Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery removes fat, excess skin, and muscle from around the eye. This can provide a younger-looking and “more awake” appearance. “Blepharoplasty” (eyelid surgery) will also reduce the puffiness that occurs as people get older. Bags that form underneath the eyes can be reduced with a related procedure in which only fat is removed, known as “transconjuctival blepharoplasty.”

Eyelid surgery has become popular among many people of Asian descent. For those who wish to add a crease to their eyes, “double eyelid surgery” may be the right solution. This surgery is designed to make the eyes appear somewhat rounder and larger, exposing more of the eyelashes, and making it easier for women to apply eyeliner. Contrary to popular belief, the surgical addition of a crease and removal of puffiness is not intended to erase the ethnicity of your face. Dr. David Kim can help you understand your goals with plastic surgery during an initial consultation.

Eyelid surgery can be successfully performed on adults who maintain realistic expectations and an overall healthy lifestyle, and especially those who do not have dry eyes, an eye infection, or glaucoma. Blepharoplasty may be also risky for people with medical conditions such as Graves’ disease, circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, among others.

What to Expect From This Procedure

All eyelid surgeries typically take approximately one to two hours, usually performed while the patient is awake and relaxed, while under local anesthesia with a sedative (no feeling in and around your eyes). However, if a surgery is done in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, it may take longer, and a general anesthesia is typically used (putting the patient to sleep). Similarly, a more complicated blepharoplasty procedure might cause the need for a general anesthetic.

Blepharoplasty: An incision will be made in the crease of your upper lid (top eyelid usually worked on first) to separate the muscle from the fat and skin. Depending on the desired results, the fat will be removed and the skin and muscle will be removed and/or tightened. In the lower lid, an incision will be made along the lash line where, again, the skin and fat will be separated from the muscle. Depending on the desired results, fat will be removed and muscle and skin will be tightened and/or removed. Following each surgery, the incision will be closed with very thin sutures, which will need to be removed in two to seven days; however, in some instances, dissolvable stitches can be used.

Dr. Kim will help to determine if “upper eyelid surgery” or “lower eyelid surgery” is more conducive to your condition versus full blepharoplasty.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty: An incision will be made inside the lower eyelid (instead of the lash line), through which fat will be removed. Dissolvable stitches will then be used to close the incision so that no further procedure is necessary.

Double eyelid surgery: An incision is made to create a crease, from which a crescent-shaped piece of skin will be removed along with some of the underlying fat. The height and depth of the crease depends on the desired results. Finally, the incision is closed with stitches, which will need to be removed in a few days. Tiny white heads may form upon removal of the stitches; however, Dr. Kim can provide a solution for this skin condition following surgery.

Possible Risks Of Eyelid Surgery

Potential dangers include but are not limited to eye infections and swelling at the corners of the eyelids, as well as asymmetrical healing and scaring. In rare cases, there may be permanent problems closing your eyes or with drooping of the lower lids (ectropion).

Recovery

Your eyes may feel sore, dry, and tight after your procedure, but there are ways to alleviate some of this discomfort, such as with eye drops, ointments and certain medicines. Your eyes will be swollen and bruises might develop around your eye; this could persist for two weeks. Excessive tearing and sensitivity to light may develop over the subsequent days, which will eventually subside.

It is typical to have blurry vision and swelling around the eyes (making blinking, reading and watching television difficult) for a few days. Patients will not be able to wear eyeliner for at least 10 days, and should steer clear of contacts for at least two weeks. In general, it should take about 10 days to return to normal activities.

Dr. Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon with a private practice in the Los Angeles / Beverly Hills area. He specializes in rhinoplasty, facelifts, eyelid surgery and various areas within the cosmetic surgery field.

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