Eyelid Lift in Austin, TX

Blepharoplasty in Austin, TX

A blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, from Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is a procedure that can address several problems in the eye area. Changes to the eye area over time may be due to a combination of aging, heredity, and damage to the skin from stress, smoking, or sun damage. Cosmetic problems that develop over time may include excess wrinkled and sagging skin on the eyelids, bags below the eyes, and pockets of fat around the eye that create a permanent appearance of puffiness.

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Contact the office of Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery to set up a consultation to learn more about eyelid surgery in Austin, TX. Call (512) 815-0123 or send a message online.

Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

  • Known for natural-looking aesthetic results in breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery.
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  • Reconstructed over 6,000 patients, including more than 2,500 DIEP flap reconstructions.
  • 4.9-star average rating over hundreds of reviews for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
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Different Types of Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty is the technique that rejuvenates the upper eyelids. It is performed through small incisions made in the crease of the upper eyelids. This procedure can restore the natural crease of the eyes and make them appear more open and youthful.

If your upper eyelids have become loose, saggy, heavy, or puffy, you may be an excellent candidate for blepharoplasty. We can help you make a confident decision about surgery by providing you with detailed information based on your unique skin and objectives.

Your Eyelid Surgery Experience

Eyelid surgery options will be discussed with you in detail during your initial consultation with. This time will also allow her to examine your eyelids and determine the degree of laxity that needs correcting on the upper lid.

During a blepharoplasty, our surgeons will make incisions hidden in the crease on the upper lid. She will then trim the sagging skin and fill hollowed areas with fat, providing new, youthful contours. In addition, she may tighten the underlying orbicularis oculi muscle.

Blepharoplasty is a common procedure with dramatic results and minimal pain and has hidden scarring. You can expect some mild bruising and swelling but can be back to work in one to two weeks looking rested and refreshed. Eyelid surgery and other cosmetic procedures are performed in an accredited outpatient surgical facility.

Blepharoplasty Aftercare

Patients are released shortly after their procedure to be driven home by a loved one. At first, vision may be blurry and the eyes may be covered with light gauze. Upon returning home, patients are advised to take their pain medication as directed, even if they still feel comfortable due to the effects of anesthesia. Comfort can also be maintained with cool compresses.

Initially, patients should sleep on their back with their head elevated. This may be easiest in a recliner but can be accommodated by sleeping on two or three pillows. Eye drops or ointment must be used as directed for at least a few days.

Recovery from Eyelid Surgery

After the initial few days of rest and recovery, patients can expect their blepharoplasty healing to progress smoothly. Swelling and bruising can continue for approximately 10 days, which is why surgeons recommend taking 2 weeks off work. Incisions made in the upper eyelid crease may look pink for several days. Because incisions are small and within the crease, they may be relatively obscured by skin. In addition to swelling and bruising, it is not uncommon for patients to experience sensitivity to light, dryness, and watering for several days. Dark sunglasses should be worn when going outdoors.

As the eyes continue to heal, patients should minimize activities that can cause eye strain. Examples include reading, watching television, and using digital devices. Strenuous exercise, swimming, and using a sauna or hot tub should be avoided for 2 weeks. By six weeks post-op, most of the swelling, bruising, and redness around incisions should be gone. The outcome of eyelid surgery becomes beautifully apparent at this point.

Recovery from Eyelid Surgery

After the initial few days of rest and recovery, patients can expect their blepharoplasty healing to progress smoothly. Swelling and bruising can continue for approximately 10 days, which is why surgeons recommend taking 2 weeks off work. Incisions made in the upper eyelid crease may look pink for several days. Because incisions are small and within the crease, they may be relatively obscured by skin. In addition to swelling and bruising, it is not uncommon for patients to experience sensitivity to light, dryness, and watering for several days. Dark sunglasses should be worn when going outdoors.

