One of the first features we notice about others is their eyes. Yet individuals who struggle with drooping eyelids or puffiness under the eyes may not be putting their best face forward. To combat tired-looking eyes, Dr. Elisa Burgess offers eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, at her Portland-area surgery practice.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty can involve either an upper eyelid lift, a lower eyelid lift, or both. The procedure is tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient, addressing issues such as puffiness, under-eye bags, drooping eyelids, and excess skin that can contribute to a tired or aged appearance.
Upper Eyelid Lift: This surgery is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. It helps restore the natural contour of the eyelid while making the eyes appear more open and alert. An upper eyelid lift can also alleviate the feeling of heaviness around the eyes and improve peripheral vision.
Lower Eyelid Lift: The lower eyelid lift is primarily focused on removing or repositioning fat to eliminate bags under the eyes and correct droopiness. It can also include the tightening of the eyelid skin to smooth out fine wrinkles and achieve a more youthful and rested appearance.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Patients who undergo blepharoplasty often experience a range of aesthetic and functional benefits. These include:
- A Rejuvenated Look: Eyelid surgery addresses the signs of aging around the eyes, helping to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
- Improved Vision: For those whose vision is impaired by drooping upper eyelids, this procedure can remove the obstruction, leading to better peripheral vision and overall eye function.
- Long-Lasting Results: While the aging process continues, the results of blepharoplasty can last for many years, with many patients experiencing satisfactory outcomes for up to a decade or longer.
- Enhanced Self-Confidence: The psychological impact of facial rejuvenation is significant. Many patients report increased self-esteem and confidence following their eyelid surgery.
Ideal Candidates for Blepharoplasty
The ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are individuals who are in good general health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes. Candidates often have:
- Excess skin obscures the natural fold of the upper eyelids.
- Loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids, perhaps impairing vision.
- Puffy appearance in the upper eyelids, making the eyes look tired.
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids.
- Bags and dark circles under the eyes.
Procedure Details
Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation. The process usually takes about one to three hours, depending on whether both the upper and lower eyelids are addressed.
For upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Burgess makes incisions along the fold of the eyelid, allowing for the removal or repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles, and removal of excess skin. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is usually made just below the lashes or inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach) to reduce visible scarring.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery and Aftercare
After surgery, patients may experience swelling and bruising, which typically subside within a couple weeks. Ice packs and resting in an elevated position can help minimize these effects. Most patients can return to work and other normal activities within a week or two of surgery, although complete recovery may take several weeks. It's important to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Dr. Burgess will schedule follow-up appointments.
Choosing the Best Surgeon in Lake Oswego, OR
When considering blepharoplasty, selecting a qualified facial plastic surgeon or eyelid specialist like Dr. Burgess is crucial. Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in facial procedures and one who can provide before-and-after photos of previous surgeries. To see why Dr. Burgess is such a popular choice for this surgery, please schedule a consultation by calling 503-699-6464 today.
