Will a blepharoplasty get rid of my wrinkles?
Actually, a blepharoplasty is not designed to address fine lines and wrinkles. A blepharoplasty is excellent for removing excess skin and herniated orbital fat in the immediate area of the eyelids. Other procedures are more effective for improving wrinkles such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing. These procedures are often used at the same time as blepharoplasty in order to optimize results.
Should I also undergo a browlift?
Some patients attribute the appearance of sagging and gathering skin to the skin alone. In many cases, this condition is actually secondary to sagging of the brow. In these cases, it is a critical mistake to attempt to avoid a brow lift by taking more and more skin. If you or Dr. Brock think you will benefit from a brow lift or have limited improvement with a blepharoplasty alone, you will discuss it together. If you see a surgeon who does not at least study your brow and discuss it during your consultation for blepharoplasty, you should probably run. Also if you express concern about your brow and the consulting surgeon attempts to steer you away from this or is not able to discuss many options for repair of the brow, you should also probably run.
At what age should a blepharoplasty be performed?
There is no set age when blepharoplasty is performed. A typical range for cosmetic blepharoplasty is from age 30 upwards. The age at which to proceed is highly individual, based on familial traits and environmental factors. When excess skin and fat begin to gather around your eye, stealing your once youthful appearance, it is reasonable to proceed.
How is a blepharoplasty performed?
A cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed by Dr. Brock under local anesthetic. Sometimes, Dr. Brock supplements the local anesthetic with moderate oral sedation when indicated. It is important to Dr. Brock and our staff that all possible steps are taken so that you are comfortable and that you experience the procedure without pain. Because the procedure is performed under local anesthetic, Dr. Brock is able to ask you to sit up if needed or to open or close your eyes if needed. Also, the procedure is safer than if it were performed under general anesthesia and your recovery is much easier.
The incisions are made within the natural creases of your eyelid. To remove any significant lateral hooding, the incision is carried out laterally in an existing wrinkle or laugh line. In some cases, lateral hooding can be more effectively addressed with a brow and forehead lift or limited lateral brow lift. Excess skin is removed, taking care to avoid incorporating too much tissue so that your eyelid closure and function are not compromised. When bulging fat is present it can be removed. Too much removal of fat should be avoided so that you maintain a youthful, supple appearance rather than a hollow and aged appearance.
Is there much scarring with blepharoplasty?
Any time incisions are made, technically, there is some form of scar created. In the case of blepharoplasty, Dr. Brock uses your natural contours and lines to create an inconspicuous incision. It is unlikely that your incision will be noticeable to casual observation by anyone.
What are the risks of blepharoplasty?
All surgeries have risks.
Risks typical to blepharoplasty include but are not necessarily limited to swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, over or undercorrection, displeasure with appearance, scarring, infection, dry eyes, ptosis (droopy eyelid), bleeding, blurry vision, loss of vision or blindness, and harmful or life-threatening physiologic or anesthetic reactions.
The best option to limit your risk is to see an experienced surgeon like Dr. Brock. If your surgeon is not open or is guarded about the risks of surgery, you should respectfully find a different surgeon. If you have underlying thyroid eye disease, hypertension, heart disease or dry eyes you are increased risk. A qualified surgeon will discuss risks and offer ways in which to minimize their possibility.
For example, to avoid bleeding, it is important to avoid agents that thin your blood. These may include prescription drugs, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and many supplements. In addition, you are instructed not to bend or lift for 7 days following your surgery. No bending means, not lowering your head below your heart.
Another example, to avoid dry eyes, your surgeon should have a deep understanding of the function of the eyelids and how it relates to your tear film. If you have underlying dry eyes, it does not necessarily mean that you cannot have blepharoplasty, but some precautions should be taken pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and post-operatively to avoid this possibility. In some situations Dr. Brock will instruct the patient not to proceed and will decline to operate.
Your best option to avoid complications is to choose a surgeon like Dr. Brock who performs thousands of eyelid surgeries and is sought after to take care of complications when they occur.
What should I expect after blepharoplasty?
There will be swelling and some bruising. Some patients are more prone to these conditions that others. Often, one side bruises more that the other. The bruising is usually better at day 4 than day 1; better at day 7 that day 4 and so on. Some bruising and swelling may persist beyond two weeks. The eyelids may feel tight or tender. The first 48 hours after surgery should be dedicated to rest with your head elevated applying icy compresses at least 10 minutes out of every hour while awake.
Light sensitivity or dryness are not uncommon. Avoid blowing air like ceiling fans, oscillating fans or vents. Use artificial tears on a scheduled and as needed basis.
Although you can see to watch TV or work on your computer, you may have blurriness, especially from the antibiotic ointment.
Patients usually report they had no pain or only mild discomfort.
When will I be able to see a difference?
In many cases, you will see an immediate difference. But in no circumstance, will your eyelids look exactly like you want them to immediately after surgery. You will have bruising and swelling, and need time to heal. You will have a definite difference and improvement that is easily documented with photographs.
When will my sutures be removed?
Sutures are removed at 6-8 days in most every case. Removal of sutures is almost always painless. Few patients will experience a “pulling” feeling or a “pinch.” You will see Dr. Brock at your post-operative visits.
What should I expect at a cosmetic consultation?
You will be able to discuss any condition(s) you wish to improve. You will provide a medical, surgical and social history. You will report any medicines or supplements you are taking. You will report any allergies. You will report any active medical problems or new symptoms. A skin analysis will be performed and a regimen for treating your skin at home will be recommended. You will meet Dr. Brock and discuss your concerns. You will always see Dr. Brock and have the opportunity to visit with him at your appointment. He will perform a careful exam of your eyelids and face. He will discuss the risks benefits and any alternatives to surgery. You will have an opportunity to ask questions until you feel content to proceed. You may feel free to decline to proceed. In some cases, a second visit may be recommended prior to proceeding with surgery.
In The Media
Dr. Brock discusses a brow lift and blepharoplasty on Good Morning Arkansas.
Dr. Brock has performed thousands of eyelid surgeries. It will help you to know that he is sought after to fix complications when blepharoplasty surgeries go wrong. This is actually the original impetus for this website. Why not start with Dr. Brock first? When you choose Dr. Brock and his staff to address your cosmetic eyelid needs, rest assured that you are in the very best of hands.
