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Eyelid Surgery By Austin’s Renowned Surgeons

Commonly referred to as eyelid lift surgery, upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures are performed by a facial plastic surgeon to address extraneous tissue around the eyes that detracts from a person’s appearance. This surgery can reshape the eye area through the manipulation of underlying muscles and fat and the removal of extra skin. Blepharoplasty successfully addresses hooded eyelids, under-eye bags, and local wrinkles to restore vitality to a patient’s appearance. There are surgeons at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Austin, Texas, who specialize in the blepharoplasty procedure.

Blepharoplasty Before & Afters

*Each patient is unique, and individual results may vary.

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Types Of Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Upper Blepharoplasty

While both upper and lower lids can be treated with blepharoplasty, some patients are merely concerned with the appearance and function of just the upper eyelids. In such cases, one of our surgeons may opt to perform an upper blepharoplasty to treat prolapsed fat pockets and remove redundant upper eyelid skin. Certain patients may also have weakening or stretching of the underlying muscle that opens the eye. This is referred to as upper eyelid ptosis, causing the upper eyelid’s lower border to cover part of the pupil. In these cases the muscle that opens the eyelid should be tightened for best results, in a procedure known as ptosis repair. The incision for an upper blepharoplasty is hidden in the natural eyelid crease. The redundant skin is measured with a special forcep and marked out for removal. It is important to remove enough skin for a great result, but leave enough to allow proper eyelid closure. The eyelid is then injected with local anesthesia. The skin is incised sharply and then removed with a special fine-tipped cautery device. If needed, the fat pockets deeper in the eyelid are also contoured to create a more youthful appearance. It is very important to be judicious in this contouring so that the eyelid improvement is natural and not hollowed out. Once contouring is achieved, the incision is closed with a very fine suture.

Lower Blepharoplasty

As the surgery title implies, lower blepharoplasty is performed to address cosmetic concerns underneath the eyes. As people age, the fatty tissue of the lower eyelids starts to protrude, while the fat contents of the cheeks start to descend and deflate. These combined changes can lead to under-eye bags and/ or adjacent shadows that appear as dark circles. There are also bony changes that occur around the eye that contribute to the appearance of the under-eye bag.

During a lower blepharoplasty, the under-eye fat bags and, if needed, extra skin are surgically altered to rejuvenate the eye area. For fat removal, an incision is created inside the lower eyelid, an approach which is referred to as the transconjunctival method. The doctor can then redistribute, trim, or remove the fat pads that cause puffiness.

Our surgeons nearly always utilize a transconjunctival incision, as this approach protects the lower eyelid muscle, which minimizes the possibility of an unfavorable, unsightly dragging on the lower eyelid position.  If skin excess is also present, this is treated with a lower eyelid skin pinch (subtle removal of skin only) or with resurfacing using chemical peel or laser.

The aged appearance of the lower eyelid is nearly always caused by the excess protrusion of the lower eyelid fatty pads and the hollowing of the adjacent upper cheek/ midface. These midface aging changes may be caused by volume loss due to aging or weight changes, orbital bony changes with age, or even just genetic predisposition. This hollowing can be addressed by repositioning the lower eyelid fat inferiorly to fill this hollow (fat transposition) or by utilizing the patient’s own fat and filling the trough or hollow (fat transfer). Please see our fat transfer section for more information about the autologous fat transfer procedure.

Why Choose The Buckingham Center For Facial Plastic Surgery?

When you choose the Buckingham Center for eyelid surgery in Austin, you embark on a journey with a team devoted to your well-being. Our practice features a 24/7 facial plastic surgeon, over two decades of experience in Austin, and our accredited surgical facility, ensuring a top-tier experience.

As the foremost facial specialists in Austin, we've honed our skills through years of dedicated practice. Our approach is grounded in scientific principles, ensuring an eyelid surgery journey customized to deliver scientifically proven and remarkable results. We uphold the highest standards of care to guarantee your safety.

