Eyelid Surgery
Bleparoplasty
Eyelid surgery corrects the effects of aging around the eyes, rejuvenating the eye area and the upper face. This surgery is often combined with other facial treatments to optimize cosmetic appearance of the face and neck as a global aesthetic unit. Dr. Payne has found that a blepharoplasty combined with a brow lift can greatly transform the cosmetic appearance of the upper face and eyes.
Procedural Illustrations [Click to enlarge +]
Procedure
Blepharoplasty usually involves surgical treatment of the upper and lower eyelids for maximum results, but some clients choose to do only one area.
Surgery may be performed under local anesthesia with or without intravenous sedation, or it may be done under general anesthesia. All surgery is done at Dr. Payne’s MediCare and California State Certified Pueblo Nuevo Surgery Center located within his office.
Surgery on the upper eyelids involves placement of a well hidden incision across the top of the eyelid. Excess skin is removed, as well as any excess muscle bulk. The levator muscle/fascia may be modified to correct drooping eyelids. The lateral brow is sometimes lifted through this incision and the muscles that produce wrinkling in the glabella (zone between the eyebrows) can be trimmed for a smoother look. Fat excess is excised or repositioned.
Surgery of the lower eyelid involves trimming skin and muscle excess, removing or repositioning orbital fat, treating the hollow lower lid and upper cheek, shortening the lower lid-to-cheek distance, and suture support of the lateral lower eyelid. Other operations can be done through the lower lid incisions, including mid-face cheek lifts. Incisions in the lower eyelid are usually done on the inside of the lid (trans-conjunctival) or just beneath the lower eyelid eyelashes (sub-ciliary).
Blepharoplasty is often combined with other procedures, especially a brow lift. The brow lift tends to last longer than the blepharoplasty alone, and the combined procedures are more effective and longer-lasting.
Results
As people age, the skin in the face begins to lose its elasticity and smoothness. The skin can become thinner. Chronic sun exposure results in lines, wrinkles, and irregular skin color. The fat under the skin can begin to melt away or droop, and muscles lose tone and bulk. Even bone can begin to resorb and melt away. All of these changes result in the appearance of the aging face, which looks tired, stressed, anxious, uncertain, or aggressive.
Blepharoplasty, especially combined with a brow lift, very significantly helps to correct the aging changes. Improvement after surgery can help communicate youth, vitality, optimism, strength, and improved health. If our eyes, brow, and forehead communicate a positive message, others may be more positive, encouraging, and validating in their interactions with us.
When human beings look at each other they focus on the eyes first and secondarily on the mouth. These two zones are the most dynamic and expressive parts of the human face. When the eyes are rejuvenated they appear more open, warm, and inviting. Our inner vitality is revealed. We look happier, more rested, and younger.
Dr. Payne discusses all these elements in great detail with each client, discussing the face and neck as a whole and making treatment recommendations that include surgical and non-surgical issues. He will discuss skin aging and skin care, including diet, exercise, nutrition, hormone, and lifestyle issues.
Since multiple treatment options are often needed for maximum results, Dr. Payne may suggest that clients consider such additional options as a forehead and brow lift, cheek lifts, face and neck lifts, rhinoplasty (nasal surgery), laser skin resurfacing, broad band light therapy, other laser technologies, chemical peels, dermabrasion, botox, restylane, or other soft tissue injectable fillers as well as other treatments.
Clients continue to age and additional treatment to the upper face and eyes may become necessary in time. The scars associated with blepharoplasty surgery usually heal quickly and become either invisible or very faint within a few months.
After the Surgery
Blepharoplasty operations are not painful. There is usually some swelling and bruising after surgery that may take several weeks to resolve. Eyes may feel irritated with associated tearing for a few weeks. Most clients require a minimum of one week off duty from work. Camouflage makeup is available to all clients. Clients may resume exercise and engage in strenuous activity within 10 to 14 days after surgery if they feel ready.
Each client will be given detailed postoperative instructions and medications aimed at minimizing pain and discomfort. Dr. Payne usually calls clients the evening of surgery and the following morning to reinforce instructions and make sure the client is doing well. Most clients are seen one to two times per week for the first few weeks for careful monitoring and instruction. Clients are followed until they are fully healed and back to normal.
