Nearly all of our facial features will age along with us, and the eyes are no different. If your eyelids have begun to droop or sag, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can remove years and fatigue from the eyes. At Envision Cosmetic Surgery, we offer eyelid and other facial plastic surgeries to the residents of Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas of Utah.
What Is a Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?
Blepharoplasty, or cosmetic surgery of the eyelids, is a procedure designed to eliminate droopy eyelid skin, bulges, and bags around the eyes. Both the upper and lower eyelids can be treated. Dr. Dunkley is well-versed in performing blepharoplasty. Years are erased with little to no sign of what was done.
Upper Eyelid Vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Dunkley customizes your blepharoplasty to target your specific concerns, whether they involve the upper or lower eyelids.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
For upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Dunkley creates an incision in the natural fold of your upper eyelid. This approach conceals any resulting scar. He removes loose skin that can droop over your lashes and excess fat that can make your eyes look puffy. Fine stitches are used to close the incision, and we typically remove these during a follow-up visit the next week.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower blepharoplasty offers more flexibility in technique. Dr. Dunkley may place the incision just below your lash line or use a transconjunctival approach, which involves making the incision inside the eyelid. The transconjunctival technique avoids visible scarring on the skin and is ideal for patients who only need fat removal. Dr. Dunkley works closely with you to determine the best method for your needs and aesthetic goals.
Lower blepharoplasty has more options. The incision may be made directly below the lash line or the incision may be made on the inside of the eyelid, known as a transconjunctival approach. The second approach avoids creating visible scars on the skin and is recommended for those who only need fat removed.
What Happens During a Blepharoplasty?
Here’s what you’ll experience on the day of surgery:
- You’ll arrive and meet with Dr. Dunkley and his surgical team.
- Once in the OR, an IV is started with the appropriate sedative to relax you.
- We’ll administer injections into your eyelids to numb the skin.
- Dr. Dunkley removes the excess skin and fat and then closes the incisions.
- You awake fully in the recovery room.
Before & After Pictures
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Blepharoplasty?
Anyone unhappy with the appearance of their eyelids is a good candidate for eyelid surgery. Patients need to be in good overall health or get clearance for surgery from their regular physician.
What Can I Expect After My Blepharoplasty?
Recovery from blepharoplasty is fairly simple, with few side effects. You may have some bruising and swelling, as well as watering of the eyes, immediately after your surgery. A cold compress the day of surgery will help minimize the bruising and swelling. Dr. Dunkley advises his patients to keep the surgical area clean and apply prescribed ointments and eye drops.
Within a few days, you can resume normal activities. Bruising often takes a few weeks to completely go away, but you can start wearing makeup after a week to help conceal the healing area.
What Are the Risks Involved With Eyelid Surgery?
This is a safe procedure when done by an experienced facial plastic surgeon/otolaryngology expert such as Dr. Dunkley. Still, there are the usual risks with any surgery: excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, reaction to anesthesia, and the like.
Specific to this surgery, risks involve injury to the eye muscles, difficulty closing your eyelids, and potential dry eye. These are all very rare, and this is a safe procedure.
Will I Have Visible Scarring From Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Dunkley has performed hundreds of blepharoplasties and is very attentive to visible scarring. He effectively hides the incisions so no one knows you’ve had eyelid surgery.
In the upper eyelid, the incision is made in the natural crease of the eye, so it is virtually invisible. In the lower eyelid, he may make the incision just below the eyelash or else on the inside of the eyelid so there won’t be any visible scars.
Are My Eyelid Surgery Results Permanent?
The changes made by Dr. Dunkley are permanent. The excess skin removed, tightened muscles, and repositioned fat are permanent changes. Most patients feel that this surgery takes a decade or so off the age of their face, and it makes them appear more alert and refreshed.
Of course, the march of time stops for no one. Your eyes will continue to age. But they will never again have the same degree of sagging as they did prior to this surgery. You will enjoy your younger-looking eyes for the rest of your life.
How Long Does Eyelid Surgery Take?
This is a delicate surgery that can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. The length is predicated upon if you are having one or both eyelids done.
When Can I Return to Normal Activities After Eyelid Surgery?
The important thing initially is to diligently use the cold compress we provide. This will eliminate much of your swelling. Getting back to normal after eyelid surgery is not a long process.
For the first week you need to avoid elevating blood pressure to your face. This means you shouldn’t bend over deeply or lift any heavy weight or strenuously exercise. Most patients can be mostly back to normal in a week or so. You’ll only need to miss three to five days of work.
Does Eyelid Surgery Remove Crow’s Feet, Elevate Drooping Brows, and Remove My Dark Under-Eye Circles?
