Your eyelids can have a profound impact on your entire facial appearance. The elasticity and contour of your eyelids can affect whether you look sleepy or alert, angry or relaxed, old or young. Both age and heredity can play a role in the shape and proportion of your upper and lower lids.
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, can restore the youthful appearance of your eyelids by removing excess, sagging skin and repositioning internal tissues.
To learn more about eyelid surgery, please contact Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery today online or at 650-934-7020 to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve the Silicon Valley and Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose and San Francisco, California.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery. An upper eye lift targets drooping upper eyelids, while lower eyelid surgery addresses unsightly bags beneath the eyes.
Upper eyelifts not only provide a more aesthetically appealing result, they can also improve your vision if excess upper eyelid skin is interfering with your sight. Likewise, in addition to a younger look, lower eyelid surgery can also provide improvement or stability in the lower eyelid’s position. Depending on your unique goals and physical characteristics, these procedures can be performed separately or together.
Although every patient and procedure is inherently unique, the goals of eyelid surgery are consistent. With every blepharoplasty performed at Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery, we strive for:
- A more vibrant and youthful appearance
- Natural-looking results
- Attractive symmetry
- Non-visible scars
- Long-lasting results
As with every cosmetic facial procedure, it’s important to have realistic expectations. If you are in your 40s or 50s, eyelid surgery won’t make you look 25 again, but it will make you look like a more refreshed and youthful version of yourself.
You should not expect complete eradication of eyelid wrinkles, but rather a softening. In order to ensure your continued ability to fully close your eyes after surgery, the excision of skin must be performed conservatively. Our highly-trained team of board-certified plastic surgeons employs a wealth of experience and artistic precision to provide results that are both beautiful and functional.
Should I Consider Eyelift Surgery?
If you are in generally good health and don’t smoke (or are willing to quit for a month before and after surgery), you may want to consider eyelid surgery if you experience:
- Drooping upper eyelid skin
- Large bags under your eyes
- Impaired vision because of droopy upper eyelids
- Puffy eyelids
Procedures to Complement Your Blepharoplasty Results
During your free initial consultation with our experienced eyelid surgeons, each of your concerns will be discussed and all of your options will be thoroughly explained. Your safety and satisfaction are always paramount at Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery. We will take the time to fully examine and assess your facial structure and candidacy to determine the best ways to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Depending on your individual goals, your blepharoplasty may benefit from additional procedures and treatments such as:
- Brow lift: If a sagging brow contributes significantly to a droopy eyelid, a brow lift can help by lifting and reshaping the brow.
- BOTOX Cosmetic: If you have crow’s feet or vertical lines between your eyebrows, BOTOX treatment can help to smooth your skin and create an even more rejuvenated eye appearance.
- Dermal fillers: Darkened hollows beneath the eyes may be effectively addressed with certain dermal fillers to add volume.
Can I Get Blepharoplasty if I’ve had LASIK?
You can undergo blepharoplasty after LASIK, but will need to wait until you have healed. Once you have fully recovered from LASIK, it will not impact your candidacy for blepharoplasty.
During your initial consultation, we will carefully evaluate your medical history to ensure blepharoplasty is a good fit for your needs.
How Long Does the Blepharoplasty Procedure Take?
Eyelid surgery may take one to two hours, depending on factors unique to your procedure and anatomy. The procedure will take longer when both upper and lower eyelids are corrected.
The best way to learn how long your procedure may take is through a one-on-one consultation at our Los Altos office.
What Kind of Anesthesia Is Used for Blepharoplasty?
The anesthesia used during blepharoplasty depends on multiple factors unique to the individual being treated. Local anesthetic in combination with oral or IV sedation may be enough when blepharoplasty is performed on its own. When in combination with other procedures, deeper sedation or general anesthesia may be necessary.
We care deeply about the safety and comfort of our patients. We will help you select the best type of anesthesia during the planning phase of your procedure.
Are Blepharoplasty Results Permanent?
Results from blepharoplasty can last for a lifetime, but may also begin to diminish as you age. Much of this depends on your age at the time of surgery, your family history and genetics, your lifestyle, skin care routine, and environment.
Following our pre and postoperative care instructions can help to extend results. So too can adopting a solid and consistent daily skin care routine. We can help you select the best products for your skin during your time in our care.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Blepharoplasty?
Recovery from blepharoplasty can take several weeks. Most people can resume working in non-demanding jobs within seven to 14 days. Strenuous exercise and more physically demanding activities will need to be avoided for up to six weeks.
During your follow-up visits, we will assess your recovery and provide instructions on when to resume specific activities.
How Soon After the Procedure Can I Wear My Contacts?
You must avoid touching or pulling on the eyelids for several days after your procedure. This will help to prevent irritation and infection. It is best to wait for one to two weeks before wearing your contacts after blepharoplasty.
As with all activities, we will help you decide when it’s best to begin using contact lenses during your follow-up visits.
Schedule Your Free Eye Lift Consultation Today
If you are considering eye lift surgery in the Silicon Valley or Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose and San Francisco, please contact Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery today online or at 650-934-7020 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.