Our true passion lies in nurturing long-lasting relationships with individuals like you. We are committed to providing the best care through a friendly, professional, and compassionate team. From your initial consultation to the day you revel in your rejuvenated eyelids, anticipate a cheerful and engaging atmosphere every step of the way.

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Blepharoplasty Aftercare

Adhering to the doctor’s postoperative plan minimizes potential post-blepharoplasty complications and creates a more comfortable healing process. The surgeon may prescribe the patient an antibiotic cream to apply topically to the affected area, anti-inflammatory medications, and the use of a cold compress for 2 or 3 days. Both pain and swelling are expected to subside within a few days following blepharoplasty surgery, but it can take a few months for the final results to present. Patients can return to their regular schedules within 10-14 days following blepharoplasty.

Ideal Candidates For Eyelid Surgery

It is often aging individuals wishing to rejuvenate their appearance who have experienced changes to the eyelids caused by sun damage, gravity, and other natural elements of aging who request the procedure. They may also find that blinking has become uncomfortable due to the extra or misplaced tissues. Extra upper eyelid skin can also obstruct a person’s vision, in which case blepharoplasty may be a medical necessity.

It is common for blepharoplasty patients of all ages to explain that their eyes emote a sad or tired look, which does not express their true emotions.

While eyelid lift surgery is more commonly performed on patients in the middle to later years of their life, genetics in younger individuals may create similar issues. Bulky tissues around the eyes can contribute to premature aging concerns.

Candidates for blepharoplasty in Austin at Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery must be healthy enough to undergo the procedure as it does require anesthesia and, in most cases, light sedation. Prospective blepharoplasty patients should be informed of the extent of changes the procedure can create, possible risks, and the aftercare process. Because blepharoplasty will directly affect tissues of the eye area, certain skin or eye diseases may preclude someone from this form of cosmetic treatment.

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Additional Plastic Surgeries

Blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia for one to two hours, and patients can return home when the surgery has been completed. The doctor may require additional anesthetics and time if the patient is having a combination of facial treatments. In many individuals, the eyes may not be the only facial feature to display unwanted signs of aging.

Blepharoplasty can be combined with an endoscopic forehead lift or midface lift to achieve lasting changes in the underlying structures of the forehead or midface area. Dermal injections and skin resurfacing treatments can also restore vitality to various areas of the face without surgery.

The goal of lower eyelid surgery is to produce a natural, youthful contour between the lower eyelid and cheek. Overly aggressive surgery is to be avoided as it leads to an unnatural appearance. Surgeons at the Buckingham Center often combine lower blepharoplasty with autologous fat transfer and a chemical peel for the lower eyelid skin to maximize the aesthetic results and address crow’s feet (smile lines) around the eyes.

During a consultation with our surgeons, patients can learn about the various facial cosmetic procedures available for a tailored treatment plan.

Blepharoplasty FAQ

What Can I Expect During a Consultation for Blepharoplasty?

Where Is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?

Are There Scars After a Blepharoplasty?

Is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Painful?

When Are the Stitches Removed After the Blepharoplasty Procedure?

Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for a Blepharoplasty?

How Is the Actual Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?

How Long Does the Actual Blepharoplasty Procedure Last?

Where Are the Incisions Made During a Blepharoplasty Procedure?

What Is the Recovery Like After a Blepharoplasty?

How Much Time Will I Need to Take Off From Work After Blepharoplasty Surgery?

How Soon After My Blepharoplasty Surgery Can I Exercise?

Would Eyelid Surgery Help the Full Appearance Under My Eyes?

Is It Possible to Have an Eyelid Lift for Just One Eye to Make Them More Even?

Will an Eyelid Surgery Get Rid of Crow’s Feet?

Will Blepharoplasty Change the Shape of My Eye?

What Are the Temporary Side Effects Following a Blepharoplasty?

Are the Results Achieved During Eyelid Surgery Permanent?

What Are Possible Risks and Potential Complications Associated With the Blepharoplasty Procedure?

How Much Will Eyelid Surgery Cost?

Will Insurance Cover a Blepharoplasty Procedure?

What Can I Expect During a Consultation for Blepharoplasty?

During your consultation for a blepharoplasty, one of our doctors will meet with you and perform a complete facial analysis to determine the best procedure to achieve your desired results. They will also be sure to answer any and all questions that you may have. The doctor may utilize photographic results of previous patients to enhance the experience.

Where Is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?

Isolated upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedures are performed in our beautiful office surgery center with local anesthesia with or without mild oral sedation. Procedures involving the lower eyelid, forehead, brow, or fat transfer are performed in our facility with IV sedation.

Are There Scars After a Blepharoplasty?

The incisions made during a blepharoplasty procedure and their resulting scars are typically hidden or well concealed within the natural creases of the upper eyelids or inside the lower eyelids. Our surgeons create the smallest incisions possible to perform eyelid surgery. The incisions are created in places where they will be well camouflaged and discrete.

Is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Painful?

There is little to no discomfort during the blepharoplasty surgery as modern anesthesia techniques are used. While blepharoplasty may result in a temporary tight or sore feeling of the eyelids, our surgeons use special surgical techniques to help minimize post-operative discomfort. Discomfort can be alleviated with medication if necessary.

When Are the Stitches Removed After the Blepharoplasty Procedure?

Surface sutures are removed around seven days after your blepharoplasty surgery.

Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Not all surgeons are comfortable performing double eyelid surgery for Asian patients. While we perform that surgery because of our patient population, we do not perform it often. Asian eyelid surgery is very similar to a conventional blepharoplasty; however, other techniques are necessary to create the patient an upper eyelid crease.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for a Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is often performed with local anesthesia and other sedation or even general anesthesia if needed. The anesthesia a patient receives is based on the procedure chosen and other patient factors, which will be determined during the consultation.

How Is the Actual Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?

For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the surgeon creates a very fine incision within the natural eyelid crease. Then, using a special thermal scalpel, excess skin and fatty pockets of the upper eyelid are removed. For the lower eyelids, the surgeon will remove excess lower eyelid fatty tissue through a hidden incision inside of the eyelid. For other patients, it may be necessary to address the tear trough beneath the eyelid; the surgeon can use several different techniques to address puffiness.

How Long Does the Actual Blepharoplasty Procedure Last?

A blepharoplasty procedure generally takes an hour or two. Longer times may be required if it includes fat transfer or an endoscopic brow lift.

Where Are the Incisions Made During a Blepharoplasty Procedure?

For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, a fine incision is made within the natural eyelid crease. During a transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure, the surgeon creates an incision inside the lower eyelid. When addressing the tear troughs below the lower eyelids, other incisions may be necessary. This will be discussed during the consultation.

What Is the Recovery Like After a Blepharoplasty?

The recovery after a blepharoplasty can last from as little as 3 to 4 days to 10 to 14 days. Patients who receive additional skin resurfacing or fat transfer will have a more lengthy recovery time. Bruising and swelling are common. However, these side effects will fade after a week or two. The patient’s eyes may feel slightly dry at first, a condition that is relieved with artificial tears. Usually, the patient may wear glasses immediately and may read; however, vision is at times slightly blurry. The use of contacts may be limited depending on the procedure.

How Much Time Will I Need to Take Off From Work After Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Recovery after blepharoplasty can last anywhere from 3 to 14 days. Patients may be able to return to work within 3 to 10 days of their procedure and resume their full social activities within 7 to 14 days. Most of our patients are able to return to work within 7 to 10 days of their blepharoplasty surgery.

How Soon After My Blepharoplasty Surgery Can I Exercise?

Light walking-type exercise can typically be resumed within one week after blepharoplasty. Activities that are more strenuous may need to be postponed for 2 or 3 weeks as vigorous activities can increase swelling, prolong healing, and cause bleeding.

