Everything You Need To Know About Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is one of the top 5 cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. and a popular solution to achieving a more youthful appearance. It’s an eyelid surgery to remove puffiness and fat deposits around the eyelids that may be obstructing vision.

Blepharoplasty can address:

Puffiness
Dark under-eye bags
Drooping lower eyelids
Sagging upper eyelids
Excess skin and fat

Who is a good candidate?

The procedure is recommended for those 35+ years of age. It’s not recommended for those with chronic dry-eye, thyroid problems, or diabetes. If you have glaucoma, speak with your doctor before considering the surgery. It’s also important to know and communicate your expectations at your consultation to achieve the best outcome.

What is the surgery like?

Surgery lasts about 2 hours. You receive a local anesthetic and an oral or IV sedation to provide a calming effect. Small incisions remove the excess skin or fat around your eyelids, then the incisions are closed with sutures. Some sutures are dissolvable, other stitches might be removed 7-10 days following surgery.

It’s important that your doctor makes you feel comfortable, listens to your concerns, and takes the time to explain everything you need to know. At ENT Facial Plastics and Aesthetics it’s important to us that you feel 100% ready going into surgery.

What is recovery like?

Blepharoplasty has mild to moderate pain during the recovery process. The plastic surgeons at ENT will discuss how to manage any pain you might experience. You can expect swollen or bruised eyelids for a few weeks, but after a month you’ll be able to fully appreciate your eyelid improvement.

Is it worth it?

94% of blepharoplasty patients rate the procedure as “worth it,” citing no more under-eye bags, looking 10 years younger, and fast recovery. Some may request a repeat surgery on the upper eyelids after 5-7 years, but repeat surgery on the lower eyelids is rare. Our plastic surgeons at ENT Facial Plastics and Aesthetics have extensive training to help you achieve the results you are looking for so you will also say, “WORTH IT.”

Ready for unobstructed vision and a more youthful appearance? Schedule a consultation with our experienced facial plastic surgeons by calling (260)-497-5500.

Q&A with Dr. Lai

Dr. Lai, MD
Facial Plastics & Aesthetics
ENT Aesthetics

What makes you passionate about blepharoplasty?

“Blepharoplasty, or eyelid rejuvenation surgery, is a safe procedure that can help to improve a patient’s appearance and self-esteem. A youthful, energetic appearance is especially important in our age of ubiquitous social media. I love bringing my experience in meeting each patient’s individual needs, and in bringing about some significant changes with safe, office-based procedures.”

What is your training/experience with this procedure?

“After graduating from Harvard Medical School, I finished a residency in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, and then completed a fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery and Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery at MEEI in 1999. Since then, I have been working as an ear, nose, and throat surgeon as well as a facial plastic surgeon.”

What makes someone a good candidate for blepharoplasty?

“Patients with excessive skin or fatty deposits in their upper and lower eyelids are ideal candidates for blepharoplasty. Some patients might notice a droopy, tired appearance in their eyelids, “bags” of skin under the eyes, or difficulty seeing certain areas because of blockage from excessive skin. At Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates, blepharoplasty can be combined with other noninvasive procedures for complete facial rejuvenation.”

What makes facial plastic surgeons particularly well equipped for performing blepharoplasties?

“Surgeons specifically trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery have an in-depth understanding of the anatomy and physiology of facial structures. We have been trained to evaluate facial function as well as appearance, and this focus applies whether we are doing blepharoplasty or other cosmetic procedures, such as rhinoplasty (plastic surgery on the nose). Because of this anatomical understanding, we are able to offer customized surgery to meet every patient’s needs. I also work with patients who require facial reconstruction after surgery for cancer or trauma. This experience is invaluable in treating many different problems of the eyelids.

“Staff are so kind and helpful. They really leave you feeling more calm in an otherwise nervous situation. Everything that will happen is explained with great detail. ”– Kylie N.