Eyelid Surgery
Droopy or baggy excess skin on the upper and/or lower eyelids can often make you appear more tired and aged. Eyelid surgery, also referred to as an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty, is the best facial plastic surgery procedure to remove excess skin or droopiness around the eyes to restore a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
With offices near you in Camarillo and Santa Barbara, Dr. Daniel G. Kolder can perform both upper and lower eyelid surgery for individuals who wish to reduce signs of aging of their upper or lower eyelids, or for people who suffer from congenital disorders of the eyelids, such as ptosis or drooping of the upper lid.
Our experienced plastic surgeon and staff at Pacifica Center for Plastic Surgery believe that each patient is unique and deserves an individualized treatment plan to fit their needs and achieve the best results. Schedule your one-on-one consultation to find out how eyelid surgery can help you look your best.
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Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation
Your initial consultation at Pacifica Center for Plastic Surgery in Camarillo or Santa Barbara will help determine if eyelid surgery is right for you, as well as whether you will benefit from both upper and lower eyelid surgery, or just one or the other. You will be able to ask any questions you may have about eyelid surgery, and Dr. Kolder will cover details such as surgery steps, benefits, and recovery. There will also be eyelid surgery before and after photos for you to take a look at. These photos can give you an idea of the results you can expect to see with an eyelid lift.
The Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Your eyelid surgery will be performed using local sedation or sometimes general anesthesia at our own Ambulatory Surgery Center. A small incision will be made in the natural creases of your upper and/or lower eyelids to remove excess skin, tighten underlying tissues, and remove excess fat which may be causing puffiness beneath the eyes.
Eyelid surgery is often combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures to treat signs of aging in other areas of the face. Dr. Kolder can safely perform eyelid surgery in conjunction with procedures such as the facelift or brow lift.
Recovering from Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery recovery time is roughly 5 to 7 days after surgery, though, individual recovery times can vary. Swelling, bruising, tightness and soreness are to be expected following your procedure. However, pain medications may be used to help ease any
Discomfort while you heal.
Keeping your head elevated and light walking when you are up to it can help with the healing process. Dr. Kolder will provide you with detailed care instructions once your surgery is complete.
Results
When your skin is fully healed, your eyes should appear wider and more youthful than before your surgery. Rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes often has a significant impact on the overall appearance of the face. Patients often feel more confident following their eyelid surgery and enjoy the results of their procedure for many years.
Next Steps
For more information about eyelid surgery, please contact us online or call our Camarillo or Santa Barbara offices to schedule your consultation.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
The ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are in good physical health and have realistic expectations. Those with eye diseases, such as glaucoma or dry eye, may not be ideal candidates and will need to discuss this option with their ophthalmologist. People with high blood pressure or thyroid disease may not be eligible. Discuss your full medical history with your plastic surgeon.
If your drooping eyelids are impairing your field of vision, there is a possibility that an eyelid procedure can be determined as medically necessary. In order for this to be the case, your ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, including a visual field exam, to show the extent of visual impairment. The final decision as to the medical necessity falls to your medical insurance provider.
Everyone heals differently, but with eyelid surgery, surgeons do their best to limit any scarring. Surgical incisions follow the natural skin folds and creases in the eyelids, and these typically fade as your body heals, leaving them virtually unnoticeable.
Anesthesia administered during your eyelift procedure should keep you comfortable. After your procedure, you can expect some discomfort. However, any pain associated with eyelid surgery can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and prescription pain medications, if necessary
While all surgical procedures come with some risks, complications are infrequent and usually minor. You can expect to have some bruising and swelling for a few days following your eyelid surgery. Other possible risks include anesthesia complications, bleeding, dry eyes, blurred vision, infection, temporary problems closing your eyes and tiny white pimples around your eyes.
You may wear glasses after your surgery, and many opt to wear sunglasses in order to protect their eyes while they heal. However, you should not wear contacts for one to two weeks following eyelid surgery.
