At AMARA Medical Aesthetics, the experienced Dr. Kristin J. Tarbet and her talented team offers blepharoplasty to rejuvenate your eyelids and restore your youthful facial beauty. Our practice can answer any questions you have regarding the procedure and help you determine whether you are a candidate for treatment. Call (425) 455-2131 today for a personalized consultation in Bellevue, WA.
Blepharoplasty Before & After
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery, commonly known to surgeons as “blepharoplasty”, is used to remove fatty deposits and excess, loose skin around the eyelids as a result of aging and environment. It can be done alone to improve vision problems or tired-looking eyes; it can also be done in conjunction with procedures such as facelift surgery, lip enhancement, or a brow lift to create a more defined, new look.
Types Of Blepharoplasty
Cosmetic surgeons have different techniques based on what they feel leaves the patient with the best aesthetic outcome. In general, the procedure usually involves:
- Incisions made in the crease of your upper eyelids and just below the lashes in the lower lids
- Removal of excess fat and skin
- Closure of the incisions with very fine suturing, to minimize scarring
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is another option for eyelid surgery in younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin. In this procedure, which only corrects the lower lid:
- An incision of the inner lower eyelid leaving no visible scar
- Excess fat is removed
- Fine sutures may or may not be needed to close the incision
FULL UPPER EYE REJUVENATION
An upper eyelid blepharoplasty focuses on improving the appearance of the upper eyelids so that the eyes look balanced and proportional to other facial features. By removing excess skin, an upper eyelid blepharoplasty can correct drooping and hooding of the upper eyelids. This procedure can also repair the muscle that opens the eye and lift the lateral brow to create a less heavy, more balanced, more youthful look.
LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty will enhance facial harmony by focusing on an alteration of the appearance of the lower eyelid to balance it with the upper eyelid as well as other facial features. This procedure can address volume loss, hollowing, bulging, and loose skin by smoothing and contouring the under-eye area and reducing the space between the lower eyelid and the cheek. Removal of excess skin and repositioning of fat can also help create a more youthful look in this region of the face.
TRANSCONJUNCTIVAL BLEPHAROPLASTY
With a focus on the appearance of the lower eyelid, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty will benefit patients who experience sagging or bulging in this area. An incision is made inside the lower lid to remove the excess fat and skin that causes the sagging, and a smoother and more contoured lower eyelid appearance can be achieved, giving more balance to the eye.
FULL LOWER EYELID REJUVENATION
When the lower eyelid region consists of excess skin and a loss of volume, you may appear tired-looking all the time. The lower eyelid blepharoplasty can help remove that excess skin and restore the malar and cheek fat pads. By restoring this missing volume, a more youthful, rejuvenated look is achieved.
ASIAN EYELID SURGERY
Also known as the “double eyelid surgery,” the Asian eyelid surgery focuses on creating a crease in the upper eyelid. This procedure will benefit patients who want to adjust the appearance of their eyes to appear more open by creating a more defined eyelid.
Dr. Tarbet and her staff are truly exceptional, professional, qualified, emphatic people. I had always been afraid of surgery but I was so cared for that I felt confident going into the procedure. Several nurses with blepharoplasty referred me to Dr. Tarbet, their most trusted facial surgeon. At every follow-up I was treated with great care and even got a check-up call from Dr. Tarbet herself the night before surgery. The result is incredible — I look at feel 20 years younger! Dr. Tarbet is now my favorite surgeon.
-Linda U
Who Is a Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?
Most adults who want to correct the signs of aging affecting the upper or lower eyelids can successfully undergo blepharoplasty surgery. To achieve the very best results, treatment begins with a thorough consultation and discussion about concerns and treatment objectives. This initial appointment can determine if, in fact, eyelid surgery is the best approach to rejuvenating the upper face. It enables the patient to understand exactly what occurs during the procedure and to have their questions answered. At the conclusion of the consultation, the patient knows without a doubt if they are a good candidate for the procedure and what they can expect blepharoplasty to acheive for them.
Is Blepharoplasty Painful?
No. Blepharoplasty is a conservative plastic surgery procedure that is often performed using a local anesthetic to numb the eye area along with sedation. The sedative does not put the patient to sleep, as does general anesthesia, but it does create a sense of calm and relaxation. Patients may feel the doctor working with sensations like pressure or tugging. These are not painful and do not create stress thanks to the effects of the sedative. After the procedure, patients can expect mild to moderate tenderness and soreness. These are managed by following the postoperative instructions provided by the office.
How Can I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?