Dr. Dunkley addresses the eyelids themselves with this procedure. He removes excess skin and tightens support muscles that are contributing to the patient having a tired, droopy countenance with hooded eyelids.
Dr. Dunkley may remove the fat pads under the lower eyelids to reduce puffiness, but this won’t necessarily completely remove dark circles, although it should lessen their appearance. If your dark under-eye circles are being caused by shadows cast by puffy eyelids, this surgery will dramatically improve them.
Crow’s feet involve the muscles at the outside of the eyes, so their appearance is only somewhat improved, if at all, by eyelid surgery.
Drooping brows will also improve somewhat, but for real improvement, you would need a brow lift. Dr. Dunkley often combines a brow lift with eyelid surgery to rejuvenate the entire upper third of the face. A brow lift also removes crow’s feet.
How to Prepare for Blepharoplasty Surgery
We’ll walk you through the early preparations. We’ll likely recommend the following:
- Stop taking certain medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and herbal supplements. These can increase bleeding and subsequent bruising.
- You’ll need to stop smoking for a few weeks before and after, as this affects wound healing.
- Limit alcohol consumption a few days prior to and after your surgery.
- On the morning of your surgery, you’ll need to shower and shampoo your hair. Be sure to wash your eyebrows.
- Do not put on any makeup, jewelry, contact lenses, or other accessories.
- Arrange for someone to take you to surgery and pick you up afterward.
That’s about it; there isn’t much preparation required for blepharoplasty.
Why Choose Envision Plastic Surgery?
Dr. Dunkley brings extensive training to Envision Cosmetic Surgery. As a double board-certified surgeon in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology with fellowship training in cosmetic surgery, he combines a strong educational foundation with years of specialized practice. Dr. Dunkley’s attention to detail and technical skills allow him to create beautiful results.
What truly distinguishes Dr. Dunkley is his approachable manner. He takes the time to discuss your options clearly to help you make informed decisions about your care. Patients feel supported throughout the process and know they are in the hands of a surgeon who prioritizes their well-being.
Can Blepharoplasty Improve Vision If Sagging Eyelids Obstruct My Eyesight?
Yes, blepharoplasty can improve vision in cases where sagging upper eyelids obstruct your field of view. Excess skin can droop over the lashes and hinder peripheral vision, making daily tasks like reading or driving challenging. During a consultation, Dr. Dunkley evaluates whether your eyelid concerns are purely cosmetic or if they are affecting your vision. If vision impairment is a factor, blepharoplasty can remove the excess skin.
Is Blepharoplasty Suitable for Patients With Pre-Existing Eye Conditions Like Dry Eye or Glaucoma?
Patients with conditions like dry eye or glaucoma may still be candidates for blepharoplasty, but a thorough evaluation is necessary. Dr. Dunkley carefully reviews your medical history and coordinates with your eye care specialist to ensure the procedure is safe for you. Modifications to the surgical plan may be made to minimize risks and support eye health. Be sure to discuss any eye-related symptoms or conditions during your consultation.
How Does Dr. Dunkley Determine Whether Upper, Lower, or Combined Eyelid Surgery Is the Best Option for Me?
Dr. Dunkley conducts a comprehensive evaluation of your eyelid structure, skin condition, and aesthetic goals to determine the most appropriate procedure. For patients with droopy upper eyelids affecting vision or appearance, upper blepharoplasty is typically recommended. Lower blepharoplasty may be the best choice for addressing puffiness, bags, or fat under the eyes. If concerns involve both upper and lower eyelids, a combined approach can provide balanced, harmonious results.
Can I Finance My Surgery?
Yes, financing options are available to help make your blepharoplasty procedure more accessible. Dr. Dunkley's practice works with reputable financing companies that allow patients to break down the cost into manageable monthly payments. During your consultation, the team can discuss available plans, application processes, and other details to help you choose an option that fits your budget.
Can I Combine Blepharoplasty With Other Procedures?
Yes, blepharoplasty can often be combined with other cosmetic procedures. Commonly paired procedures include brow lifts, which address drooping eyebrows and forehead wrinkles, and facelifts, which target sagging skin in the lower face and neck. Non-surgical treatments like Botox or dermal fillers can also complement eyelid surgery by smoothing fine lines or adding volume to areas around the eyes.
Your Trusted Partner for Blepharoplasty in Salt Lake City
Ready to learn more about the blepharoplasty procedure? Contact us today at Envision Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your consultation with Dr. Dunkley. We welcome patients living in and around Salt Lake City, including those in nearby areas of Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming.
