BLEPHAROPLASTY

Early signs of aging are revealed in the eyes – more than any other part of the body – as wrinkles & bags develop – and the essential inviting eyes of youth disappear…

Squinting, sun damage, heredity, stress and more all factor into aging and the loss of a youthful appearance from the face. The lower eyelids are one of the first facial areas to show age-related changes as the skin begins to slacken, from muscle droop, and tissues around the eyes start to weaken. Weak tissues create shadowy hollows, wrinkles and bags. The hollows accentuate the excess fat accumulation under the lower eyelids – the cause of those unmistakable eye-bags. The eyelid skin also loses its elasticity resulting in a “creepy” appearance – while the lid may actually start to descend downward – resting on the eyelashes. Eyelid surgery, technically named Blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure involving removal of excess fat, skin and muscle from the lower and upper eyelids.  Eyelid surgery can also improve vision for patients with excess, droopy lower eyelid skin that is hindering proper vision.  Dramatic aging is high-lighted in the eyes!

How You Can Benefit From Blepharoplasty Surgery?

• Blepharoplasty eliminates loose or sagging skin around the eyes
• Blepharoplasty restores the natural contour of the upper eyelid
• Blepharoplasty eliminates vision hindering excess upper eyelid skin
• Blepharoplasty removes fat deposits causing puffiness in the upper lids
• Blepharoplasty corrects lower eyelid bags/drooping & excess skin
• Blepahroplasty minimizes aging & rejuvenates the eye area of the face
• Blepharoplasty is typically combined with other age-erasing procedures

The eyes create uniqueness and depth… our patients want others to focus on this area.

A Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty
A good candidate for Blepharoplasty is concerned with any or all of the items listed above.  Dr White will assess your concerns to determine your needs and tailor the right treatment plan for you.  An ideal candidate should be in overall good health and capable of having realistic expectations. Often – Blepharoplasty is done in concert with a FaceLift, Eyebrow lift or Rhinoplasty – in order to achieve overall facial balance and your optimal desired outcome.

There are some limitations to Blepharoplasty – it will not eliminate Crow’s Feet or fix partially descended eyebrows.

Your Facial Plastic Surgery Consultation:
Dr. White believes the first consult is critical to both you and him.  It is during this time that you both achieve a mutual understanding, trust and respect. The information you provide is essential to tailoring the right treatment plan and realistic goals. Dr. White will listen carefully and sensitively before developing your surgery/treatment plan.

Blepharoplasty Procedure:
For the upper eyelid Dr. White works through a small incision that is well hidden within the crease of your upper eyelid.  Working through this incision, he repositions fat deposits, tightens muscles/tissue and removes excess skin as needed.  This creates a firmer upper eyelid contour.  The incision for the lower eyelid is also well hidden - inside the lower eyelid.  Dr. White repeats the same procedure, done for the upper eyelid, as he redistributes or removes excess fat deposits and tightens sagging muscles.

What Can I Expect After Blepharoplasty Surgery?
When you wake up your eyes may be lubricated with ointment and covered with gauze dressing.  Cold compresses may be applied to help reduce swelling and minimize discomfort.  Swelling, bruising and some discomfort is normal and to be expected, but all resolves on its own over a few days.  Oral pain medication is used to easily manage discomfort- along with head elevation and rest.  You must avoid all strenuous activities for a few weeks also. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Blepharoplasty:

What Is Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Blepharoplasty surgery removes excess fat, skin and muscle from the lower and upper eyelids to restore a more vital appearance to the facial eye area.  Eyelid surgery also  improves vision when there is excess drooping skin of the upper-eyelids and this skin interferes with normal vision.

Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Require Anesthesia?
YES. Local anesthesia with sedation is most commonly used for blepharoplasty surgery.

Does Blepharoplasty Cause Scarring?
YES.  Dr. White uses advanced techniques but all surgery involves some scarring.  The scars will be well hidden since the incisions are made within normal eyelid creases and folds.

Why Do So Many People Have Blepharoplasty In Concert With Other Facial Procedures?
Blepharoplasty does not take care of lines, wrinkles and sagging eyebrows – so many of Dr.White’s patients customize their treatment plan to include a FaceLift or Browlift or other age-erasing facial procedures to achieve their ultimate goals and look at least 10 years younger.

Will Blepharoplasty Erase Dark Undereye Circles?
NO.  There may be slight improvement – but Dr. White performs laser resurfacing or chemical peels to correct dark undereye circles.

How Long Is “Long-Lasting” With Blepharoplasty?
Long-lasting typically means always looking at least 10 years younger.  Dr. White’s patients rarely need touch-ups since he is so skilled in performing facial procedures.

How Much Downtime Is Involved Before I Can Return To Work?
Swelling, bruising and mild discomfort is normal and to be expected for a few days. If you have only Bleplaroplasty performed – you should be presentable to return to work within 7-10 days. Cosmetic mineral makeup camouflages any residual bruising until it’s all gone.  Vigorous activity is to be avoided for 1-2 weeks or until Dr. White advises you otherwise.

Does Insurance Cover Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Insurance does not pay for cosmetic procedures.  If your Blepharoplasty is medically necessary to correct blurred vision caused by excess droopy skin – your insurance should cover it.  Be sure to check with them.

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Choosing A Facial Plastic Surgeon:
Choosing a surgeon is serious business and should require certain factors in order for you to trust and place your confidence in this surgeon; is he qualified to perform the procedure you need/want safely and effectively, does he have excellent training, a proven track record, and is he specialized in the areas of concern?  Dr. White is in a special league of surgeons who have been trained in Ivy league schools and who have many extra years of training and experience through “fellowships” – which involve extra years of rigorous training/experience.  He is specialized in procedures of the head and neck – and he teaches other surgeons – the life-changing techniques that he uses for his own patients.

Dr. Matthew White is a cosmetic & reconstructive facial plastic surgeon –you can trust him to use safe, effective, proven – minimally invasive techniques – to achieve the outcomes you want & deserve.