As the years go by, the natural aging process, environmental factors, and sun damage can lead to droopy and saggy eyelids that not only alter the natural shape and appearance of your eyes but can also affect your vision. At Desert Eyesthetics, we offer upper and lower blepharoplasty, or eyelid lifts, to restore your youthful, refreshed appearance. Here's an overview of what to expect, how to prepare for surgery, and tips for a smooth recovery. 

What Can You Expect?

Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure designed to lift your eyelids, improving their appearance and function. It involves removing any excess skin or fat to reduce under-eye puffiness, rejuvenate tired-looking eyes, minimize dark circles, and reduce or eliminate peripheral vision problems. Depending on your unique needs, you may require an upper or lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure or both. 

A blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. We are happy to offer light sedation, if needed, for your comfort. During an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, Dr. Garcia, our accomplished Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon, will make a small incision in your upper eyelid crease, remove excess skin, fat, and muscle, and reshape your eyelid. A lower eyelid blepharoplasty, on the other hand, involves sculpting and repositioning the fat in the area, reducing under-eye bags, and leaving your eyes looking refreshed and rested. 

How Can You Prepare for Your Blepharoplasty Procedure?

Preparing for your blepharoplasty can help ensure a smooth procedure and the best possible outcomes. The following are some general guidelines: 

• Make sure to let Dr. Garcia know about any medications you are taking before surgery. 
• Follow any preoperative instructions provided by Dr. Garcia.
• You'll need to avoid some medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements. 
• Quit smoking—smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications. 
• Don't wear any makeup, lotions, or perfumes on the day of the surgery. 
• Have a trusted adult accompany you and drive you home after surgery. 
• Prepare a comfortable area to recover, and have plenty of pillows to keep your head elevated. 
• Stock up on groceries and prepare some meals ahead of time. 
• Have ice packs, clean gauze, and any prescribed medications readily available. 

How Can You Promote Healing and Recovery After Blepharoplasty?

Your eyes may feel blurry, and you may experience mild to moderate swelling and bruising, which typically resolve over a couple weeks. Most people are able to return to work in about a week. Your incision should look well healed in 2-3 weeks, with complete healing taking a few months. 

Here are some things you can do to promote healing and recovery:

• Follow all postoperative instructions provided by Dr. Garcia to ensure the best possible outcomes. 
• Take your prescribed pain medication as needed to manage any discomfort. 
• Get plenty of rest and keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. 
• Apply cold compresses to your eyes for the first few days to reduce swelling and bruising. 
• Dr. Garcia may recommend artificial tears or prescribe eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated in the days after surgery. 
• Care for and clean the incision site as per your postoperative care instructions. 
• Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet to support healing. 

Blepharoplasty Near Me in Gilbert, AZ

If you're considering blepharoplasty, Dr. Garcia and her team at Desert Eyesthetics are committed to providing you with the best care and patient experience. We're always happy to answer your questions and address your concerns to ensure you are well-informed about your options. Ready to see the world with fresh eyes? We invite you to call 480-454-7130 to schedule your appointment today!

Are you in search of a solution to improve the appearance of droopy eyelids? If so, you've come to the right place. Your trusted team at Desert Eyesthetics is proud to offer eyelid lifts, also known as blepharoplasty. Dr. Garcia, our board-certified and highly experienced Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon, utilizes cutting-edge surgical techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver dramatic results. You'll love your new youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

All About Droopy Eyelids

Time and gravity have an effect on us all when it comes to the skin and muscles, including those of the eyelids. One cause of droopy eyelids is dermatochalasis, which develops when the skin and muscle stretch causing too large of a fold which can then “flop over” the lashes and upper lid edge. This creates a shadow on your vision and you must then rely on lifting your brows to raise the skin fold up off of your lashes.   Another cause of droopy lids is blepharoptosis, or ptosis.  Ptosis usually develops when the levator muscles, the muscles that lift the eyelids, stretch and weaken over time. The weaker the levator muscles, the harder it is to keep the eyes open.  While age is usually the culprit with dermatochalasis and ptosis, medical conditions such as eye injuries, surgery or nerve damage can leave the eyelids drooping and sagging. Genetics also play a big role in how your eyelids age.  Whatever the cause, droopy eyelids not only impact one's appearance but can also limit or interfere with vision.

Blepharoplasty/Ptosis Repair: The Droopy Eyelids Solution

An eyelid lift involves removing excess skin and fat pads above the eyelid creases. The procedure results in your eyes looking younger and more vibrant while eliminating vision problems.