Would Eyelid Surgery Help the Full Appearance Under My Eyes?

A lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the usual procedure to remove eyelid bags. Often, there is a tear trough or orbital hollow inferior to the orbital bag. To increase volume, this area can be filled with autologous fat or a dermal filler.

Is It Possible to Have an Eyelid Lift for Just One Eye to Make Them More Even?

Yes. A droopy eyelid appearance may be caused by excess skin, or the eyelid itself may be low. The latter is referred to as ptosis. In either case, the surgeon can use different techniques to lift the eyelid and improve the symmetry between the two.

Will an Eyelid Surgery Get Rid of Crow’s Feet?

No. Eyelid surgery (i.e., blepharoplasty) is intended to improve the contours of the upper or lower eyelid. During upper eyelid surgery, redundant skin, and potentially deeper tissue are removed to relieve the overhanging skin. While performing lower eyelid surgery, eyelid bags can be removed to decrease volume beneath the eyes. If a patient has lost volume beneath their eyes, the surgeon can use dermal fillers or autologous fat to increase the volume in this area. Crow’s feet are a result of repetitive muscle contraction and skin aging. The surgeon can address muscle activity with injections of BOTOX or Dysport, and the skin can be treated with a laser or chemical peel.

Will Blepharoplasty Change the Shape of My Eye?

In general, our goal is to not change the shape of the eye from what it looked like in youth. If, however, the eye was closed due to significant redundant skin or the lower lid is pulled down due to involutional changes of the skin, then one would expect to see a positive improvement in the shape of the eye following surgery.

What Are the Temporary Side Effects Following a Blepharoplasty?

Most patients do experience temporary side effects following surgery; nonetheless, these subside rather quickly. Common side effects include:

  • Eyelids that feel numb
  • Puffy-looking eyelids
  • General discomfort
  • Blurred vision
  • Bruising and inflammation resembling that of a typical black eye
  • Light sensitivity
  • Incision redness, fullness or bumpiness (milia)

Are the Results Achieved During Eyelid Surgery Permanent?

The results achieved during an upper blepharoplasty typically last about ten years, at which point the patient may want to consider having a follow-up procedure. The results of a lower blepharoplasty are usually permanent.

What Are Possible Risks and Potential Complications Associated With the Blepharoplasty Procedure?

While complications and adverse outcomes following an eyelid lift are rare, as with all surgeries, the risks and potential complications must be considered. Potential risks and complications include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Visible scarring
  • Dry eye
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Abnormally folding eyelid skin
  • Muscle damage
  • Itching around the eye
  • Temporary drooping of the lower eyelid
  • Having trouble closing the eye
  • Blood clot formation (rare)
  • Loss of vision (rare)

How Much Will Eyelid Surgery Cost?

To determine how much a blepharoplasty will cost, one of our surgeons needs to evaluate the potential patient’s eye area. To accomplish this, men and women who are interested in having a blepharoplasty can schedule a consultation at the Buckingham Center.

Will Insurance Cover a Blepharoplasty Procedure?

If an individual is having a functional blepharoplasty to address a drooping eyelid that is negatively affecting their field of vision, insurance may cover a portion of the procedure.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

The Buckingham Center’s philosophy is that successful facial plastic surgery begins with a good rapport between the patient, the surgeon, and the staff during the consultation and additional appointments. The initial consultation includes a complete facial analysis, which helps the surgeon determine which procedure or combination of treatments will provide the patient with their desired results. Patients’ questions and concerns will also be addressed. Prospective patients are encouraged to call the office to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience. Call 512-401-2500 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. Those with busy schedules who prefer email communications can complete our Patient Contact Form.

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Austin Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Specialists At Buckingham Center

A blepharoplasty (aka eyelid surgery, an eyelid lift) is a surgical procedure that facial plastic surgeons perform to address the signs of aging around the eyes (e.g., drooping upper eyelids, bags beneath the eyes). A blepharoplasty procedure can also be used to reconstruct or repair an individual’s eyelid. At the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, some of the top facial plastic surgeons in the Austin, Texas, area perform cosmetic, functional, and Asian blepharoplasty procedures. After surgery, their patients look younger and appear well-rested.

