Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
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Blepharoplasty (also known as cosmetic eyelid surgery or eyelift) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in plastic surgery. The eyes are usually the first place to show signs of aging. With time the upper eyelids can develop folds of loose skin or become droopy. This usually gives the false impression of a “tired look.” This can also make it very difficult to wear eye makeup. Lower eyelid fat can prolapse and develop loose skin, which can give a tired and sad look to the face. In addition, the skin of the eyelid is very thin and quite prone to developing many fine wrinkles.
1) What can blepharoplasty (Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery) achieve?
2) What do you mean by customized blepharoplasty?
3) What is Asian blepharoplasty?
4) What are the different types of Asian eyelid creases?
5) What is the difference between a transconjunctival vs transcutaneous lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
6) What other procedures can be combined with blepharoplasty?
7) What type of anesthesia is used?
8) What is the recovery like?
9) I am interested! How should I proceed?
1) What can blepharoplasty (Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery) achieve?
The eyes will appear more rested and vibrant after cosmetic eyelid surgery. Most often the results are so natural that friends and coworkers will comment on how great you look, without realizing that surgery was performed. The incision for blepharoplasty is hidden in natural creases of the eyelid, and it heals extremely well.
2) What do you mean by customized blepharoplasty?
Many plastic surgeons perform the blepharoplasty procedure in the same manner for all patients. This is like visiting a hairstylist who can who can only cut your hair in one way. The Art of Blepharoplasty needs to be refined and customized for each patient individually. As recent as 10 years ago and even today, excessive orbital fatty tissue was removed as part of the blepharoplasty procedure, resulting in periorbital hollowness and a wasted or ill appearance. Today we know that youthful eyes are open and full. This is why Dr. Parsa customizes the treatment plan for each patient individually to achieve a youthful harmonious outcome.
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3) What is Asian blepharoplasty?
The Asian eyelid is significantly different in anatomy and structure than the occidental eyelid. Approximately 50% of Asians have a defined eyelid crease. This crease divides the upper eyelid into two segments also known as a “double eyelid.” When present, the shape and location of the eyelid crease are lower and different than the occidental eyelid. It must be made clear that most Asian patients without an eyelid crease who seek cosmetic Asian blepharoplasty do not want to look “westernized,” they would like to look like the other 50% of Asians who do have an eyelid crease.
4) What are the different types of Asian eyelid creases?
Depending on the shape of the face and the patient's own preferences, Dr. Parsa will discuss the various options for the eyelid crease before the operation. The goal is to create a natural Asian crease rather than a wide open “westernized” occidental crease. Here are some examples of eyelid crease positions.
Parallel crease
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Temporal flare crease
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Nasal slant crease
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5) What is the difference between a transconjunctival vs transcutaneous lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
• Transonjunctival Lowerlid Blepharoplasty : This involves making the incision behind the eyelid. This is the most ideal procedure for younger patients or those with very little redundant skin on the lower eyelid. The incision is then used to access the prolapsed orbital fat for repositioning or removal.
• Transcutaneous Lowerlid Blepharoplasty: The incision is made about 1 to 2 mm below the eyelashes on the lower eyelid. This procedure is best performed on older patients or those that may need “skin tightening.” This procedure can also be combined with a SOOF lift to achieve more harmonious cheeks and lower lids.
6) What other procedures can be combined with blepharoplasty?
Because of their close proximity to the eyelids, the eyebrows and cheeks play an important role in the final aesthetic outcome of the procedure. During the initial evaluation, depending on your needs, a browlift or a mid-facelift procedure might be recommended in combination with the blepharoplasty.
7) What type of anesthesia is used?
Most eyelid surgery can be performed under local anesthesia. If desired, local anesthesia with sedation can be performed. This type of anesthesia, also known as Monitored Anesthesia Care ( MAC ), is performed by an anesthesiologist. The main advantages of this anesthesia are: (1) it does not require putting a breathing tube in the throat, (2) it does not require a breathing machine, (3) the recovery is much faster, (4) there is less nausea after surgery. All of these elements translate into greater comfort and safety.
During MAC anesthesia, an intravenous needle is placed into one of the veins of the arm or hand. Relaxing medication is given to make the patient fall asleep. The amount of medication is adjusted as needed. After the patient is asleep, numbing medicine is placed in the skin of the area that is being operated on. During the procedure the patient is unaware of anything going on and cannot hear anything, yet he or she is breathing normally.
8) What is the recovery like?
Depending on the person's previous medical history there will be some swelling and bruising around the eyelids for one week. There is minimal eye discomfort after the procedure. Ice packs are recommended for the first 2 days to decrease swelling. With makeup, most patients can return to work or social activities in one week.
9) I am interested! How should I proceed?
If you are considering this procedure we encourage you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Parsa. During this visit he will listen to your concerns and, after a comprehensive evaluation, will discuss the best management for you. If you are a suitable candidate you will be informed of all potential risks of the procedure. Depending on your gender, ethnicity, and age, a customized procedure will be tailored for you. If you are an out of town patient visiting our Beverly Hills Office, please do not hesitate to contact us to help arrange your travel plans.
Before and After Blepharoplasty Photos: The following images are actual patients of Dr. Kami Parsa.
Before and after of upper and lower blepharoplasty |
Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty
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Before and after photo pictures of a patient who had an upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
The patient was complaining she looked tired all the time. |
Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty
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24 year old Asian female who complained of "puffy" lower eyelids.
Patient underwent a transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
The photo on the right shows the patient one week after surgery. |
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
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Most patients with "puffy" eyelidshave more pronounced puffiness when they look up. Note significant improvement one week after surgery (right photo). |
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
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This patient complained of “bags” under her eyes. Pre-operative (left) and post-operative (right) photos are shown. Note improvement in lower eyelid to cheek transition. |
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
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Patient complained of "bags" under her eyes. Pre-operative (left) and one month post operative photos(right) are shown.
Note improvement in lower eyelid cheek transition. |
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
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51 year old female complained of “looking older than she feels.” Pre-operative (left) and one month post-operative (right) photos are shown. |
Endoscopic browlift, Upper & Lower eyelid blepharoplasty, Mid face fat injection
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Note the smooth transition of lower eyelid to cheek complex after fat injection, and the youthful appearance of upper eyelids and brows in the photo to the right. |
Endoscopic browlift, Upper & Lower eyelid blepharoplasty, Mid face fat injection
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75 year old female with bilateral brow ptosis and upper eyelid dermatochalasia. This patient underwent transbleph brow lift and upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Pre-operative (left) & one week post-operative photos (right) are shown. |
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty & Trans bleph endotine browlift
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One week post-operative photo is shown on the right. Note minimal swelling. |
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty & Trans bleph endotine browlift
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Note the lack of eyelid crease on the left pre-operative photo. |
Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty
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66 year old Asian male complained of looking more tired than he actually felt. Pre-operative (left) & one month post-operative (right) photos are shown. Patient underwent an upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. |
Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty
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The picture shows a before and one month post operative photo's of a female patient who underwent an upper eyelid blepharoplasty. |
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty
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Before and one month post upper eyelid blepharoplasty photo of a 70 year female is shown. |
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty
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Before & After photos of a 55 year old patient after cosmetic eyelid surgery. |
Cosmetic eyelid surgery
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Cosmetic eyelid surgery
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