Blepharoplasty can eliminate drooping upper or lower eyelids, as well as bags and puffiness under the eyes. Some people have the surgery on just the upper or lower eyelids, while other patients have both the upper and lower lids treated. Lower eyelid surgery requires greater attention and special skill. The Woodlands and Houston Blepharoplasty Specialists at My Houston Surgeons have the advanced technique and experience our patients depend on to provide eyelid surgery results that look natural.
What is Blepharoplasty?
The eyes are one of the first areas of our face to show signs of aging. With age, the skin of the upper and lower eyelids can become more lax, causing the appearance of drooping or sagging as well as wrinkles around the eyes. Additionally, a loss of fat around the eyes can create a gaunt appearance, while puffiness and bags under the eyes can make a person look older and fatigued.
Blepharoplasty is a facial plastic surgery procedure performed to improve the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids. In some cases, blepharoplasty can also address functional issues, such as loose or sagging skin that impairs the vision.1
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty performed by the skilled facial plastic surgeons on our team can help patients achieve a more youthful, alert, and positive appearance by addressing the following concerns:
- Excess sagging skin on the upper eyelid causing a decrease in vision
- Loose skin on the upper eyelid which touches the eyelashes
- Excess skin or wrinkling of the upper or lower eyelids which gives a very tired aged and fatigued appearance
- Puffiness or bags present in the upper or lower eyelids
- Hollowed out appearance to the upper of lower eyelids
Am I A Candidate For Eyelid Surgery?
If you are interested in reducing signs of aging to your upper or lower eyelids, blepharoplasty with one of our Houston plastic surgeons may be the ideal solution. Candidates for blepharoplasty:
- Are in good overall health
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations about what eyelid surgery can achieve
It is important to note that certain medical conditions may be the cause of symptoms that prompt some patients to seek blepharoplasty. To ensure that this is not the case, your surgeon will thoroughly review your medical history before pronouncing you a candidate for eyelid surgery.
Preparing for Blepharoplasty
Prior to eyelid surgery, you will meet with your plastic surgeon for a thorough examination and candid discussion of your concerns and goals. Together, you will decide on the best treatment plan for you. You will also receive detailed information on what you can expect during and after blepharoplasty.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Blepharoplasty procedures can be combined and safely performed at the same time if indicated. Depending on which of our surgeons perform the procedure, and the combination of procedures performed eyelid surgery may be done under local, sedation or general anesthesia.
Upper Blepharoplasty
An incision is made in the upper eyelid along a natural crease. Skin and muscle are removed as needed to improve the eyelid appearance. Some bulging may be present which is often fat that requires conservative removal while other times fat is injected along the orbital rim to give a more youthful appearance. A thorough evaluation is performed in person to determine exactly which combination of upper eyelid procedures are needed to restore an aesthetic and youthful eyelid appearance.
Lower Blepharoplasty
An incision is made just below the lash line or inside the inner lining of the lower eyelid. Skin is removed if indicated but often the main issue is puffiness due to bulging of fat present naturally around the eye. This is treated either by conservative fat removal or fat repositioning. Fat removal is unnecessary in most patients and many times additional fat is injected in the lower eyelid area to restore a more youthful and fresh appearance. For some, the lower eyelid may have to be tightened as well in order to improve droopy positioning of the eyelid.2
Recovery after Blepharoplasty
After eyelid surgery, patients are able to recuperate at home once they have recovered from anesthesia.
Patients can expect to experience some swelling and bruising after blepharoplasty. It is also normal to experience temporary blurred vision, watering eyes, and sensitivity to light immediately after eyelid surgery. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public and returning to work 7-10 days after their procedure.
What are the Risks of Blepharoplasty?
Any surgical procedure carries some risk of complications. However, when performed by our highly experienced plastic surgeons, complications of eyelid surgery are very rare. Risks of blepharoplasty may include:
- Infection
- Eye irritation or dryness
- Scarring
- Impaired eyelid function
- Discoloration of the eyelids
- Anesthesia complications3
Contact Us for Eyelid Surgery
At My Houston Surgeons, our goal is to ensure that each patient feels fully educated and supported during every step of the plastic surgery process. If you are interested in learning more about how you can rejuvenate and refresh your appearance, please contact us today to schedule your blepharoplasty consultation in Houston, TX.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Eyelid Surgery. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery. Accessed July 17, 2020.
2 Mayo Clinic. Blepharoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174. Accessed July 17, 2020.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Risks/Benefits. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8409-eyelid-surgery-blepharoplasty/risks–benefits. Accessed July 17, 2020.
The Doctors at My Houston Surgeons have either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page last updated:
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