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What Signs Of Aging Can Eyelid Surgery In Austin, Texas, Address?

The eyes themselves can reveal whether an individual is happy, sad, exhausted, or full of energy. Since the delicate tissues surrounding the eyes usually succumb to the natural aging process before the other facial features do, men and women of all ages are choosing to rejuvenate their eyes with blepharoplasty procedures.

Issues that facial plastic surgeons can address with a cosmetic blepharoplasty include bags or a sunken-in look beneath the eyes, as well as droopy or hooded upper eyelids and local wrinkles. During an eyelid lift, our surgeons can reshape the patient’s eye area by tightening the eyelid muscle, manipulating underlying fat and muscle, as well as by removing excess skin.

Who Should Consider Having An Eyelid Lift?

Most of the time, the men and women who choose to have a blepharoplasty are those who would like their eyes to appear more youthful and energized. In addition, people who find blinking to be uncomfortable because of a misplaced or excessive amount of skin and tissue may be good candidates for blepharoplasty in Austin at Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery. Individuals who are experiencing a decrease in their field of vision due to ptosis can benefit from a functional blepharoplasty as well. As time passes, facial features change. The changes that occur around the eyes include wrinkling and drooping of the upper eyelids, as well as puffiness or a sunken appearance beneath the eyes. These eye characteristics can make an individual appear older and look more tired than they actually are.

Men and women who are experiencing a decrease in their field of vision due to a droopy upper eyelid (i.e., ptosis) may be good candidates for a functional blepharoplasty. Patients who have a functional blepharoplasty to address ptosis enjoy more youthful-looking upper eyelids, as well as a wider field of vision. Men and women throughout the Austin, Texas, area who would like to address these issues should consider having an upper blepharoplasty, a functional blepharoplasty, a lower blepharoplasty, or a combination of upper and lower blepharoplasty.

A Blepharoplasty Can Increase An Individual’s Self-Confidence Level

After an eyelid lift, most of the Buckingham Center’s patients state that they feel more confident about their appearance.

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Blepharoplasty Procedures Available At The Buckingham Center

An Upper Eyelid Lift

Although many patients choose to have a combination of upper and lower blepharoplasty, some patients are only interested in addressing issues related to the function and appearance of their upper lids. In cases such as these, our surgeons may perform an upper eyelid lift to address redundant skin and prolapsed pockets of fat in this area. When a fallen upper eyelid compromises the patient’s field of vision, besides removing the excess skin, the surgeon can tighten the muscle responsible for moving the eyelid.

An Overview Of The Upper Eyelid Lift

Our surgeons ensure that the upper eyelid incision remains well hidden within the patient’s natural eyelid crease. Through this upper eyelid incision, the surgeon views the tissues below the surface of the skin to determine which tissues are causing the patient’s upper eyelid to appear wrinkled or puffy. After locating the tissues responsible for creating the undesirable upper-eyelid features, the surgeon uses a thermal scalpel to make the adjustments that are necessary to reduce or eliminate these unwanted characteristics. Once the removal of the fat pockets is complete, the plastic surgeon carefully trims away excess skin. Choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon is crucial to attaining optimal eyelid lift results.

The highly experienced facial plastic surgeons at the Buckingham Center, know that removing too much fat can cause an individual’s upper eye area to appear hollow. Therefore, to prevent over-reduction, the surgeons take a judicious approach when removing the fatty pockets that accumulate in the upper eyelid. Just as with the removal of fat pockets, surgeons must be prudent when removing excess skin. Removing too much skin can negatively affect the patient’s ability to close their eyelids all the way. Following skin removal, the surgeon tightens the remaining tissues (and, if necessary, the muscle) before closing the surgical incision with very fine sutures.

