Eyelid Surgery
Do you have bags under your eyes, or excess skin in your upper eyelids? Eyelid surgery from Houston facial plastic surgeon Dr. Raghu Athré can improve the look of both the upper and lower lids.
About Eyelid Surgery
The eyes are the windows to the soul, and a lot of the time they are the first thing that others notice about you. Unlike full facial rejuvenation, which often requires significant downtime, the eyes are one of the easiest and quickest areas to rejuvenate. Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a quick and simple procedure to rejuvenate the eye region and drastically improve the overall appearance of the face.
Other common terms for blepharoplasty include eye lift, eye lift surgery, or an eyelid lift. Dr. Athré is one of the best surgeons in the Houston area for eyelid surgery.
As aging occurs, the thin skin around the eyelids begins to lose its elasticity and its ability to stretch. As a result, the excess skin of the upper eyelid can begin to overhang and cause droopy eyelid or hooded eyelids. The appearance of “crow’s feet,” or deep-set wrinkles, can also appear around the eye.
Other signs of aging, such as hollowing, bulging fat due to thinning skin, or excess skin around the lower eyelid and cheek, can typically be seen around the lower eyelid.
Non-Surgical Approaches to Eyelid Rejuvenation
Not smoking and not rubbing the area around your eyes can significantly help prevent the early onset or wrinkles and under eye sagging. Also, sunglasses while outside will prevent photodamage to the thin skin around the eyes and prevent squinting. Chronic squinting in bright sun will increase the prevalence and formation of fine lines in the crows feet area and in the lower eyelid skin. A medical grade sunscreen will also prevent sun damage to the thin eyelid skin.
The next level of rejuvenation is to use medical grade skin care products. The Athre Skin Rx Eye Cream is formulated with retinol to and hyaluronic acid to reduce fine lines and plump tissues.
For patients who wish to drastically reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eye area, BOTOX® may be appropriate. BOTOX and Dysport and other neuromodulators are excellent and softening the fine lines in the crows feet region. BOTOX may also provide a slight lift of the eyebrows, causing the amount of excess skin on the upper eyelid to appear less significant.
Fillers can help plump up the lower eyelid and cheek area to reduce the appearance of lower eyelid bags. Dr. Athre has a specific filler procedure just for this area, called Ocu Rx™.
Finally, chemical peels and laser resurfacing can thicken thinned tissues and remove much of the lines and wrinkles in the area around the eye.
Surgical procedures to rejuvenate the eye
Surgical procedures to rejuvenate the eye can be broken down into:
- Upper Blepharoplasty: Upper blepharoplasty is a group of surgical procedures used to rejuvenate the upper eyelid. Another name for upper blepharoplasty is an eyelid lift or upper eyelid lift.
- Lower Blepharoplasty: Lower blepharoplasty deals with rejuvenation of the lower eyelid and the interface between the lower eyelid and the cheek. Frequently, the crow’s feet region is grouped together with the skin of the lower eyelid.
Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Surgery)
Upper blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures. It is performed to rejuvenate and enhance the upper eyelid region.
With age, the upper eyelid can become droopy, hooded or saggy. The excess skin can be so severe that it can affect the field of vision.
From a surgical standpoint, this is due to excess skin of the upper eyelid (dermatochalasis or dermatochalasia) and herniated fat. The upper eyelid has 2 fat compartments, the middle fat pad, and the medial fat pad. As the skin and supporting tissues weaken and thin, these fat pads can bulge out causing increased fullness.
Upper blepharoplasty surgery removes excess skin and fat to return the eyelids back to a youthful and natural look. In the surgery, an incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid.
Incision for upper blepharoplasty
Despite being a common procedure, upper blepharoplasty is a complicated procedure without a one size fits all approach. Dr. Athre considers numerous factors, such as the natural shape of the eye, ethnic background, and skin type, in order to modify the eyelid surgery to obtain the best post-operative result and to minimize scarring.
Prior to the procedure, the functionality of the eye to open and close properly as well as its ability to crease properly are carefully examined. Most upper blepharoplasty procedures are done under local anesthesia and take approximately one hour. Full recovery and return to normal activity within a week after the procedure is common.
To see an upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, click here. The video shows actual surgical video of an upper blepharoplasty procedure.
