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Blepharoplasty or the eyelid lift surgery is a fantastic procedure marked by its great success. The goal of the eyelid lift surgery is to correct the issues that come with aging skin such as drooping upper lids1 or under-eye bags. It’s a popular choice for those looking to improve their appearance and get that youthful, awake look.
This guide will include photos of patients before they had blepharoplasty and after it was done. These images aim to give you an idea of what results you can expect from this treatment.
Understanding Blepharoplasty
When we talk about upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, here, we’re referring to the surgical modification of the eyelids.
Skilled surgeons eliminate excess fat, skin, and muscle to give your eyes a more rested look. This procedure can be done on the upper and lower eyelids or just one pair of left upper eyelid surgery done upper and lower eyelid.
If needed, upper lid blepharoplasty and lower lid blepharoplasty also focus on removing excess fat and skin from the top eyelids, while the lower lid blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags and eyelid bags by either removing or repositioning fat deposits.
Before the Surgery: Drooping Lids and Under-Eye Bags
Many people choose this procedure because of how old they think they look due to the tired appearance of saggy upper eyelids or puffy under-eyes. As time goes on our bodies produce less elastin2 in the upper eyelid which causes things like saggy eyelids.
Fat deposits can also build up under our eyes, leading to puffiness or bags under our lower eyelids.
Consultation Process
Before you take part in anything life-changing there’s usually some sort of consultation process first so why would this be any different? Each patient will have a separate meeting with their plastic surgeon, where they’ll discuss their goals and expectations.
The surgeon will also take an overall assessment of your facial structure and examine your eyes specifically. This is done so they can figure out the best way to achieve your desired results.
Your medical history will also come into play here. The surgeon may ask for it and perform tests to ensure that you’re healthy enough to get this procedure.
Surgical Procedure
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient surgery because patients go home the same day. Some people will have it done under general anesthesia, while others will be put under local anesthesia with sedation.
The procedure is typically performed in a few hours, depending on how much work needs to be done.
- Upper Blepharoplasty: Surgeons cut along the natural crease of your eyelid so that they can remove all the fat, skin, and muscle necessary for your eyes to look good again. Sutures3 are used to close up these incisions however they’re removed within a week.
- Lower Blepharoplasty: A little more complicated than the previous technique but just as effective. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is when surgeons make an incision inside your lower eyelid whereas subciliary blepharoplasty is when surgeons make an incision below the bottom lash line.
After Surgery: Youthful and Refreshed Appearance
Once everything is said and done patients should expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around their eyes. To combat those symptoms, doctors may prescribe cold compresses, pain meds, and eye drops.
These procedures work by tightening the outer corner of the eye, allowing it to correct drooping or laxity of the upper and lower lids, and bilateral upper lids and lower lids together. This helps improve the shape and position of the lower eyelids, giving you a more youthful look.
Before And After Photos Serve A Crucial Purpose
Before And After Images Mean More Than You Think
You might think the main purpose of our before and after pictures is just to show you how good our surgeons are, but they serve many more purposes than that! Yes, a picture does speak 1000 words, but believe them when they say this – those words could either persuade you or not to get this treatment done at all! Which would mean possibly missing out on your dream look.
When you know exactly what this treatment has done for someone else who faced similar concerns, how could you even try telling yourself it won’t do anything for you too?
Another thing the images allow people to do is to assess the workers here themselves. Just by checking out the consistency and naturally looking results, you’ll already be building so much confidence in your choice of surgeon. And that’s before they even started the real work!
But besides all that, there’s one main benefit the images bring to the table. Setting realistic goals. They know it’s hard to do this yourself when all you want is a perfect outcome but sometimes things just don’t go as planned.
And although they want you to have great expectations for yourself, they also want them to align with what can be done.
So as weird as it sounds. Their pictures are meant to disappoint you enough to realize it will take more than one surgery for perfection. But not too much where you’d completely get rid of getting anything done at all!
