Appearances play a significant role in our lives, and issues like drooping eyelids and under-eye bags not only alter one’s looks but can also impede vision. This drives people to seek surgical solutions that rejuvenate the eye area. At Julene B. Samuels, MD, FACS in Prospect, KY, we specialize in blepharoplasty, a transformative eye lift surgery designed to enhance the youthful appearance and clarity of your eyes.
Blepharoplasty provides a more open eye area, a more youthful upper and lower eyelid, and smoothing of some skin lines. More complete smoothing of lines may require the addition of skincare, chemical or laser peels, or resurfacing. Also achieved is a better blending of the lower eyelid and the upper cheek and filling in deep under-eye hollows.
Blepharoplasty can remove the excess skin from the upper eyelids, which may hinder vision, thus broadening the visual field. This enhancement not only improves aesthetics but also significantly enhances functional sight.
By addressing bags under the eyes and drooping eyelids, blepharoplasty restores a youthful contour to the eye region. This change can make the entire face look younger and more refreshed.
Removing excess tissue makes the eyelids feel lighter, providing a more comfortable and open-eye sensation. This benefit is especially appreciated by those who previously felt weighed down by their eyelid skin.
While not its primary focus, the procedure can lessen the appearance of fine lines around the lower eyelid and outer eye areas. This results in a smoother, more refined skin texture.
Unlike some cosmetic treatments that require regular upkeep, blepharoplasty’s results are long-lasting, making it a cost-effective investment in one’s appearance. The effects can endure for many years, providing lasting satisfaction.
Due to the strategic placement of incisions along the natural creases of the eyelids, blepharoplasty results in minimal, often unnoticeable, scarring. This careful approach ensures a seamless integration with your natural features.
While recovery varies by individual, many patients experience a relatively quick recovery period compared to other surgical procedures. Most can return to normal activities within a few weeks, with minor temporary adjustments.
Eyelid surgery may be performed on men and women of all ages who want to improve their self-image. Most people have eyelid surgery to minimize the effects of aging. However, many people in their 20s or 30s may benefit from the procedure. Ideal candidates include those with loose skin and puffiness in the upper or lower eyelid, lower eyelid bags, deep hollows between the lower eyelid and upper cheek, or deep crow’s feet around the outer eyes.
In upper eyelid surgery, an incision is made in the crease of the upper lid through which excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed. During lower eyelid surgery, an incision is made directly under the lower lid lashes. Alternatively, if there is no loose lower lid skin, the external incision may be avoided and the incision placed inside the lower lid itself.
Through either approach, excess muscle and fat are removed and skin is tightened. Fat may also be transpositioned into the tear troughs of the lower lid during blepharoplasty, which further smooths the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek.
The procedure varies in time but averages one to three hours depending on whether both the upper and lower lids are operated on. It may be performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation, while patients who are combining eyelid surgery with another procedure may choose to have light general anesthesia.
Dr. Samuels and her nurse providers will give you specific information about your surgical preparation. This includes medications to avoid as well as recommended eating, drinking, and smoking.
Surgery is performed under IV sedation or light general anesthesia in our fully Quad A accredited in-suite surgical facility. Most blepharoplasty patients do not spend the night unless adding a Facelift, in which case patients stay overnight under the attendance of our private-duty nurse.
Bruising and swelling typically become less noticeable within 10-20 days and can be covered with mineral makeup three days after suture removal. The early results are visible immediately, though residual swelling may take several months to completely dissipate.
Patients may experience temporary tightness of the eyelids, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Blurry vision and dry or irritated eyes are other potential side effects. The use of eye drops during the day and ointments at night is recommended.
Sutures are placed along the incision and typically removed five to seven days after surgery. Your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to sunlight, wind, and heat.
Most patients, excluding those in jobs with large amounts of physical activity, can return to work after one or two weeks. Exercise may be performed after four weeks, but strenuous exercise must be postponed for six weeks.
The scars take approximately three to six months to fade and flatten. While they never completely disappear, they remain hidden in the crease of the upper lid or just under the lower lid lashes.
Additional procedures that may enhance results include brow lift or temporal brow-midface lift, facelift, chemical peel, microlaser peel, laser resurfacing, microneedling, collagen, Sculptra® and Botox® injection, fat injection, Upneeq, and skin care products.
Julene B. Samuels, MD, FACS in Prospect, KY, is your premier destination for blepharoplasty, offering a blend of advanced surgical skills and artistic precision. Dr. Samuels’ expertise ensures you receive care that not only meets but exceeds expectations, highlighting the procedure’s ability to enhance your natural beauty.
Ready to rejuvenate your appearance with minimal downtime? Reach out to us online or call (502) 806-8876 for a consultation and let us guide you toward achieving a refreshed, youthful look through blepharoplasty. Your journey to revitalized eyes starts here.