As the eyes continue to heal, patients should minimize activities that can cause eye strain. Examples include reading, watching television, and using digital devices.  Strenuous exercise, swimming, and using a sauna or hot tub should be avoided for 2 weeks. By six weeks post-op, most of the swelling, bruising, and redness around incisions should be gone. The outcome of eyelid surgery becomes beautifully apparent at this point.

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Download Our Cosmetic Surgery Post-Operative Care Guides

We've compiled detailed post-operative care instructions to best equip our cosmetic surgery patients throughout their recovery process. To ensure the best and safest recovery, your plan encompasses appropriate prescriptions and clear directions towards maintaining your comfort to get you back to normal life and activity as soon as possible. Individual patients respond uniquely, and the type of procedure may differ, but these basic guidelines will help you along your journey.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ

The eyes are "the windows to the soul," a primary tool for communication, and are a main focal point of the face. Loose upper eyelid skin and dark circles under the eyes can cause an old, tired look. Under-eye bags can contribute to a look of tiredness. Upper-lid drooping can also give you a sleepy appearance and can even interfere with a clear field of vision.

If you want to gain a more youthful, rested look around the eyes you may consider eyelid surgery in Austin, TX.

If your upper eyelids have become loose, saggy, heavy, or puffy, you may be an excellent candidate for blepharoplasty. We can help you make a confident decision about surgery by providing you with detailed information based on your unique skin and objectives.

There isn’t a lot of preparation required for these surgeries with Dr. Fisher or Dr. Ehanire. You’ll need to stop smoking for at least two weeks prior to and after your surgery, as smoking constricts the blood vessels and inhibits healing. Also, you’ll need to stop taking aspirin, blood thinners, and anti-inflammatory medications one week prior to your surgery. These can cause excessive bleeding and more subsequent bruising.

You should prepare a place to lay low for a few days, although eyelid surgery recovery is not difficult. Still, get your bed ready. We’ll provide you with a cold compress. Diligent use of this will keep your swelling to a minimum.

This surgery is done with you under general anesthesia, so you’ll need to arrange someone to drive you home after your surgery.

Blepharoplasty trims excess skin to achieve long-lasting improvements. Surgery does not stop future age-related changes to the skin and fatty tissue around the eyes. However, most people never need to repeat their blepharoplasty procedure.

You won't need to try and hide your upper blepharoplasty scars. That is one of the benefits of this procedure! To redefine the shape of your upper eyelids, Dr.  Ehanire makes an incision in the natural crease of each upper eyelid. Being in the crease, the tiny scar that results from surgery will be completely out of view when your eyes are open. When your eyes are closed, to see your scars, one would have to be looking for them from up close. Initially, your upper blepharoplasty scars may look like a thin red line across the natural crease. They may remain somewhat colored for six to eight weeks. As time progresses, the line fades to a neutral flesh tone. The tissue also flattens to make the scars even more imperceptible. While you can expect to regain confidence in your appearance within weeks, your blepharoplasty scars can take up to a year to fully heal.

Upper blepharoplasty surgery is often performed while the patient is awake, yes. This conservative plastic surgery procedure is made to be completely painless through the use of a local anesthetic administered around the eyes. You may also receive a mild sedative to help you relax. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the use of anesthesia, what to expect, and how our team will keep you comfortable throughout your procedure.

If you are having upper blepharoplasty alone, your procedure may take one to two hours. If you are having upper and lower blepharoplasty at one time, the surgery may take about three hours. If you are combining your eyelid rejuvenation with other surgical procedures, your doctor will inform you about the expected duration of your surgery.

Your eyes will be more sensitive than usual after your blepharoplasty procedure. As a result, wearing eye makeup too soon could lead to unnecessary irritation. You may be advised to avoid wearing makeup for two to three weeks to allow the incisions to fully recover without disruption.