Combine Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
The surgeon may recommend combining bilateral upper and bilateral upper and lower blepharoplasty procedure, or upper and lower blepharoplasty, depending on what your goals are. Doing so allows for a full rejuvenation of the entire eye area. With both concerns addressed, you’ll be able to achieve a more balanced result.
Recovery and Expectations
After the surgery is completed, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These symptoms will gradually subside over time, but it’s important not to rush things. The surgeon’s post-operative instructions must be followed to ensure optimal results while healing properly.
The upper blepharoplasty procedure can take several months to finish up as tissues settle and heal within you fully. But don’t worry! While this process is ongoing, you’ll have a more refreshed and youthful appearance and improved vision!
It’s important to note that everyone reacts differently to surgery, though, so individual results will vary greatly from person to person. As long as your expectations are realistic, however, consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon will help determine if blepharoplasty is right for you.
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
This option is less invasive compared to others since it targets fat pockets without leaving visible scars behind. The incision made is inside the same lower and upper eyelid surgery and not upper eyelid surgery and lower and upper eyelid surgery which makes this possible in the first place.
If you only need fat removal without any excess of skin removal then transconjunctival blepharoplasty would be perfect for you.
Subciliary Blepharoplasty
Subciliary blepharoplasty involves making an incision just below the lower lash line4 to remove or reposition fat and remove excess skin.
As opposed to transconjunctival blepharoplasty, this option is suitable for those who need both fat removal and skin tightening.
Recovery and Expectations
Depending on the patient, recovery times can vary from individual to individual. Some will take a few days while others may need more than a week. After about 7-10 days most people will be able to return to their normal lives though.
Bruising and swelling around the eyes might stick with you for a few weeks but they can be managed with cold compresses and pain medication. While future touch-up procedures may still be necessary to maintain desired results, blepharoplasty’s effects are long-lasting.
It does depend on your body, though! Just know that this surgery targets aging signs within both your upper eyelids and lower, hooded upper eyelids. So expect your whole upper eyelid and lid just to look younger and more refreshed once it’s all said and done.
Blepharoplasty Procedure
Whether it’s drooping eyelids or puffiness, lower eyelid blepharoplasty is what you need to fix those issues. Known as an effective method of making patients appear younger and more refreshed, excess skin and fat get removed through this surgery.
Techniques used for lower eyelid surgery or lid blepharoplasty differ from person to person so each case of lower eyelid surgery or lid blepharoplasty has its unique process.
Before and After Photos
Don’t worry! You’ll have them taken before any work is done! These photos provide proof of skill in the surgeon’s field while giving patients accurate expectations of the outcome.
Recovery Time
Not everyone will have the same experience when recovering from blepharoplasty. Although most patients will resume their normal activities within 7-10 days, some can take longer, whereas others may not even reach half that period!
Symptoms such as bruising, swelling, or discomfort around your eyes might last longer than expected. But don’t worry! They’ll go away eventually if you just keep managing them with cold compresses!
As previously mentioned, period, however, results will vary since everyone reacts differently to surgery. So, if you’re looking to keep your outcome for a longer period than usual, it’s recommended that you undergo touch-up procedures in the future.
Combined Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Comprehensive Transformation
During the Procedure
A combined- underwent, upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower lid blepharoplasty, involves making incisions in both heavy upper eyelids and lower eyelids, to remove excess skin and fat, tighten muscles, and reposition tissues as needed. This can create a more balanced appearance in the eye area and a more youthful overall look.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery time for a combined blepharoplasty is similar to that of individual procedures. Most patients can resume normal activities within 7-10 days. Bruising and swelling may last for several weeks but can be managed with cold compresses and pain medication.
Results from a combined procedure tend to be long-lasting, however, it’s important to note that the natural aging process will continue so touch-up procedures may be necessary down the line.
In conclusion, a combined, excess upper eyelid skin and lower eyelid blepharoplasty is an extensive procedure that can address issues such as drooping eyelids, under-eye bags, and sagging of bilateral left5, upper eyelid skin, and lower eyelids. It’s capable of providing a much younger and refreshed look. Recovery tends to take around 7-10 days.