A Lower Blepharoplasty

During a lower blepharoplasty, the surgeon addresses cosmetic problems beneath the eyes. However, before having a lower blepharoplasty, it is important to understand why these under-eye changes happen. As part of the natural aging process, the fatty tissue in the lower eyelid moves forward, interacting with the fat located in the upper cheek area. This results in shadows that appear as dark circles. In addition, this fat accumulation can create under-eye bags. To address under-eye bags, the facial plastic surgeon creates an incision just inside the lower eyelid (i.e., transconjunctival incision). Through this incision, the surgeon can redistribute, trim, or remove fat pads. This reduces the fullness under the eye. In addition, the surgeon may modify the muscle beneath the eye.

If an individual states that they have always had fullness beneath the eyes, to achieve optimal results, the surgeon may remove the entire fat pad. Some individuals develop a protruding effect when the fat pad in the cheek descends, covering the lower eyelid bone. When this occurs, a curved groove typically forms beneath the eyelid. Patients who have this groove frequently choose to have dermal filler injections or an autologous fat transfer into this area. An autologous fat transfer involves the facial plastic surgeon harvesting fat via liposuction. The surgeon harvests this fat from an area on the patient’s body where there is excess (e.g., the abdomen or flanks). Following collection, the surgeon purifies the fat and then uses it to add volume beneath the eyes.

A Functional Blepharoplasty

During a functional blepharoplasty, the surgeon lifts a drooping upper eyelid, which restores the patient’s field of view.

An Asian Blepharoplasty

An Asian blepharoplasty addresses the absence of an upper eyelid crease. To create a crease, our surgeons can use very fine sutures and reposition or remove muscles, fat, and skin from the upper eyelid. An Asian blepharoplasty provides the patient with an upper-eyelid crease as well as a larger, more symmetrical almond-shaped eye.

What Is The Difference Between A Cosmetic Blepharoplasty For The Upper Eyelid And A Functional Blepharoplasty?

When an individual has an upper eyelid lift solely to improve the way their upper eyelids look, this procedure is cosmetic. However, if an individual has an upper blepharoplasty to address a falling eyelid that is interrupting their field of vision, this procedure is functional (i.e., necessary to address a medical issue, which means it is not elective).

Recognizing the difference between these two surgical procedures is essential because insurance usually covers a portion of an individual’s functional blepharoplasty procedure.

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Specific Conditions That Our Surgeons Address With Eyelid Surgery

  • A sagging upper eyelid: This issue may arise due to weakened eyelid muscles, as well as from a surplus of skin and tissue on the upper eyelid
  • Impaired peripheral or central vision resulting from ptosis: To address ptosis, the surgeon can tighten the muscle and remove excess skin and tissue to help raise the upper eyelid
  • Bags beneath the eyes resulting from fat that has pushed forward (i.e., herniated fat)
  • Excess skin on the lower eyelids
  • A sunken-in look beneath the eyes
  • The signs of aging: Through the process of excess skin removal, muscle tightening, and the repositioning or removing of excess fat, a facial plastic surgeon reverses the unwanted eye characteristics that develop with time

At The Buckingham Center In Austin, Texas, Patients Receive Personalized Treatment Plans

Every patient is unique, which is why the Buckingham Center’s surgeons tailor each treatment plan to meet the needs of a specific patient.

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Issues That A Blepharoplasty Cannot Address

Just like all treatments and cosmetic surgeries, this procedure has its limitations. Nonetheless, our surgeons have other ways to address the issues that a blepharoplasty cannot.

Crow’s Feet

These are the wrinkles that develop at the outer corner of the eye. A surgeon can address these wrinkles with BOTOX or Dysport injections.

A Heavy Brow

A surgeon can lift a fallen eyebrow with injections of BOTOX or Dysport.

Lost Volume Beneath The Eye

With dermal filler injections or an autologous fat transfer, facial plastic surgeons can plump up the under-eye area.

Each of these procedures can be combined with a blepharoplasty to provide the patient with a rested, more youthful appearance.

