Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Guilford, CT

Excess skin around the eyes can make people look tired. It can also impair vision, give the eyes a puffy appearance, and lead to droopy eyelids. Eyelid surgery can help improve problems.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery, also called an “eye lift” or “blepharoplasty”, is the treatment of choice for patients who have droopy eyelids and baggy eyes. Dr. Steinbacher performs this type of surgery to remove excess skin, fat, or muscle from the areas around the upper or lower eyelids.

Although it is more commonly done as a cosmetic procedure, a blepharoplasty may be performed to correct the interference droopy eyelids can cause with a person’s vision.

Candidates For Eyelid Surgery

Almost everyone over the age of 40 could benefit from blepharoplasty. Due to their constant exposure to the sun and the environment, the eyelids and surrounding tissues can age quite dramatically.

What Issues Can Eyelid Surgery Fix?

Eyelid surgery is able to rejuvenate the eye areas and make you appear younger. This is done by fixing these common problems:

• Treats sagging, droopy skin of the upper eyelid that can sometimes impair vision.
• Removes excess fat that has accumulated in the eyelids that has led to a puffy appearance.
• Address the bags that form under the eyes.
• Improves the drooping of lower eyelids and the wrinkles that form in the area.

Does Eyelid Surgery Require Anesthesia?

This surgery, like many cosmetic procedures, does not require general anesthesia.

Benefits Of Blepharoplasty

The most obvious and popular benefit of blepharoplasty is aesthetics. Improving the appearance of the eyes can improve the appearance of the entire face. Overall, eyelid surgery improves self-confidence in patients. The procedure can make patients look years younger and gives off a more alert and involved appearance.

On top of its cosmetic purpose, blepharoplasty has medical uses as well. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin that droops over the eyes. This results in better vision and reduced headaches that were caused by the excess skin.

Types Of Blepharoplasty

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

This procedure is done on the lower eyelid. This procedure is for modifying eye bags and improving the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

This procedure is primarily used to address functionality. This is typically done due to the upper eyelid losing its normal elasticity which leads to drooping and inversion. These issues can lead to loss of vision and problems with daily activities such as reading.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

Eyelid surgery may involve the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. During your surgery, Dr. Steinbacher will create incisions along the natural creases of your eyelids to keep scarring to a minimum. Incisions are made behind the lower eyelid or at the crease of your upper lids. Excess skin or fatty deposits will then be removed. In certain cases, some underlying muscles may be removed or tightened to improve results. The area will be reconfigured to suit your aesthetic goals. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, with patients returning home the same day.

Preparing For Eyelid Surgery

Before the Blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. Steinbacher will provide the following instructions:

• Stop taking certain medications that have blood-thinning capabilities as they can interfere with your body’s blood clotting ability. Pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin have to be avoided, as well, because they can increase your risk of bleeding during surgery and make postoperative bruising worse.
• The night before your surgery, you are asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight. On the morning of your appointment, you may have to take essential medications with a sip of water.
• Make sure you have someone available to drive you home after your eyelid surgery and to help you at home that night.

When Will I Be Able to See My Eyelid Surgery Results?

Most patients start seeing the results of blepharoplasty immediately. These results are minor at first, but more major results start to surface two weeks after the procedure. This is typically when the swelling and redness have subsided. Final results can be seen after six months once the scars have fully faded away.

How Long Will An Eye Lift Last?

Cosmetic surgery “turns back the clock” so that you will always look better than if the surgery had not been done. Compared to other procedures, eyelid surgery does not need to be repeated as frequently, and most patients will not require additional eyelid procedures for many years, if ever.

Blepharoplasty Recovery

Despite the delicacy of the procedure, recovery from eyelid surgery is not difficult. There is minimal pain and healing is fast. Visible bruising may last from 10 to 14 days, which may require an ice pack to help minimize swelling. Stitches are removed in 5 days and your eyes will already look great.

Will I Have Scarring After a Blepharoplasty?

Although red initially, the incisions are concealed in natural folds and are easy to conceal until they fade.

Risks Of Eyelid Surgery

Risks involved with eyelid surgery include the following:

• Poor response to anesthesia
• Irritated/dry eyes
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Double/blurred vision

Surgical correction may be required for more severe, rare side effects such as uneven healing and/or permanent scarring.

Schedule a Consultation

If you would like to learn more about eyelid surgery, contact the office today at (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steinbacher. Our practice serves Guilford, New Haven, and surrounding areas in Connecticut.

Share this Article