So, what happens during the procedure? Upper eyelid surgery is typically an outpatient surgery performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. Dr. Garcia will make a small incision hidden within the natural fold of the eyelid. She will extend the incision as far outward as possible to address any extraneous skin folds located on the outside of the upper eyelid. Next, she will remove any excess skin, a small strip of muscle, and small pockets of fat. If you are also having a ptosis repair, your eyelid lifting muscles are tightened at this point. Dr. Garcia will conclude the procedure by contouring the upper eyelid and reshaping it for a more youthful and rested appearance.

What Should You Expect During Recovery?

Following your eyelid lift, you will need to cover your eyes intermittently with cold gauze for a few days, and you'll need to sleep in an elevated position. You may have temporary blurry eyesight, which is no cause for alarm. Pain medication, other than Tylenol, is normally not needed following eyelid surgery.

Patients often experience bruising or swelling, which typically subsides within seven to ten days after the eyelid lift. You should be able to resume your normal daily activities in about a week. The incision should begin to heal within one to two weeks, with complete healing taking place over a few months. Once the healing is complete, you'll enjoy dramatic, long-lasting results!

Are You a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Candidates for blepharoplasty are generally patients that are 30 years old or older, non-smokers, in good health, and those with no other eye conditions. Talk to Dr. Garcia if you have eye problems such as glaucoma, dry eye, or a detached retina, or if you have thyroid disorders, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease to determine if an eyelid lift is right for you.

Droopy Eyelid Solutions in Gilbert, AZ

Visit Desert Eyesthetics to learn more about eyelid lifts for a refreshed and youthful appearance. Dr. Garcia will work with you to design a fully personalized treatment plan addressing your unique needs and desired treatment outcomes. Are you ready to look and feel your best? Call us and schedule your appointment today!

Are you in search of ways to refresh and rejuvenate saggy, baggy or wrinkled eyelids? If so, you may want to consider an eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty. Dr. Garcia, our board-certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon, uses the latest surgical techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver dramatic results. You’ll love your new rested, youthful, and vibrant appearance.

What Is an Eyelid Lift?

As the years go by, the eyelids begin to stretch, and the muscles supporting them start to weaken. That may result in excess fat gathering above and below the eyelids, which in turn causes droopy upper lids, sagging eyebrows, and bags under the eyes. Besides making you look older, severely sagging eyelid skin can reduce your peripheral or side vision.

An eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, involves the removal of drooping skin from the upper eyelids and excess fat from both the upper and lower eyelids. The procedure can reduce or eliminate vision problems and make your eyes appear younger and more vibrant. It helps decrease bagginess or puffiness under the eyes and brightens tired-looking eyes. It also helps reduce dark circles under the eyes.

Is Blepharoplasty Right for You?

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are generally individuals 30 years old or older who are non-smokers, in good health, and those who have no other eye conditions. The procedure can provide the perfect solution for individuals struggling with eyelid issues that cause them to look older, vision problems resulting from droopy eyelids, droopy eyelids as a result of aging or genetics, or bags under the eyes. Blepharoplasty delivers a refreshed and rejuvenated, natural-looking appearance.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is generally an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. The surgery involves making a small incision hidden in the upper eyelid crease and removing excess skin, a small strip of muscle, and small pockets of fat. The procedure is concluded by the contouring of the upper eyelid and reshaping it for a more youthful appearance.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is generally an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. It involves making a small incision on the inner part of the eyelid or made just beneath the eyelash line. If there is excessive skin in the lower lid, Dr. Garcia will make the incision just below the lashes. Sculpting and repositioning the fat will help restore the lower lid’s natural contour. It will eliminate the excess fatty tissue causing bags under the eyes to give you a more energetic, less tired appearance.

What Should You Expect During Recovery?

Following your eyelid surgery, your eyesight may be blurry, and you may need to cover your eyes intermittently with cold gauze for the first three days. You will need to sleep in an elevated position for a few days after the procedure. Most patients report minimal discomfort, which can be alleviated with the help of the pain medication we will prescribe. Most bruising or swelling should subside within seven to ten days. You should be able to resume your daily activities in about a week. The incision should heal well within two to three weeks, with complete healing over a few months. You’ll love the long-lasting, dramatic results!

Eyelid Lift in Gilbert, AZ

Visit Desert Eyesthetics to learn more about restoring your youthful appearance with the help of an eyelid lift. Dr. Garcia will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan taking into account your unique needs and desired treatment outcomes. We invite you to experience cosmetic surgery at its best. Call us and schedule your appointment today!