Laser Resurfacing and Chemical Peels
To improve the texture and tone of the skin around the eyes upper and lower blepharoplasty only, laser resurfacing6 or chemical peels7 can be performed. These treatments can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage, further enhancing the results of upper and lower blepharoplasty only.
Injectables and Botox
Injectables, such as Botox, can be used to relax muscles that contribute to crow’s feet or frown lines around the eyes. This can be done alongside blepharoplasty to achieve a more youthful and smooth appearance.
Overall, combining these additional procedures with blepharoplasty can provide a comprehensive transformation and address various concerns in the eye region. It is important to consult with a qualified surgeon to determine the most suitable combination of procedures for individual needs and goals.
Achieving Natural Results
Enhancing Youthful Appearance
The goal of blepharoplasty is not to alter one’s fundamental appearance but to refresh it. The best results look natural and leave the patient looking like a well-rested version of themselves.
Managing Patient Expectations
Setting realistic expectations is key to satisfaction. Surgeons must communicate what is achievable, ensuring that patients clearly understand the potential outcomes and limitations of the procedure.
Patients should be aware that while blepharoplasty can significantly improve the natural appearance of the eye area, it cannot eliminate all signs of aging or correct other facial concerns.
Choosing a Skilled and Experienced Surgeon
To achieve desired results while keeping risks low, choose an experienced surgeon who specializes in this type of procedure. Potential surgeons should have reviews from previous patients as well as many before-and-after photos available online.
Following Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions
Surgery care doesn’t only happen on surgery day. To maximize your outcome with blepharoplasty, follow all pre- and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This includes abstaining from certain medications, quitting smoking (if you do), and taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle in the weeks leading up to the surgery.
After it’s done, adhere strictly to any post-op recommendations, such as keeping incision sites clean and avoiding activities that can strain your body.
Maintaining Long-Term Care
Blepharoplasty can have long-lasting results if proper care is taken afterward. Ensure your eyes are shielded from excessive sun exposure, use moisturizer and sunscreen regularly, and avoid habits that speed up skin aging like smoking or drinking too much alcohol.
In conclusion, blepharoplasty is a versatile procedure that can address various concerns in the eye region. By combining it with other complementary procedures and following the surgeon’s instructions, patients can achieve comprehensive transformation and enjoy long-lasting results.
However, it is essential to have realistic expectations, choose a skilled surgeon, and maintain proper long-term care to optimize the outcome of the procedure.
Before and After Transformation Stories
Patient Case Studies
Real-life stories illustrate the impact of blepharoplasty and showcase the potential benefits it can offer.
Take a client who has droopy upper eyelids and under-eye bags. They may get blepharoplasty to remove excess skin and fat.
It will make them look more youthful and refreshed. Another patient could have asymmetrical upper eyelids, or ptosis8 (drooping of the whole upper lid or droopy of the upper lid after eyelid surgery). They can correct it with blepharoplasty so their face looks better balanced.
These examples show the powerful transformation of blepharoplasty. But they also stress personalized treatment plans. To make patients happy, you need to think about their specific concerns and goals.
Before-and-after photos show in plain sight how much impact blepharoplasty can make. By looking at those images, people considering the procedure can see what others have gone through firsthand, making it easier for them to decide if it’s right for them.
When surgeons share these stories they do more than just inspire patients, they educate them too! This is crucial as every person is different, but that doesn’t mean this surgery can’t help them. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a skilled surgeon who can assess your specific needs and develop a customized treatment plan for you.
Blepharoplasty can truly transform a person’s natural appearance and boost confidence. Real-life patient case studies are an invaluable resource in understanding the procedure’s potential benefits. By showcasing before-and-after photos, patients can see the actual results achieved by others and gain insight into what they can expect.
However, it’s important to remember that each individual is unique, and their concerns and goals may differ. A skilled surgeon will take the time to understand your specific needs and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to you.
In addition to choosing a skilled surgeon, it’s crucial to maintain proper long-term care after blepharoplasty. This includes protecting your eyes from excessive sun exposure, using moisturizer and sunscreen regularly, and adopting healthy habits like not smoking or drinking too much alcohol. These steps can help prolong the procedure’s results and keep your eyes youthful and refreshed.
