BLEPHAROPLASTY
Surgery of the Eyelids

As we age, natural fullness in our upper eyelids starts looking heavy and old. With time these upper eyelids may lay heavy on the lashes and hinder upward vision. Many people have the tendency to develop fat pockets in their lower eyelids as well. The most direct treatment for this cosmetic deformity has been to remove the excess skin and fat surgically. Simply put, a patient is given light sedation to inhibit the natural reflex to blink during the surgery and a small incision is made with laser or other similar device to expose the extra fat. This fat is then gently removed. In the case of upper eyelids, a fine suture is placed to close the surgery and this is removed in one week. The lower eyelid fat pockets are removed from the inside of the lower eyelid so no suture is usually needed for full healing.

Before Treatment		After Treatment

Patients usually experience minimal bruising and no pain post surgery, but there is usually some swelling for up to a week after. The fine scar line in the upper eyelid case disappears within a month or two. There is rarely a need later in life to redo such a surgery. If the eyelid skin is already thin and wrinkled, it may be recommended to have a medium chemical peel done on this skin at the same time as the blepharoplasty. The final result is smooth upper eyelid skin.

Before Treatment		After Treatment

View other Before and After eyelid surgery photos

Dr. Kay was trained at the UCLA Jules Stein Institute of Oculoplastic Surgery in the early 1990's in all aspects of this eyelid surgery. You can rest assured that you are in good hands. Click here to make a free cosmetic procedure consultation with Dr. Kay and his staff.