Upper Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Have you ever wondered why the phrase "old and tired" gets such widespread use? Is it universally true that as we age we simply get tired? We think not!
Here in Oakland, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco, upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can help you look more refreshed and youthful. You take care of yourself, cultivate a variety of interests and live a pretty active lifestyle – no matter what our age may be, you're not likely to characterize yourself as "tired." Perhaps a better explanation for that annoying phrase is that as we get older, the skin around our eyes makes us look tired.
Ready to find out more? Request a consultation online, call us at 415-445-9513, or email us today.
Considering Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Although some people are born with heavy upper eyelids, for most of us, dull, droopy eyes are a sign of aging. As the years pass, our skin stretches, muscles weaken and fat can accumulate and cause bags. In addition to making you look "old and tired," this process can make you appear depressed, angry or sad. Blepharoplasty surgery removes excess skin around the eyes, giving your eyes greater definition and getting rid of that "old and tired" appearance.
In severe cases, when the excess skin actually causes hooding of the skin, blepharoplasty surgery may even improve your field of vision. For many patients, puffy lower eyelids go hand-in-hand with the drooping of the upper eyelids. Dr. Mabrie addresses this concern with lower eyelid surgery, which can be performed independently or in conjunction with the upper eyelid surgery.
Heavy Upper Eyelids
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When the eyelid crease is obscured, the eyes and face may appear tired or less 'alert'. |
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As you can see in the series of photos below, upper eyelid surgery can create a more lively and alert appearance.
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
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Excess skin around the eyes, giving heaviness to the eyes. |
The excess skin to be removed is outlined with a surgical marker. |
Excess skin is removed giving the eyes and face a refreshed appearance. |
For our patients from San Francisco, Oakland and Walnut Creek, upper eyelid surgery can be performed in an office-based facility, out-patient surgical center, or hospital, usually in about one hour. Many people who think they can benefit from upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery also may consider brow lift surgery, which can relieve some of the "heaviness" in the upper eyelid area while also slightly elevating the position of the eyebrows and smoothing the forehead.
The Surgeon For You
Dr. David Mabrie offers:
- Double board certification
- Excellent training & experience
- Specialization in the face and neck
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This woman consulted with Dr Mabrie to resolve the drooping in her eyelids, in particular at the outer corners of her eyes which were causing her vision to be obscured. With combination Upper Lid Blepharoplasty and Browlift surgery, Dr Mabrie was able to lift and tighten her eyelids, helping her to look younger and more refreshed, and restore her vision. |
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How Much Pain Is Involved?
Blepharoplasty surgery is a safe, straightforward procedure that can take years off your appearance. It is a nearly painless surgery performed under general anesthesia in an accredited hospital or surgery center. A board-certified anesthesiologist will administer medication to ensure you feel no pain during surgery and minimal discomfort or nausea afterward.
Depending on the complexity, your surgery may take 45 minutes to an hour. After surgery mild discomfort is normal, but most patients require only over-the-counter pain medication.
How Do I Prepare for Surgery?
To get ready for blepharoplasty surgery, think about the needs you'll have after surgery. If you are undergoing anesthesia, you will need to have someone pick you up and stay with you for a night, just until the effects of the anesthesia are completely gone. Dr. Mabrie's staff can help you make arrangements for assistance if you need extra help.
It's a good idea to have plenty of food in the house so you can stay home and relax for a few days. You'll also want to have a good pair of sunglasses on hand when you do go out, to both hide any residual bruising and protect your eyes from sun and wind. You may not be able to watch television for the first few days, so you may want to have plenty of music, books on tape and radio programs lined up to listen to.
What Is the Recovery Like?
When your surgery is complete, you can go home to rest. You'll need to keep your head elevated while you sleep for a few days. You'll return to Dr. Mabrie's office to have your sutures removed within a week. Depending on the type of work you do, you may return to your job in as little as two days. Slight bruising may be evident, and you may therefore want to plan to be away from work for several days. Almost all bruising and swelling should be gone within ten days. You can resume your exercise routine within three weeks. Scars will be hidden in the creases of your eyelids and will typically fade very quickly.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
| Bandages | Suture Removal | Restaurant Ready* | 75% | 100% |
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| None | None-5 days | 4-8 days | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 months |
*Restaurant ready means you are ready to debut the new you! |
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Am I a Good Candidate?
If you are generally content with your face, but you're frustrated with increasingly droopy upper eyelids, you're probably a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty. It can also create an upper eyelid crease for Asians, opening up the eyes for a brighter look.
It is important to know the procedure doesn't remove "crow's feet" wrinkles and won't eliminate dark circles under the eyes. Dr Mabrie does offer BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dermafiller treatments to address these concerns. You should tell Dr. Mabrie about any medical conditions you may have that might affect your eyes, or eye problems such as glaucoma.
Dr. Mabrie has extensive experience and a deep interest in treating the eyes and face. He knows what a difference facial cosmetic surgery can have on a person's outlook on life, and he enjoys helping his patients look and feel better.
How Will I Look?
If you're like most patients, you'll be thrilled with your rejuvenated look. You'll still look like you, just more rested and more alert than you have in years. Best of all, you can expect the refreshed appearance of your eyes to last a long time. For many people, their bright new look is permanent.
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Dr. Mabrie can also repair ptosis of the eyelid (droopy eyelid) caused by thinning or tearing of the eyelid levator muscle.
