The eyelids are one of the first locations to begin showing signs of aging. Loose and sagging skin around the eyes can make you appear tired or form dark semi-circles under the eye. At Thomas Dermatology, located in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Matthew Hand performs some of the most rejuvenating procedures on the upper and lower eyelids to restore that youthful, refreshed look you’re after.
Upper and lower blepharoplasty, also known as upper and lower eyelid surgery, is a procedure in which your surgeon lifts and tightens eyelid tissue to restore a more youthful and rested look.
As you age, the appearance of your eye changes due to the involution of fat pads and bone resorption around the orbit. In the upper eye, these changes manifest as a hollow upper orbit (skeletonized look) or redundant sagging eyelid skin. In the lower eyelid, fat pads can protrude forward, causing bags to form.
The loss of volume in the midface (cheeks below the eyelid) further accentuates the herniation of the eye bags. As a result, eyes that once looked open, relaxed, inviting, and youthful can become droopy, wrinkled, and tired-looking. Surgery can help address these changes and restore youthfulness to the eyes.
Some of the many benefits of upper and lower blepharoplasty at Thomas Dermatology include:
Dr. Matthew Hand will meet with you to discuss your treatment goals and examine your upper and lower eyelids to ensure you’re a good candidate for surgery. He will review the various treatment options designed to address the different components of aging and discuss the merits of combination therapy.
You may be a candidate for blepharoplasty if you experience:
Prior to your procedure, your surgeon will review your operative plan, including all adjunct procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Comprehensive pre-and post-operative instructions will also be provided. Follow your surgeon’s instructions prior to undergoing blepharoplasty. This could include asking you to stop taking certain medications. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, protect your eyelids from the sun, and avoid smoking.
Blepharoplasty surgery is performed in the office under local anesthesia with light sedation. After you’re comfortable and numb, your surgeon makes tiny incisions along the folds of your eyelids. Dr. Matthew Hand may perform additional procedures through your upper eyelid incision if indicated. Adjunct procedures include medial fat pad transposition to re-volumize a hollow upper orbit, brow lifting and fixation, and volumizing sutures.
Lower eyelid procedures are generally performed through the conjunctiva on the inside of the eye to provide a scarless result. During your lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Matthew Hand will free the bulging fat pads and reposition them to soften the contour of the under eye. Complimenting procedures may be performed, including tightening of the lower eyelid or periorbital resurfacing with a laser in order to tighten the skin and soften wrinkles.
You will be discharged home the same day as the procedure. Be sure to have a friend or family member drive you home, as you will not be allowed to drive after sedation. A comprehensive list of medications and instructions are provided to ensure you take optimal care and get the best results possible.
Downtime after surgery depends on what procedures you’ve had performed and typically ranges from 1-2 weeks with minimal exertional activity.
During the healing process, you can expect:
To enhance your comfort, ice the treatment area, take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed, keep your eyelids clean, use eye drops or ointments if your doctor says to, and avoid strenuous activities. You should also sleep with your head in an elevated position for the first week after surgery.
Avoid smoking, rubbing your eyes, and wearing contact lenses until given the okay. Protect your eyelids from the sun and return for follow-up visits with Thomas Dermatology as directed. Sutures are typically removed 5-6 days after the procedure.
To learn more about upper and lower blepharoplasty and find out if it’s right for you, call the Thomas Dermatology office or schedule an appointment online today.