask any questions you may have.

The procedure itself usually lasts two hours, depending on its extent and if it is combined with any other surgeries or treatments. Typically, local anesthesia is used instead of general anesthesia, in conjunction with a light sedative.

Upper eyelid lift

For an upper eyelid lift, the incision runs along the natural crease of your eyelid. Unneeded fatty deposits or tissue is removed, along with excess skin. Fine sutures are gently placed to seal the incision.

Lower eyelid lift

For a lower eyelid lift, the incision is made inside the bottom lid where fatty deposits can carefully be removed to eliminate any bulges or bags and excess skin is removed if needed. In younger people or those with good skin quality, the incision can be made on the inside of the lower lid. This will not leave a scar on the skin or require sutures.

What can I expect after a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift)?

Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient treatment. You will need someone to drive you home afterwards and it is important to have someone at home to help you for a few days. You will be given antibiotics to help guard against infection.  It is important to sleep with your head elevated for several nights and apply ice packs as necessary to minimize swelling. Pain medication will be available to help with any discomfort you may feel. Initially your eyelids may feel tight or tender – this will go away with time. Sutures are typically removed within three days.  Most patients are able to resume working after about a week. It can take two to four weeks for all the bruising or discoloration to fade, but your doctor can recommend make-up and make-up tips to help camouflage this when appropriate.

Am I a candidate for a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift)?

Is blepharoplasty for you? That is for you and your physician to determine. If your main concern is drooping or baggy eyelids, eyelid lifts will effectively help you. They will not, however, fix crows feet, wrinkles around the eye,s or any skin discoloration. It is important to be in good physical health before any surgery. Your physician will discuss your health with you during your consultation. If you are a smoker you may be asked to stop smoking for at least two weeks before and after your surgery to help your body heal.

What are the potential risks and complications of a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift)?

All surgeries carry some risk and complications. With a blepharoplasty complications are rare but include bleeding, swelling, and infection. Vision can be blurry or eyes may water for a few days following the procedure. In very rare instances, the lower lid can develop ectropion, which is where the lid sags and rolls out, which requires additional surgery

Eyelid surgery can create some of the most dramatic improvements to an aging face, instantly bringing a more youthful look. So if you are tired of people thinking you look exhausted, or if premature aging is starting to get old, maybe it is time for you to discuss blepharoplasty – eye eurgery – with your physician.

Call our office today to set up your consultation with Dr. Boris Volshteyn, our board certified plastic surgeon 732-641-3350