Upper eyelid surgery, also known as an upper blepharoplasty, treats droopy eyelids that is caused either by muscle or skin laxity. This can sometimes droop down over the eye, affecting vision or creating a much older appearance. The procedure is often referred to as an eye lift and can help you look younger and more refreshed.

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Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery, also known as a lower blepharoplasty, repairs droopy eyes by removing excess skin, muscle, and fat. The effects of natural aging will make your eyelids stretch and the muscles supporting them weaken. Because of this, excess fat gathers below your eyelids, causing bags under your eyes. This can make you look older and tired-looking. The removal of the bags can make you look and feel more refreshed and rejuvenated.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Can Help:

  • Create a more youthful appearance around the eyes
  • Improve lines and wrinkles in the upper and lower eye areas
  • remove loose skin around the eyelids that sags over the eyes and causes ‘hooding’
  • Improve issues with your vision, including peripheral vision
  • Reverse the appearance of fatigue or aging caused by drooping eyelids

Combining Procedures with an Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or a blepharoplasty, already works by tightening muscle and loose skin around the eye area. While it does address most of the wrinkles around the eyes, our patients may see a more enhanced result when it is done in conjunction with laser resurfacing. In this procedure, Dr. Cole expertly ablates a fine layer of skin to help further reverse signs of aging in fine lines and additional uneven textures.

A tired or aged appearance can sometimes not only be caused by drooping in the eyelids, but also in the eyebrows themselves. Patients can often revitalize their appearance even further by combining a blepharoplasty with a brow lift. An added benefit of a brow lift includes softening lines in the forehead and between the eyebrows.

How is an Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Performed?

An upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, is typically performed under local anesthesia, although it may also be performed under moderate anesthesia, depending on the patient. Once the patient has been numbed or sedated, Dr. Cole makes an incision along the existing crease of the upper eyelid, to provide access to the underlying muscles and fat tissues. Incisions are hidden within the natural folds of the skin, and Dr. Cole takes great care to ensure incisions are artfully hidden to not distract from his patients’ youthful results. This procedure is an outpatient procedure that usually lasts around an hour unless it is combined with another procedure.

A lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, is typically performed under moderate, IV sedation. Once the patient has been sedated, Dr. Cole begins making incision on the inside of the lower eyelid to provide access to the underlying muscles and fat tissues. Incisions are hidden inside the lower eyelid and then cauterized, meaning that there are no sutures to be removed later. This procedure is an outpatient procedure that usually lasts around one hour.  Laser resurfacing of the lower eyelid is frequently combined with the lower blepharoplasty to tighten up loose skin and minimize any fine lines and/or wrinkles.

What Is the Downtime for Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?

After the surgery, you may feel some mild to moderate pain, swelling, bruising, and blurred vision. You also may experience watering eyes, light sensitivity, double vision, and puffiness. These symptoms are typical and will subside within a few days or weeks. If they do not, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cole so he may properly assess your healing.

The first week after surgery, you’ll want to focus primarily on resting and recuperating to help with the healing process. Some additional helpful tips to ensure proper healing include:

  • Use ice packs to help with the swelling (follow Dr. Cole’s instructions on how often and for how long)
  • Use all prescribed medication and ointments to promote healing
  • Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and swimming for at least two weeks
  • Do not rub your eyes (or around them)
  • Do not use contact lenses for at least two weeks
  • Wear dark glasses with SPF protection to keep the sun away from your eyes and incisions
  • Keep your head elevated for the first three days, even when sleeping
  • Avoid strenuous activities or exercise

Patients who follow Dr. Cole’s aftercare guidelines return to work and get back to most of their normal daily activities within 10 to 14 days. It is important to get help after surgery with your daily tasks, as you’ll need to focus on recuperation, as patients should refrain from any heavy lifting or strenuous activities during the first 2 weeks.

How Long Will It Last?

The healing time will vary depending on the patient’s own natural response to the procedure. While the procedure is long term, lasting 5 to 15 years, the full longevity of your results can be impacted by genetics, your health and how how well you take care of their skin and eye areas. A proper skincare routine, using SPF, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise can all help with the elasticity and youthfulness of your skin.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Consultation

In order to properly provide you with the best treatment plan, patients must start by scheduling a consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Cole is able to listen to your concerns and expectations while working with you on the procedure that will work best for you. Information regarding the surgery and expectations on healing will be discussed with our consultant, helping you feel confident and comfortable with your decision.

This procedure is often done in conjunction with several other surgeries that Dr. Cole offers. Some of the additional procedures include a brow lift, facelift, neck lift, or skin resurfacing which may be discussed during your consultation, as these procedures can enhance your final results.

Before surgery, you’ll need to follow the medication instructions given to you by Dr. Cole and his team. You may need to reduce or stop taking certain medications. You will be given specialized instructions to follow in preparation for the procedure.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Seattle

Dr. Cole is a board-certified surgeon specializing in oculofacial cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. He is an expert in today’s most advanced and state-of-the-art techniques in enhancement and rejuvenation. Dr. Cole began the Cole Aesthetic Center to help his patients embrace their aesthetic possibilities and become more confident in their everyday lives. Contact Dr. Cole at Cole Aesthetic Center for a consultation today!