Read the Transcript
As we talk about aging in the upper one-third of the face, we talked about brow lifts and we talked about upper blepharoplasty. We’ve already discussed brow lifts, so that leaves us the other big category procedures, which is upper blepharoplasty.
Blepharo is the Greek word for eyelid. Plasty means change the shape of, so upper blepharoplasty is surgery of the upper eyelid. When we look at surgery of the upper eyelid, that surgery primarily addresses excess skin with excess fat.
Now, that’s an over generalization of the surgery. In essence, the surgery normally is done under local anesthesia, takes about 30 minutes to do. However, there’s a lot of nuances in upper blepharoplasty surgery that really need to be taken into account. For example, first of all, everybody’s eyelid shape is different. So if you can imagine someone who’s Chinese versus someone who’s Caucasian, they have different eyelid shapes. They have different amount of skin fold show. They have different variations and a double eyelid crease. So all of these variations need to be put together to cohesively come up with the plan for the upper blepharoplasty.
So there isn’t a one size fits all, just work out some skin and some fat. It really is a lot more artistry in order to see A, how much skin can be removed, how much fat needs to be removed, what type of eye shape are we trying to achieve? So all that gets put together in order to determine the exact type of blepharoplasty and the exact incision type.
Most of the time what I end up doing is an incision that’s based in the natural eyelid crease. It extends out laterally to grab some of this excess temporal skin. This type of surgery normally, as I said, takes about 30 to 45 minutes, is done under local anesthesia. Most patients can return back to normal activity within a day or so. They come back to my office about five days later to remove the sutures and can be basically back to doing all the things that they do pretty quick. It’s actually one of those procedures that has a very high index of satisfaction and patients love it a lot because it’s just easy to do. I hope this has helped and this is a lot of information about the stuff you can do for aging in the upper one-third of the face.
Lower Blepharoplasty (Lower Eyelid Surgery)
Lower eyelid surgery is called a lower blepharoplasty. Lower eyelid surgery has two main objectives: (1) Address and fat bags or fat bulging of the lower eyelid region, (2) Address the excess skin of the lower eyelid.
There are two main techniques for performing lower blepharoplasty, the subciliary approach, and the transconjuctival approach. The subciliary approach uses an incision along the lower lash line, and the transconjuctival approach makes an incision in the wet, inner surface of the lower eyelid. Dr. Athré is well-versed in all of these approaches and will customize the procedure depending on what is best for your particular case.
Most lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgeries are performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation. They can also be performed under general anesthesia based on patient preference. Most lower eyelid blepharoplasty patients can return to daily life activities within 24 hours and are able to wear makeup and return to work within 7-8 days after surgery.
See a Video of This Surgery
About Asian Eyelid Surgery – A special type of upper blepharoplasty
Asian eyelid surgery is a type of upper blepharoplasty that specifically addresses the concerns of Asian patients. Asian patients may have one or more of the following upper eyelid characteristics that separate them from patients with other ethnic backgrounds.
- Lack of an upper eyelid crease (no double eyelid)
- Partial upper eyelid crease
- Partial upper eyelid crease with multiple mini creases
- Possible lack of a supratarsal crease or “double eyelid”
- Epicanthal fold and the medial portion of the eyelid as it contacts the nose
- Fullness and excess fat of middle and lateral portions of the upper eyelid
These characteristics can add complexity to eyelid surgery in Asian patients. These patients need more detailed analysis to prevent over-Westernizing their eyelids which can cause excessive and possible irreversible scarring.
Asian eyelid surgery can be done to achieve a natural crease of the upper eyelid and remove multiple creases to create one, singular dominant crease.
Before & After Photos
Eyelid Surgery Recovery and Results
Recovery after eyelid surgery is typically quick and with minor discomfort. Bruising and swelling around the eyelids usually begin to disappear a day or two after surgery with the help of cool compresses. Patients usually recover fully and can return to normal activities near the 8 to 9 day mark after blepharoplasty.
Client Testimonial
“Dr. Athre and his team are fantastic!!! I had a upper and lower eyelid surgery done and he did a wonderful job. He is an artist and a perfectionist. He exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend Dr. Athre.”
