Eyelid Surgery For Patients in Orange, CT & the Surrounding Areas
Factors such as aging, sun damage, smoking, stretching and obesity can cause the eyelids to droop and sag as the supporting tissues deteriorate. This area is often one of the first to show signs of damage, as the skin of the eyelid is thinner than the rest of the face. Eyelids that droop or bulge can cause people to appear much older or more fatigued than they actually are.
What is a Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids by tightening muscles and tissue or removing excess fat and skin. This procedure can be performed on men and women alike and offers a younger, more refreshed look that reflects across the whole face.
Blepharoplasty is now the most popular facial plastic surgery procedure after rhinoplasty. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyes, you may want to consider blepharoplasty to improve your look and boost your confidence through a safe procedure with minimal downtime.
How is eyelid surgery performed?
The blepharoplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation. General anesthesia may be used for anxious or nervous patients. Patients may choose to have this procedure on their upper or lower eyelids, or both. Depending on these choices, the procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours.
If the upper eyelid is being treated, an incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelid. Once the incision is made, your doctor may reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles and tissue or remove excess skin in order to leave the eye looking younger and refreshed. For the lower eyelid, an incision is made behind the lower eyelid (transconjunctival, hidden) or just below the lash line (subciliary, external) in order for excess skin to be removed.
After the procedure is performed, the incisions are closed with fine sutures and usually patients apply cool compression to allow the area to heal with minimal bruising and swelling.
Ideal Candidates for Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who are in good overall health and who do not smoke or have any serious eye conditions. If you have loose, sagging skin or puffy bags around your eyes, this procedure can help reduce these unwanted effects and leave the eyes looking young and fresh.
It is important for patients to have realistic expectations before undergoing surgery in order to be satisfied with their results. While this procedure can enhance your appearance and may improve self-confidence as a result, it cannot alter your entire appearance or change the structure of your face.
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
A blepharoplasty may be combined with other procedures such as a browlift. Browlifts can revitalize drooping or lined foreheads, helping you to look less angry, sad or tired. Using either traditional or minimally invasive (endoscopic) methods, the muscles above the eyes are altered to smooth lines and raise the eyebrows for a more youthful appearance.
After the blepharoplasty procedure, your doctor may recommend applying lubricating ointment and cold compresses to aid the healing process and minimize side effects such as swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eyes. The eyes may be wrapped in gauze after the procedure as well.
Patients can usually return to work within two days, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Swelling and other side effects usually subside within two weeks after surgery.* Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for your eyes after surgery.
Results After a Blepharoplasty
Results of a blepharoplasty procedure are visible as swelling and bruising subside and will continue to improve for up to a year after surgery. This procedure is designed to produce long-lasting results. While surgery cannot prevent your eyes from aging, most patients are satisfied with their results and do not seek repeat procedures.*
The scars from the blepharoplasty procedure are usually well concealed and will fade with time until they are virtually unnoticeable.* The incision is hidden in the crease of the eyelid in an upper blepharoplasty, and just below the lashes in a lower blepharoplasty.
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Results
The lower eyelid double bubble distracts her pretty blue eyes. She undergoes initial upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty but the excess skin persists. Revision direct festoon excision rejuvenates her entire eye region.
*Individual results may vary.
Upper Blepharoplasty Results
Elegant eyelid appearance can be achieved by gentle increase in height of the supratarsal crease and minimize lateral hooding with judicious skin removal without affecting the brow shape or height.
*Individual results may vary.
What are the risks of eyelid surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with this procedure. Although rare, these risks include bleeding, infection, dry eyes, skin discoloration and an inability to fully close the eyes. Many of these risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced surgeon and following proper care instructions after surgery. You can discuss these risks, along with any other concerns you may have, with your doctor to reduce anxiety and worries about your surgery.
*Individual results may vary.
Schedule a Consultation
Eyelid surgery is a transformative procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of the eyes by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Ideal for individuals experiencing droopy or puffy eyelids, this surgery can not only enhance cosmetic appearance but also improve vision obstructed by sagging eyelids. At Mao Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Johnny Mao and his staff are dedicated to performing effective eyelid surgery for patients throughout Branford, Cheshire, East Haven, Fairfield, Milford, North Haven, Orange, Shelton, Southport, Weston, Westport, Wilton, Woodbridge, New Canaan, Darien, CT, and the surrounding communities. The procedure is tailored to each patient's unique facial structure for optimal results.
To learn more about the benefits of eyelid surgery or other facial plastic surgery procedures offered by MAO Facial Plastic Surgery, we encourage you to contact our practice at 203-907-0501 or fill out our contact form here.
Individual results and recovery vary. Your consultation provides guidance specific to your needs.
Explore published patient cases related to this treatment at Mao Facial Plastic Surgery. Some cases include multiple procedures; the original case titles and details are retained. Individual results vary.
Get to know the surgeon behind Mao Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Johnny Mao’s practice focuses on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, with surgical and non-surgical options tailored to individual concerns. A consultation is the opportunity to discuss your features, your goals, and the care that may be appropriate for you.
Visit our Orange office to ask questions about treatment options, recovery, and follow-up, and learn more about Dr. Mao’s background and approach to care.
Injectables, fillers, and laser treatments remain available for patients exploring non-surgical care. Your consultation can help clarify which options fit your goals.
Welcoming patients from Branford, Cheshire, East Haven, Fairfield, Milford, North Haven, Orange, Shelton, Southport, Weston, Westport, Wilton, Woodbridge, New Canaan, Darien, and surrounding Connecticut communities.
Dr. Mao will listen to your concerns, examine your facial anatomy, and discuss surgical and non-surgical options suited to your goals. You will leave with a clear understanding of what to expect.
Facial plastic surgery focuses on procedures of the face, head, and neck — both cosmetic procedures like facelift and rhinoplasty and reconstructive treatments for functional concerns.
Recovery varies by procedure and by patient. Some non-surgical treatments involve little or no downtime. After surgery, the time needed to return to work or routine activities may range from several days to several weeks, while swelling, incision healing, and final results can continue to improve for weeks or months. During your consultation, Dr. Mao will explain the expected recovery timeline, activity restrictions, and follow-up care for the procedure being considered.
Good candidates are in general good health, have realistic expectations, and have specific concerns they would like addressed. A consultation is the best way to find out.
Begin Your Personalized Consultation
Meet with Dr. Johnny Mao to discuss your aesthetic goals and available facial rejuvenation options.
