Blepharoplasty Eyelid Lift
One of the most impactful changes associated with aging is that skin loses its youthful elasticity, and this lack of elasticity mixed with the prolonged effects of gravity can cause skin that once was firm to sag. Sagging skin can be especially problematic around the eyes, where sagging skin can collect into folds that cause wrinkles or bulges. Not only is the collection of excess skin not attractive, but it can also negatively affect vision by getting in the way of seeing clearly. The best way to combat the collection of excess skin around the eyes is with a blepharoplasty eyelid lift, and Dr. Cabin specializes in performing blepharoplasty in Los Angeles at his Beverly Hills location.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from both the upper and lower eyelids. There are both upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty eyelid lift procedures, each of which addresses a different portion of the eyelid.
In certain patients, an upper blepharoplasty can be performed simultaneously with an endoscopic brow lift, discussed below.
Through a hidden incision in the natural crease of the upper lid, a small amount of skin is removed, tightening the lid. Dr. Cabin uses precise measurements to ensure a balanced result. In some cases, a slightly larger amount of skin is removed from one eye than the other, to improve previously asymmetric eyes.
Because this procedure is minimally invasive and relatively comfortable, patients can opt to have the procedure performed under local anesthesia, or slight sedation, as opposed to general anesthesia. If an upper blepharoplasty is performed as outpatient surgery, a patient can return home immediately after the procedure.
Upper blepharoplasty recovery usually lasts a few weeks. At this time, patients may experience swelling or bruising that disappears after a few days. Post-surgery swelling generally subsides within about four to six weeks.
Most upper blepharoplasty patients can return to work within five to seven days of treatment. They also can resume a regular exercise regimen within about two to three weeks following surgery, but should wait to get clearance from Dr. Cabin to do so.
Who is Eligible for Upper Blepharoplasty?
An ideal patient for an upper blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is an individual who is in good health and has sagging or baggy eyelids. As long as the patient does not have any debilitating health conditions, they should be eligible for upper blepharoplasty since it is a minimally invasive procedure. It is also important that anyone who comes in for upper blepharoplasty surgery has realistic expectations for the end result of the procedure. That is why Dr. Cabin will have an upper blepharoplasty consultation with every patient to make sure they truly understand the expected results of the procedure.
Dr. Cabin believes in a scar-less approach to the lower lid, using a behind-the-lid incision to access the lower lid fat and remove or reposition it for a smoother, more youthful lower lid. This surgery re-creates the single, seamless transition from lid-to-cheek, a key feature in more youthful faces.
In patients who have significant wrinkling of the lower lid, Dr. Cabin will typically recommend Dot Deka CO2 laser at the time of surgery, to further tighten the lid without the risk of an external incision. Dr. Cabin may also recommend a regimen of post-surgical, lower lid Botox® as a preventative measure to slow the re-formation of wrinkling.
Who is a Candidate for Lower Blepharoplasty?
A candidate for lower blepharoplasty is usually an individual over 35 years old with a family history of drooping or sagging eyelids. However, even if a patient is younger than 35 with no family history of excess skin around the eyelids they can still be an eligible candidate for lower blepharoplasty. The only strict requirements are that a patient needs to be in good physical shape and have visible folds of excess skin and fat around the lower eyelid.
What is the Blepharoplasty Recovery Process?
Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery has a fairly short recovery time, as a patient should expect their eyelids to be completely healed in one to two weeks. After blepharoplasty surgery, there will be stitches in both eyelids for up to a week. After a week, Dr. Cabin will carefully remove the stiches and it is typical for patients to still have some slight swelling and bruising. However, the swelling and bruising should subside quickly, leaving you with refreshed and more youthful eyelids.
Schedule a Blepharoplasty Consultation with Dr. Cabin Today
Dr. Cabin is an expert when it comes to blepharoplasty eyelid surgery, helping patients see more clearly and revealing more youthful and beautiful eyes. To learn more about blepharoplasty or to schedule a Los Angeles blepharoplasty consultation, contact Dr. Cabin today by calling 310-461-0303.