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Who Is A Good Candidate For A Blepharoplasty?

The ideal candidate for eyelid surgery is someone with realistic expectations, who is in good health and does not use products that contain nicotine (e.g., traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, smoking-cessation products). Most blepharoplasty patients are over the age of 35. Nonetheless, younger individuals who inherit the genes that cause bulky tissues to develop around the eyes may also be good candidates for blepharoplasty. Since the surgeon modifies the tissues of the eye, there are certain eye or skin diseases that could disqualify an individual from being a good candidate for this procedure. Blepharoplasty candidates must be aware of the potential changes the procedure can provide, the possible risks of the procedure, as well as how to care for their eyes following surgery.

A Consultation For A Blepharoplasty In Austin, Texas

Our surgeon needs detailed information about the patient’s medical history. This information should include previous surgeries, chronic medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, heart disease), medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins that they take on a regular basis. In addition, the surgeon needs to know if the patient is allergic to any medications or latex.

For the patient’s safety, individuals who use products that contain nicotine and those who drink alcoholic beverages regularly need to inform their facial plastic surgeon. Furthermore, it is vital for patients who participate in recreational drug use to inform their surgeon of this activity.

After reviewing the patient’s health information, the surgeon asks the patient what they would like to accomplish with a blepharoplasty. Patients need to be candid with their facial plastic surgeon because the only way the surgeon can provide the patient with the results they desire is by clearly understanding what those desires are. The surgeon physically examines the patient’s eyes. Following the examination, if the surgeon believes a blepharoplasty can provide the patient with the results they desire, the preparation phase can begin. However, if the patient is not a good candidate for a blepharoplasty, they may be ideal for another procedure. If the patient agrees to move forward with a blepharoplasty, the surgeon takes photos of the patient’s eyes from different angles. In addition, the surgeon may take a variety of measurements. This information serves as a guide during the creation of the patient’s custom-designed surgical plan.

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How Patients Can Prepare For Their Blepharoplasty Procedure

Preparatory Testing

Patients must complete any testing that their surgeon requests no later than a week before surgery. This gives the surgeon enough time to review the test results before performing the patient’s procedure.

Eye Exam

Patients who are having a functional blepharoplasty need to have an eye exam that includes an assessment of their peripheral vision. Attaining this documentation prior to surgery is important if the patient wants to file a claim with their insurance for this procedure.

Discontinue Medications

The patient may need to discontinue taking some of their medications (e.g., NSAIDs, blood thinners), herbal supplements (e.g., Valerian, Ginseng), and vitamins (e.g., vitamin E, vitamin K) for ten days before surgery and ten days after.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol increases swelling; therefore, patients need to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages 48 hours before surgery and 48 hours after.

Stop Smoking

Since nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, patients need to stop using products that contain nicotine for at least two weeks before and two weeks after their blepharoplasty. As a vasoconstrictor, nicotine causes the blood vessels to contract. As the vessels contract, blood flow slows, which means the nourishing blood that the surgical wound needs to heal takes longer to get there. By inhibiting the ability of the blood to flow freely, healing slows. Slower healing increases the likelihood that a patient will experience open wounds or develop an infection. In addition, this puts the patient at a higher risk of skin necrosis (i.e., tissue death).

Bring A Driver

Patients receive sedation medications during their procedure. In addition, following surgery, some patients’ vision is temporarily compromised. Therefore, on the day of surgery, patients need to bring a driver with them. For-hire transportation is not permitted following procedures that require sedation of any kind. This policy keeps patients from being subjected to individuals who may want to cause them harm while they are in a somewhat vulnerable state.

Where Do The Buckingham Center’s Surgeons Perform Eyelid Surgery?

Patients have their upper blepharoplasty procedures in the office at the Buckingham Center. However, patients who are having procedures on their lower eyelids, forehead, or brow, as well as those who are having a procedure using autologous fat, will meet their surgeon at a conveniently located outpatient facility.

