How Eyelid Surgery Can Reduce Wrinkles, Puffiness, Sagging & More
The area around the eyes is often one of the first to show signs of aging thanks to thin, delicate skin, fewer oil glands, and less internal support than other facial structures. When you combine these anatomical differences with sun exposure, stress, genetics, and everyday facial expressions, it’s no wonder the eyes get fine lines, creases, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, and droopiness that can make you look more tired and older than you feel.
Over the last decade, eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) has become a popular option for men and women of all ages looking for powerful results with a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. Dr. Moore Plastic Surgery in Orange County specializes in eyelid surgery and will walk you through all the details of blepharoplasty below.
What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Blepharoplasty is a highly-customizable surgical rejuvenating procedure that may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Eyelid surgery can treat many common aesthetic concerns, including:
Fine lines, creases, and wrinkles around the eyes
Fatty deposits that cause bags or puffiness
Hollowness and dark circles under the eyes
Droopy, lax skin
“Hooding” of the upper eyelids that may even obscure vision
Depending on your goals and desired results, eyelid surgery may involve removing excess skin, tightening lax skin, repositioning pockets of fat, or a combination of techniques. Many of our patients opt to supplement blepharoplasty with fat transfer, a brow lift, or a facelift for optimal results.
What is Eyelid Surgery Like?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ryan Moore typically performs the surgery while you are under local anesthesia with sedation. Whether your surgery is focused on your upper or lower lids, Dr. Moore makes incisions that follow the natural creases of your lids, ensuring any scars are very discreet. Once the incisions have been made, tissue is removed and repositioned to achieve your desired outcome. Before closing your incisions, careful measurements of your eyelids are taken and evaluated for symmetry.
Eyelid surgery can take anywhere from one and a half to two hours, depending on the complexity of your treatment. Once Dr. Moore creates your unique treatment plan during your consultation, he can determine approximately how long your procedure will take.
What is Blepharoplasty Recovery Like?
After eyelid surgery, it’s normal to experience temporary blurry vision due to a thick antibiotic ointment which is applied to the eye area to stop the surface from becoming dry. You can expect about seven to 14 days of resting and recovering, but most patients will also be able to get up and walk on the same evening, or the morning after the surgery. Bandages are not usually necessary during the recovery period, although dressings tend to be placed over the eyes to reduce swelling right after the procedure. It’s normal to experience some discomfort post-surgery, but it's easily manageable with prescribed medication. In the first week, you’ll want to avoid any strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or exercising.
After about a week, your sutures will be removed. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and/or social activities at that time. At two weeks post surgery, you should be able to see positive results of your new youthful-looking eye area. Sometimes it can take up to six months post-op to see the full results.
How Long Can Blepharoplasty Results Last?
The results of eyelid surgery are intended to be permanent, making blepharoplasty one of the best options available for men and women who want lasting improvements to their eyelids. However, because the aging process can’t be halted, you may get additional wrinkles around your eyes later in life. If you choose eyelid surgery to remove bags from under your eyes, it’s very unlikely that the under eye bags will return since your surgeon will remove the excess fat that caused the bags in the first place. It’s important to follow Dr. Moore’s care instructions after eyelid surgery and continue to practice good sun protection and skincare habits so you can enjoy your results for many years to come.
Schedule an Eyelid Surgery Consultation in Orange County, CA
Dr. Moore is a skilled and caring plastic surgeon performing eyelid surgery in Orange County, California for people who wish to refine and improve their upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. To learn more about if blepharoplasty is right for you, request a consultation at Dr. Moore Plastic Surgery or call our office at (949) 514-8614 and a friendly and knowledgeable member of our staff will schedule your appointment.
