Eyelid lift surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure designed to rejuvenate the area around your eyes, offering relief from a tired, haggard appearance. Loose, sagging skin, excessive fatty deposits and puffiness in your upper eyelids, or excess skin, wrinkles, and bags in your lower lids can not only make you look older, but impair your vision as well.
What is blepharoplasty?
Eyelid lift surgery for men and women in Maryland involves removing or repositioning skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from around the eyelids. The procedure varies depending on your specific needs and Frederick plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo performs eyelid surgery on the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both to offer a more youthful and alert appearance.
“I had a great experience at this office. The staff is super friendly and helpful from the consultation to surgery day to post-op. Very willing to listen and answer any questions I had. Several follow-up appointments after my surgery making for a great recovery. I could not be more happy with the great results. Dr.Garazo is clearly experienced and very knowledgeable making the big decision to have a surgery very easy. Thank you to him and his staff for all their help! I am truly thankful.”
—5-Star Google Review
Upper eyelid surgery
Upper eyelid surgery (upper eyelid lift) targets excess skin and fat in the upper eyelids. Dr. Garazo makes precise incisions along the natural crease of the upper eyelids to hide the scar. From this incision, Dr. Garazo removes excess skin and fat, and if needed, tightens underlying muscles and tendons to create a smooth upper eyelid. In some cases, rather than removing fat, Dr. Garazo may redistribute the fat to eliminate puffiness or bulges.
Each incision is closed with fine sutures, which typically stay in place for about one week.
Lower eyelid surgery
Lower eyelid surgery (lower eyelid lift) removes wrinkles and improves the contour of the lower eyelid, often addressing under-eye bags. The incision for a lower eyelid lift is typically made just below the lower lash line. In cases where only excess fat needs to be removed and not skin, Dr. Garazo may use a transconjunctival incision inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible external scar. Through these incisions, excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle are adjusted to smooth bags and fill in undereye hallows.
You’ll have the sutures removed about about 1 week; if a transconjunctival approach is used, Dr. Garazo will use dissolvable sutures that do not require removal.
Who should consider eyelid surgery
The best candidates for Maryland eyelid surgery are generally healthy, non-smokers with specific, realistic expectations. Frederick plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo performs eyelid surgery on a wide range of patients:
- Patients who have droopy, heavy eyelids that age their appearance and may obstruct their vision
- Patients who have “bags” under their eyes, those who have undereye hollows, and those with excess, wrinkly skin under they eyes
- Younger patients with hooded eyelids who want to reduce the upper eyelid fold at the present and prevent droopy upper eyelids as they age
Eyelid surgery should not be performed on those with serious eye conditions. Your ophthalmologist and Dr. Garazo can help you determine if blepharoplasty is a safe, effective option for you.
Benefits of eyelid lift surgery
The benefits of undergoing eyelid lift surgery include:
- Aesthetic improvements: an eyelid lift enhances the overall appearance of your eyes, making them look more alert and vibrant. For women in particular, a smoother eyelid contour allows for more makeup techniques. Plus, tightening upper eyelid skin can also help prevent excess skin from mishaping the lashline.
- Functional benefits: For some, removing the tissues that caused droopy eyelids helps improve vision, which may have been obstructed by excess skin.
Procedure details
Dr. Garazo and his staff with discuss your personalized procedure in detail. Here is some general information that typically applies to all eyelid lift patients:
Pre-surgery prep
We will review your medical history and provide guidance on avoiding certain medications and instructions leading up to the day of surgery to promote a speedy recovery. We’ll also make sure you have any medications Dr. Garazo prescribes for you so you’ll be fully prepared.
Surgical process
Eyelid lifts are typically performed under local anesthesia combined with sedation. General anesthesia is an option you can discuss with Dr. Garazo during your consultation. With your procedure plan in mind, Dr. Garazo will place the incisions to be as inconspicuous as possible and make the appropriate adjustments to achieve the refreshed eye look you envision.
Recovery and post-op care
After eyelid surgery, here’s what you can expect:
Immediate after surgery
Most patients experience some mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising. You’ll have pain medication to help you recover with ease and a few activity restrictions to prevent unnessary swelling so you see your results as quickly as possible.
Recovery timeline
Recovery after an eyelid lift is quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within 7-10 days. By this time, nearly all discomfort, swelling, and bruising will be gone.
Follow-up care
You’ll need to attend follow-up visits so Dr. Garazo can monitor your progress, lift activity restrictions when you are healed enough, and answer any questions you may have so you are completely satisfied with your results.
Final results
By 3 months, your results will be evident, although you may still see very subtle changes that improve the eyelids’ appearance for up to 6 months.
View our before and after gallery »
Your eyelid rejuvenation options
Though eyelid surgery can address many aesthetic facial issues, offering positive results for many, it cannot correct crow’s feet, lift sagging eyebrows, or improve dark circles beneath the eyes. For a more complete rejuvenation, blepharoplasty can be combined with other facial procedures such as a facelift or Botox® Cosmetic treatments. Hagerstown cosmetic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo will carefully explore your aesthetic options with you to help you achieve the rejuvenated look you seek safely and effectively.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Refreshed Appearance: Blepharoplasty can correct both drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes, enhancing the overall appearance of the eyes and making them look more youthful and alert.