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Cosmetic treatment encompasses a broad spectrum of procedures aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appearance of individuals. From eyelid surgery to otoplasty, a patient seek cosmetic interventions for various reasons, ranging from addressing congenital anomalies to rejuvenating the appearance of aging features. Each patient's journey towards cosmetic treatment is unique, guided by their personal goals and concerns. While some may seek to correct eyelid malposition or improve their vision through eye surgery, others may pursue otoplasty to address congenital ear anomalies or enhance facial harmony. Optometrist play a crucial role in assessing patients' ocular health and determining the suitability of cosmetic procedures, especially when vision is involved. Additionally, for patients with any functional impairment or disability, cosmetic treatment can provide both aesthetic and practical benefits, improving their quality of life and self-esteem. While insurance coverage for cosmetic procedures may vary, patients can explore options to ensure access to the treatments they desire. Ultimately, cosmetic treatment empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty and achieve a renewed sense of confidence and rejuvenation
Facial surgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at addressing various concerns and achieving a harmonious and rejuvenated appearance. Whether it's combating wrinkles, eliminating fat pockets, or rejuvenating the skin, facial surgery offers patients the opportunity to address specific areas of concern and achieve their desired aesthetic goals. Procedures such as facelifts and brow lifts can effectively lift sagging tissues, reduce the appearance of any wrinkle, and restore a more youthful face. Additionally, addressing issues such as eye strain, dryness, and tearing can enhance both the function and aesthetics of the eyes, contributing to overall facial harmony. Through advancements in surgical techniques and technology, facial surgery can provide long-lasting results, promoting skin renewal and reducing signs of aging. By targeting areas of concern such as fat pockets and wrinkles, patients can enjoy a revitalized and refreshed appearance, enhancing their self-confidence and overall well-being. Eyelid malposition is a condition that demands excellence in both diagnosis and treatment. Addressing eyelid malposition requires careful evaluation and planning, as it involves the intricate structures surrounding the eye area. Patients may experience various symptoms, such as puffy or droopy eyelids, which can affect both appearance and functionality. Surgical correction often involves delicate procedures to reposition the eyelids and restore balance. Surgeons must navigate the complexity of eyelid anatomy and consider factors such as eyelid fat distribution and underlying muscle tone to achieve optimal outcomes. With access to state-of-the-art surgical facilities and advanced techniques, surgeons can provide comprehensive care for patients, ensuring both aesthetic enhancement and functional improvement.
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a transformative procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes and addressing various concerns such as sagging skin, puffiness, and under-eye bags. The process of eyelid surgery typically begins with a thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon, during which the patient's goals and expectations are discussed in detail. Prior to the procedure, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's eyelid anatomy and assess factors such as skin elasticity, muscle tone, and fat distribution to develop a customized surgical plan. During eyelid surgery, incisions are carefully made along the natural creases of the eyelids to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, excess skin, fat, and muscle are precisely removed or repositioned to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. The surgeon then meticulously closes the incisions with sutures, ensuring optimal healing and minimal scarring. While eyelid surgery can yield dramatic results, it is essential for patients to follow pre-operative and post-operative precautions to minimize risks and ensure a smooth recovery process. These precautions may include avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding risk, refraining from smoking, and diligently following post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. By adhering to these precautions and choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon, patients can undergo eyelid surgery with confidence, knowing that they are in capable hands and on their way to achieving their aesthetic goals. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, offers a multitude of benefits for individuals seeking to rejuvenate their appearance and address concerns related to sagging skin, puffiness, and under-eye bags. One of the primary benefits of eyelid surgery is its ability to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the eyes, enhancing overall facial harmony and symmetry. By precisely removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, and muscle tissue, eyelid surgery can effectively smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in a more vibrant and rejuvenated look. Additionally, eyelid surgery can improve peripheral vision and reduce eye strain by eliminating obstructive eyelid skin that may impair vision. Furthermore, patients often experience a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem following eyelid surgery, as they feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance. Moreover, eyelid surgery can have functional benefits beyond cosmetic enhancement, such as alleviating discomfort associated with heavy or drooping eyelids and improving tear production and distribution. Overall, eyelid surgery is a versatile and effective procedure that can provide patients with long-lasting results and a renewed sense of confidence.