Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty or eyelift, is performed to help address sagging skin above and below the eyelid. An eyelift may help restore the skin around the upper and lower eyelid and reveal a refreshed, more youthful appearance. People of all ages can experience the benefits of eyelid surgery, and eyelid surgery can help not only those who are looking to smooth out their wrinkles or crow’s feet, but also those who are seeking to fix drooping eyelids in order to help dispel discomfort and improve their vision. If you feel like your eyes make you look more tired than you really are, or if sagging skin is getting in the way of your vision, you may want to consider upper eyelid surgery.

Many questions may come to mind when you are considering an eyelid procedure. Doing your research and getting answers regarding eyelid surgery will help ease your mind while preparing for the procedure. Dr. Gangnes will thoroughly explain everything you need to know during your initial consultation, but in the meantime, here is a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive about eyelifts.

Which types of issues does eyelid procedure address?
Eyelid procedures can help with cosmetic concerns that make you look more tired or older than you are, such as wrinkles, puffiness, and sagging or drooping skin. In addition, eyelifts may also be done for medical reasons if the excess skin or fat around your eyes is obstructing your vision or causing discomfort.

What causes the need for eyelid surgery?
In many cases, the natural effects of aging take their toll on our faces and leave us with loose or sagging skin. How much elasticity your skin will lose as you age will largely depends on your genetics as well as certain lifestyle habits. Though eating healthy, drinking lots of water, not smoking, and staying out of the sun as much as possible will certainly help keep your skin looking its best, an eyelift is an effective way to rejuvenate your appearance with noticeable results.

As you get older, the skin of your upper eyelid will begin to naturally droop, and some people may experience extreme loss of elasticity that gets in the way of their sight. In addition, some men and women have excess fat under their eyes that may make them unhappy with their appearance. This issue is also based on genetics, but may also be corrected via eyelid surgery.

How long does an eyelift procedure take?
An eyelid procedure is an outpatient procedure, which means that you are able to go home immediately following the eyelid surgery. In most cases, an eyelift will typically take about an hour to perform, depending on the individual and their specific needs or if there is any administration of additional treatment options for the face. Since you will be sedated and given local anesthesia, you will spend the first moments following your eyelift in a recovery room under medical supervision. After Dr. Gangnes determines that you are able to leave, you will be driven home from our office by a trusted friend or family member the same day of your surgery.

Are there any possible side effects from eyelid surgery?
During your first consultation at Facial Aesthetic Concepts, your surgeon will go over any potential risks or complications with you based on your personal medical history. It is always important to be honest and truthful when it comes to providing this kind of information so that it does not affect the surgery or potentially impede your healing or recovery from your eyelift. Temporary side effects from eyelid surgery could potentially include blurry vision, dry eyes, discomfort, swelling and bruising around the treated area.

What will the incision and resulting scars be like?
Your surgeon will make a small incision within the natural fold of your eyelid, on the outer edge of the eye below your eyelash or just inside the eye. In most cases, scarring from eyelid surgery is subtle and often unnoticeable as it is obscured within the crease of the eyelid. Any visible scarring as a result of an eyelift will most likely fade over time.

How long does recovery from an eyelift take?
Every person who has eyelid surgery will heal at their own rate, so individual results may vary, but many people are able to return to work and their usual routine anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks after their procedure, depending on their job and daily activities. Be prepared to do a lot of resting following your eyelift, but keep in mind that it is important to get up and walk around every so often to increase circulation and get your blood moving. Any swelling or bruising that may occur from eyelid surgery is typically resolved within 4 weeks or so, but the results from your procedure will become more apparent as you continue to recover and heal.

When deciding to have any plastic surgery procedure, you want to find the best, most qualified plastic surgeon and surgery team in Southern California. At Facial Aesthetic Concepts, we use state-of-the-art technology combined with the latest medical training and techniques to give you the best results possible. We’ll provide you with a complete skin analysis and develop a specific treatment plan to address your concerns.

Contact us online or call us today at (949) 313-2600 to schedule your complimentary consultation and find out more about nose surgery to see if it’s the right choice for your cosmetic goals.