How Painful Is A Blepharoplasty Procedure?

During the procedure itself, there is very little discomfort, if any. After surgery, patients may experience a tight feeling or soreness in their eyelids. These symptoms are normal and should dissipate within a few days. Nonetheless, if a patient does experience discomfort, they can take acetaminophen or prescription pain medication to ease this symptom.

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Will The Patient Have Visible Scarring After A Blepharoplasty?

As with every surgery, our doctors take great care to use the smallest incisions and sutures possible. In addition, the surgeons at the Buckingham Center place the incisions for blepharoplasty in areas where they will remain well hidden.

Our surgeons place upper eyelid incisions within the natural crease of the lid. The surgeons may place lower eyelid incisions internally, just inside the lower lid, or externally along the lash line. These areas are discrete and camouflage the resulting scar well.

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What To Expect During A Blepharoplasty

Since a blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, patients return home following surgery. Patients who are only having an upper blepharoplasty need to arrive at the Buckingham Center with their driver about 15 minutes before their scheduled procedure. Patients who are having an upper eyelid lift should expect to be at the Buckingham Center for about an hour.

Patients who are having a lower blepharoplasty, combination blepharoplasty, or blepharoplasty with other plastic surgery procedures (e.g., facelift) need to arrive at the outpatient surgery center with their driver approximately 15 minutes before their scheduled time.

Those who are having a combination of upper and lower blepharoplasty will remain at the outpatient surgery center for about two hours. Patients who are having other combination procedures (e.g., an upper blepharoplasty with a facelift) will receive information about how long their procedures should take prior to surgery.

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Blepharoplasty Procedures In Austin, Texas

Before A Blepharoplasty

The patient receives a sedative, which is usually in the form of a pill. In addition, using local anesthesia, the surgeon numbs the patient’s eyelids. Taking these presurgical steps ensures the patient remains comfortable and pain-free during surgery. When the patient is having a combination blepharoplasty, the surgeon usually begins with the upper eyelids.

An Upper Blepharoplasty And Functional Blepharoplasty

The surgeon creates an incision along the eyelid crease or the fold of the eyelid. Through this crease, the surgeon uses a thermal scalpel to adjust the tissues. In addition, the plastic surgeon trims away excess skin and, if necessary, tightens the tissues.

When performing a functional blepharoplasty, the surgeon can also tighten the muscle that is responsible for lifting the eyelid. After contouring the patient’s upper eyelid, the surgeon uses very fine, removable sutures to close the incisions.

A Lower Blepharoplasty

Our surgeon makes an incision within the natural crease just beneath the eyelashes on the outside of the lower eyelid. Through this incision, the surgeon contours the area by redistributing and removing tissues. Sometimes, the facial plastic surgeon makes an incision inside the lower eyelid (i.e., a transconjunctival incision). This incision allows for the distribution, trimming, or removal of the fat pads. In addition, modification of the skin and muscle through this incision is possible. Sutures may or may not be necessary following a lower blepharoplasty.

Caring For The Eyes Following Surgery

To minimize the potential for complications following surgery, following the postoperative plan that the surgeon provides is crucial. Furthermore, patients who follow these instructions enjoy a more comfortable recovery. Patients may receive a prescription for an antibiotic cream following surgery. The patient gently applies this cream to the eyelid. Acetaminophen and cold compresses are useful for reducing inflammation for the first few days following surgery. Patients need to sleep with their head elevated for several days after their blepharoplasty procedure; following this recommendation helps keep inflammation down. Any pain and inflammation the patient experiences usually subsides within three days. Nonetheless, it may take a month or so for the patient to see the final results of their blepharoplasty. Patients return to their regular activities about a week after surgery.

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Your Austin Blepharoplasty Experts

To schedule an eyelid surgery consultation with one of the top surgeons at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, contact the office today at 512-401-2500. The Buckingham Center’s Austin, Texas, address is 6420 Bee Cave Road, Suite 100.

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