Upper eyelid surgery does not create a difficult recovery, but it is surgery, so you won’t feel like running out to a dinner party the next night. That said, Dr. Fisher and Dr. Ehanire often combine facelift surgery with blepharoplasty. They can also tighten the brows and forehead area in conjunction with your eyelid surgery. These options create a wider area of rejuvenation that solely focusing on the eyes.

If you’re interested in expanding this surgery, let’s discuss what would work together in your consultation.

Dr. Fisher and Dr. Ehanire make the incisions in the natural crease of the upper eyelids. This effectively makes the scars invisible, as they are hidden in these natural creases.

The changes created with upper eyelid surgery are permanent. When Dr. Fisher removes excess sagging, loose skin and tightens the levator superioris muscles that control upper eyelid movement these improvements will be there for the remainder of your life. Your upper eyelids will never sag and loosen to the same degree again.

That said, of course you will still have some slackening with ongoing aging. To try and minimize this you’ll want to protect your upper eyelids from sun exposure. This means wearing sunglasses whenever you’re outside in the bright Austin sun. It means wearing hats to also shade your eyelids. Smoking also ages the upper eyelids, so if you smoke it would be wise to give it up.

These procedures have nothing to do with the eye or the function of the eye, meaning they will not in any way change refractive errors in your vision that make you either far-or nearsighted. It won’t correct astigmatism. These procedures only deal with the upper eyelids.

However, if the sagging in your upper eyelids is extreme enough to where the sagging skin is beginning to intrude on your field of vision, removal of the loose, sagging skin and tightening the eyelids will reverse that.

Possible risks of eyelid surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Dry eye irritation
  • Difficulty closing one or both eyes fully
  • Skin discoloration, noticeable scarring
  • Injury to the eye muscles

It is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing eyelid rejuvenation surgery. Proper training and experience enable a surgeon to hone their skills that reduce the risks of complications.

Blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure using appropriate anesthesia. Both local and general anesthesia techniques inhibit the transmission of pain signals from the body to the brain. Patients are completely comfortable during their surgery. Prescription pain medication helps maintain comfort after the procedure.

The changes made to your upper eyelids by Dr. Fisher and Dr. Ehanire are permanent. You will look more alert, less tired, and your upper face will look rejuvenated by as much as 10 years. This is because the eyes are the focal point of the face. Of course, you can’t stop the march of time, but any aging that occurs in your upper eyelids moving forward will start from a far younger point. You will enjoy your results from upper blepharoplasty for the rest of your life.

After just a few days you can walk and do some light exercise, but you need to avoid anything strenuous for your first week, especially lifting or anything that increases blood pressure to the face. Most patients can return to their regular exercise regimen in 2-3 weeks, but Dr. Fisher or Dr. Ehanire will discuss this with you because different patients heal at different rates.

Make the Most of Your Eyelid Surgery in Austin, TX

While a blepharoplasty addresses the eyelids themselves, a brow lift is the solution for a drooping forehead that can create a tired look or give your expression a constant scowl. When performed together, brow and eyelid surgery can create a more alert appearance, opening your expressions to be pleasant, youthful, and inviting.

Sagging lower on the face can also happen as you age and is addressed by a facelift or neck lift. may also use fat grafting to contour the face, creating a youthful fullness of the cheeks and smooth facial contours.

For other signs of aging around the eyes, nonsurgical solutions are available. BOTOX® Cosmetic is used to relax the muscles that cause crow's feet, horizontal forehead lines, and frown lines. In some cases, nonsurgical treatments and surgical procedures can be used together to create an overall look of rejuvenation.

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To find out more about eyelid surgery, or any other facial surgery procedures or related treatments, send us a message or call our office at (512) 815-0123 to schedule a consultation.

Schedule a Blepharoplasty Consultation

To learn more about Eyelid Surgery or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Christine Fisher of Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery about a Blepharoplasty procedure, give us a call today at 888-263-8503 or fill out an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you. Our practice serves Austin, TX and the surrounding areas!

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