Your health and satisfaction are our priority as we prepare for your eyelid lift. If you smoke, you will need to quit at least 4 weeks prior to your procedure. Doing so gives your body the time that is needed to improve circulation and oxygenation to tissues and the skin. Beginning a week to 10 days before surgery, you will need to avoid certain medications and products. If you take a prescription blood-thinner, inform Dr. Tarbet during your consultation. You may need to contact the prescribing physician for an alternative, if possible. Over-the-counter products and supplements that can thin the blood must also be avoided. Examples include ibuprofen, aspirin, and St. Johns Wort. To build optimal physical capacity for healing, it is advisable to eat a very healthy, whole-food diet in the few weeks before surgery. Include lean protein, healthy fats, and several servings of fresh vegetables and fruits each day.
What is Recovery Like From an Eyelid Lift?
Blepharoplasty recovery occurs in stages. Initially, patients will be swollen and bruised after their procedure. For a day or two, post-surgical side effects may occur. These include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision (caused by the lubricating ointment)
- Watery eyes
- Numb, puffy eyelids
- Double vision
The bruising and swelling that occur after surgery typically subside enough to comfortably return to work after 5 to 7 days. However, at that time, slight bruising may persist. This can be covered with makeup. Swelling is subtle after the first week of recovery but can continue to gradually subside over 8 weeks. For the first week of recovery, patients should avoid sun exposure (wear sunglasses and a hat when going outdoors) and excessive heat. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least a week or two. The doctor may clear most activities once swelling and bruising have gone down and the incisions are fully healed.
Upper eyelid surgery generally takes one hour with light sedation. The incision is made in a natural eyelid crease, and only unnecessary skin is removed. The eyes never change their shape and look naturally refreshed because we focus only on excess skin. Having the incision in the natural fold of your upper lid leaves a barely visible scar and a beautiful result for years to come! Recovery is mild, with only slight bruising. You will have swelling. We highly encourage our patients to use ice for the first 2-3 days and avoid strenuous activity for one week.
Can I Combine an Eyelid Lift with Other Facial Rejuvenation Procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine their blepharoplasty procedure with other treatments. These may include other surgical lifts or nonsurgical treatments. Examples of procedures commonly performed either at the same time as blepharoplasty or in close proximity to the surgery include brow lift, facelift, Accutite, laser skin resurfacing, or non-surgical skin tightening.
How Can I Maintain My blepharoplasty Results?
The signs of aging inevitably recur at some point after blepharoplasty. With proper skin care and sun protection, this progression can be managed more efficiently. Sun exposure is a significant factor in the breakdown of collagen and firm skin. To protect the eyes, apply an eye-safe SPF sunscreen every day. Wear sunglasses outdoors and, on days you'll be out for a longer period, wear a wide-brimmed hat. Eating well is an integral aspect of aging well even as it pertains to the skin. To promote graceful aging, eat a balanced diet that has more fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein than sugar, salt, and refined carbs. You may also extend the cosmetic benefits of your eyelid lift by scheduling nonsurgical treatments that promote tissue tightening and collagen production. These may occur once a year or every few years depending on the changes you see in your skin.
How Is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
Blepharoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis in an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. Local anesthesia (around your eyelids) and sedation anesthesia are most often used.
Surgery typically takes 1-3 hours depending on the number of lids being corrected, and how many complimentary procedures are being performed at one time.
Will There Be Scarring After My Eyelid Surgery?
Flesh-colored, self-absorbable sutures are commonly used. Scars may remain pink for nearly 6 months after surgery, but eventually fade to a subtle white line. Smoking always delays healing time.
Though healing takes time, it is only temporary in comparison to the long-lasting youthful results you will gain with eyelid surgery!
What Are the Benefits of a Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty can provide a number of benefits to patients looking to improve the shape and appearance of their eyes. A blepharoplasty can help create youthful, natural-looking eyes, but it can also help achieve facial balancing by giving the eyes an improved look in proportion to the rest of your facial features. A blepharoplasty can also help reduce puffiness, restore expression, and remove excess skin all without changing your overall eye shape. With minimal downtime and a short recovery, many patients are satisfied with the long-lasting results of their blepharoplasty.
Patient Testimonial
"Eve Stern is remarkable....the perfect package of experience, intelligence, integrity, and compassion. Eve is a high quality professional that I have been seeing for nearly a year. I am thankful I have had an opportunity to work with her on a number of issues, and I have been very pleased with all my results. I highly recommend Eve."
- C.B.
Schedule Your Blepharoplasty Consultation In Bellevue!
Do not hesitate any longer to book a one-on-one eyelid surgery appointment with the trusted Dr. Tarbet. At our Bellevue, WA office, we provide the latest surgical techniques for patients seeking to attain their aesthetic goals. Dial (425) 455-2131 today or fill out the form in our contact page!
