Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid lift, is a procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to minimize the creases and folds around the eyelids and rejuvenate the upper face. A number of steps are involved in this surgery, which may slightly differ depending on the degree of correction required in the upper, lower or both eyelids.
Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey will discuss about the procedure steps during the initial consultation with the patient. Dr. McCluskey will address the patient’s concerns about the procedure and help them to feel confident and positive. He provides eyelid surgery to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities.
Anesthesia
The cosmetic surgeon will usually perform eyelid lift using only local anesthesia and mild sedation. General anesthesia may be used only in cases where the patient suffers from higher anxiety levels or the procedure is combined with other facial surgeries such as brow lift or facelift. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s health and fitness for anesthesia and review their history of any drug allergies.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Following anesthesia, the lower eyelid surgery procedure will begin with the surgeon placing small incisions in discreet locations around the eyelids. The surgeon will usually choose the natural skin creases under the lower eyelashes to place well-concealed incisions. Excess skin and fat will be excised through the incision, and weak underlying muscles may be tightened.
Facial fat transfer or dermal filler injections may be additionally used if the area under the lower eyelids has hollows. Incisions will be closed carefully with fine sutures once the surgery is completed.
Upper Blepharoplasty
In case of upper lid surgery, the incisions will be placed in the natural creases of the upper eyelids. Loose skin will be trimmed away through the incisions to reduce the droopy effect of the upper lids and correct any partial vision obstruction. Through the incision, the surgeon may also tighten the weak underlying muscles.
After the excess skin has been removed, the surgeon will lift the remaining skin and reattach it for a smoother, younger looking upper lid appearance. Thereafter, the incisions will be closed with fine sutures. Dedicated plastic surgeon Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
If the patient is only concerned about the presence of excess fat deposits around the eyelids, but the eyelid skin is still fairly elastic and youthful, the surgeon may advise transconjunctival eyelid surgery. This procedure is less invasive and more appropriate in cases where the problem of under eye bags is less severe.
Following anesthesia, the surgeon will place multiple small incisions inside the lower eyelid. Excess fat tissue will be removed through the incisions to create a smoother, youthful look of the lower eyelids. Skin removal and muscle tightening will not be involved in this procedure. The benefit of this procedure is that scarring is not externally visible because the incisions are placed inside the eyelid.
The eyelid surgery procedure will be followed by a recovery period of about one week. Thereafter, most patients will be able to return to their normal routine.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: