Perhaps you’ve noticed that your eyes no longer convey the youthful, vibrant personality they once did. Perhaps you experience frequent eye dryness and discomfort as a result of the effects of time and gravity on your appearance. If you are considering making a change that is both long-lasting and natural looking, you may be interested in a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery. However, in order to get the results you are looking for, it is important to know the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty and whether one or both is right for you. Very importantly, the results of eye plastic surgery have to be natural! So it is important to see an eye plastic surgery specialist.
Dr. Mehryar (Ray) Taban specializes in a wide range of eyelid and facial plastic surgery, and can help potential patients make an informed choice when it comes to eyelid surgery. Schedule a consultation at Taban MD in Beverly Hills today to learn more!
What is an Upper Blepharoplasty?
An upper blepharoplasty essentially involves removing a small amount of excess skin or fat from around the upper eyelids. Over time and particularly due to sun exposure, loss of elasticity and repeated eye opening/closure, the skin around the eyes can become heavier and looser as the skin loses elasticity and becomes stretched. In some cases, weight gain can also contribute to a puffy, heavy appearance of the upper eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery may be an ideal option for you if you are looking to correct the following concerns:
- Excessive, wrinkled, or sagging upper eyelid skin
- Heavy, drooping upper eyelids that interfere with vision
- Natural upper eyelid crease has disappeared
The upper blepharoplasty procedure can be safely performed in office under local anesthesia in which tiny incisions are made along the natural crease of the eyelid. The recovery time is typically no longer than a week to ten days and will result in a more rested, youthful appearance and wider field of vision. Surprisingly, recovery after blepharoplasty is not painful.
What is a Lower Blepharoplasty?
A lower blepharoplasty is similar to an upper eyelid surgery in that excess skin or fat may be removed to reduce puffiness or dark circles. The skin under the eyes is particularly delicate and over time can become loose and heavy, which makes the face look older or more tired. In severe cases, the weight of the lower eyelid can become so heavy that the individual cannot fully close his or her eyes, resulting in dryness or irritation. In addition, fat surrounding the eyeball in the orbit prolapses forwarded over time, resulting in “bags” under eyes.
A lower blepharoplasty may be an ideal procedure for you if you struggle with the following:
- Excessive, wrinkled, sagging lower eyelids
- Pouches of puffy fat in the lower eyelids
The lower eyelid surgery can be safely performed in office under local anesthesia. The incisions are typically made inside the lower lid to prevent scarring, provide quicker recovery, and minimize any unwanted risks. This is called transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty. Patients experience painless bruising and swelling for the first week to ten days; however, the final results will provide a more rested, youthful appearance.
Get Professional Treatment for Eyelid Rejuvenation
For more information about eyelid surgery and which treatment options are ideal for you, contact oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Mehryar (Ray) Taban to schedule an initial consultation in our Beverly Hills or Santa Barbara offices in greater Los Angeles area. Dr. Taban specializes in orbital and eyelid surgery and can help you achieve the look you want. Call now!