- Improved Field of Vision: For some individuals, blepharoplasty can remove the excess skin of the upper eyelid that obstructs vision, leading to a broader field of sight and improved functionality.
- Minimal Scarring: Incisions are made along the natural lines of your eyelids, which means any scarring is well-concealed and typically becomes virtually imperceptible over time.
- Long-Lasting Results: The results of eyelid surgery are quite durable, with many patients enjoying the benefits for years.
- Anesthesia: Medication used to prevent pain during surgery, which can be local (numbing the eyelid area only) or general (patient is fully asleep).
- Blepharoplasty: The medical term for eyelid surgery, a procedure to correct defects, deformities, and disfigurations of the eyelids; and to aesthetically modify the eye region of the face.
- Canthopexy: A surgical procedure aimed at tightening the lower eyelid by repositioning the lateral canthal tendon, often performed in conjunction with blepharoplasty to prevent or correct eyelid drooping.
- Ectropion: A condition where the lower eyelid turns outward, exposing the inner surface. It can be a complication of eyelid surgery but is also a condition that eyelid surgery can correct.
- Edema: Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues, which can occur around the eyes as a normal part of the healing process after eyelid surgery.
- Entropion: A condition in which the eyelid folds inward, causing the lashes to rub against the eye. Eyelid surgery can correct this issue.
- Fat Repositioning: A technique used in eyelid surgery to redistribute or remove fat from bulging areas in the lower eyelid to a more desired area, often to reduce puffiness or bags under the eyes.
- Incision: The surgical cut made by the surgeon, which in eyelid surgery is typically placed in the crease of the upper eyelid or just below the lashes in the lower lid to minimize visible scarring.
- Lower Blepharoplasty: Refers to eyelid surgery performed to address under-eye bags and wrinkles.
- Ptosis: A drooping or falling of the upper eyelid, which can be corrected with eyelid surgery. Ptosis repair is often performed to improve vision or for cosmetic reasons.
- Recovery Time: The period required for a patient to heal after surgery. For eyelid surgery, this typically involves a few weeks for initial swelling and bruising to subside, with most patients returning to normal activities within 7-10 days, although full recovery may take several months for complete healing and fading of scars.
- Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty: A technique for lower eyelid surgery where the incision is made inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar, typically used to remove or reposition fat.
- Upper Blepharoplasty: An eyelid procedure primarily performed to remove excess skin that can impair vision or for cosmetic reasons.
Eyelid surgery FAQs
How long do the results of an eyelid lift last?
The results of an eyelid lift can last 10-15 years or more, although aging will continue to affect the skin and tissues around the eyes.
Will there be visible scars?
Scars from eyelid surgery are generally well-hidden along the natural lines and creases of your eyelids and typically fade significantly over time. Some techniques use incisions that are inside the eyelid so you would not be able to see the scar. You can help your scars heal and fade as much as possible by following all aftercare instructions and protecting visible scars from UV exposure.
Can eyelid surgery improve vision?
Yes, if excess eyelid skin is obstructing vision, eyelid surgery can remove it and improve your field of vision.
Is eyelid lift surgery covered by insurance?
It may be, but It’s usually considered cosmetic. In cases where droopy eyelids interfere with your vision, some insurance plans may cover part of the cost. We recommend calling your insurance agent to find out if your policy covers the surgery and learning what steps you need to take to get reimbursed by your agency.
What should I look for in a surgeon?
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with specific training and significant experience in eyelid surgeries.
What type of anesthesia is used in an eyelid lift?
Eyelid lift surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but general anesthesia may be used in more extensive procedures.
What are the alternatives to eyelid lift surgery?
Non-surgical options include laser treatments, Botox injections, and fillers, which can help improve the appearance but do not offer permanent solutions.
How noticeable will the surgery be to others?
Initially, swelling and bruising may be quite noticeable, but as you heal, the changes can appear very natural, enhancing rather than dramatically altering your appearance.
How do I maintain the results of my eyelid lift?
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, protect your skin from the sun, and follow any recommendations from our team regarding long-term care.
What are the risks of eyelid lift surgery?
Common risks are typically mild and temporary including infection, bleeding, scarring, dry eyes, blurred vision, and more rarely, damage to eye muscles or vision impairment.
Meet Dr. Henry Garazo
Plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo is board-certified and has over 20 years of experience offering aesthetic procedures to patients in Hagerstown, MD, Frederick, MD, Martinsburg, WV, and beyond.. Known for his thorough, expert, and friendly care, Dr. Garazo is a 6x winner of “Best Plastic Surgeon” in the Herald-Mail Tri-State’s Best Community’s Choice Awards. He prides himself on offering comprehensive, informative consultations and ensures every patient always meets personally with him.
For those considering Maryland eyelid surgery, Dr. Garazo invites you to explore your options through a patient consultation at Plastic Surgery Services. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call (301) 791-1800.
References »
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