In conclusion, blepharoplasty is a versatile procedure that can address various concerns in the eye region. Real-life patient case studies and before-and-after photos demonstrate the transformative power of blepharoplasty and can help individuals make informed decisions about whether it’s the right procedure for them.
By consulting with a skilled surgeon and following proper long-term care, patients can optimize the outcome of the procedure and enjoy lasting results.
Patient Stories and Testimonials
Blepharoplasty can produce dramatic results that last for years but don’t just take our word for it. It’s easy to say how effective a procedure is, but the most powerful proof comes in the form of real-life patient testimonials and before-and-after photos.
Real patients have been through blepharoplasty before and after seeing their eyes transform with their own two eyes. They also know that potential risks, cost, and recovery time are all important factors to consider when contemplating whether to get blepharoplasty or not.
Their reviews could be short and sweet or detailed over multiple pages; either way, they’ll help you make informed decisions about whether or not this surgery is right for you.
Every patient’s experience will be different
The success rates of blepharoplasty are incredibly high. However, some outliers didn’t achieve what they wanted. There are a couple of reasons why someone may not walk away from blepharoplasty happy.
One reason has little to do with the skill of the surgeon. While this plays a large role, cases like the severity of your own bilateral, upper, and lower eyelid skin condition and how well you heal naturally can easily affect your outcome. A smaller factor would be individual genetics, and everyone heals differently based on their specific bodies.
You must consult with an experienced surgeon who can assess your current situation and give you advice accordingly.
Final Thoughts on Blepharoplasty: Before and After Transformations
Blepharoplasty. A word that rolls off the tongue, a procedure that changes lives and lasts long. Our eyes are the first thing people look at when they see us. So why not make it look as good as they can? I feel like it’s something we should all ponder about, and maybe even get checked out with a doctor.
The results of this surgery speak for themselves, but show them to others if you need some help. It’s powerful enough to make anyone reconsider their opinion on it. You want your eyes to look good, don’t you?
Bad habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption will always reverse progress in any situation or scenario, so try to avoid them.
Just know that everyone’s experience will be different—many factors are taken into account here. Severity, the skill of the surgeon, and healing ability all matter in the grand scheme of things. Seek someone who knows what they’re doing for an honest assessment of your situation so you can proceed accordingly!
Sources:
- Filatova, I. A., Kondratieva, J. P., Shemetov, S. A., & Trefilova, M. S. (2023). Blepharoptosis: diagnostics and significance of dynamometry for optimizing the treatment of upper lid drooping. Russian Pediatric Ophthalmology, 18(2), 105-114. ↩︎
- Lin, Chien-Jung, Austin J. Cocciolone, and Jessica E. Wagenseil. “Elastin, arterial mechanics, and stenosis.” American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology 322.5 (2022): C875-C886. ↩︎
- Xu, Lin, Yanan Liu, Wenhui Zhou, and Dengguang Yu. “Electrospun medical sutures for wound healing: A review.” Polymers 14, no. 9 (2022): 1637. ↩︎
- ↩︎
- Hwang, Catherine J., et al. “Bilateral dysthyroid compressive optic neuropathy responsive to teprotumumab.” European journal of ophthalmology 32.3 (2022): NP46-NP49. ↩︎
- Angra, K., Lipp, M. B., Sekhon, S., Wu, D. C., & Goldman, M. P. (2021). Review of post-laser-resurfacing topical agents for improved healing and cosmesis. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 14(8), 24. ↩︎
- Khunger, Niti, and Charvi Chanana. “Chemical peels.” Essentials for Aesthetic Dermatology in Ethnic Skin. CRC Press, 2023. 171-176. ↩︎
- ↩︎Lee, T. Y., Shin, Y. H., & Lee, J. G. (2020). Strategies of upper blepharoplasty in aging patients with involutional ptosis. Archives of Plastic Surgery, 47(04), 290-296.
Last Updated on by Dr. Lehri Srivastava
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