As you age, the underlying muscles that support your eyelids can eventually weaken, causing them to develop a droopy look. This problem can be exacerbated by the accumulation of fat below and above the eyelids.

Drooping eyelids not only make you appear older but can also adversely affect your peripheral vision. If this sounds familiar to you, you may be in need of an eye lift.

An eye lift, also known as a blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can help rectify drooping eyelids by removing the excess fat and skin around the eyes. In addition to its aesthetic benefits, an eye lift can help reduce vision problems caused by droopy lids.

What to Expect Before the Surgery

If you are considering an eye lift, it is important for you to know what exactly you should expect from the procedure. Before the surgery, you will have to undergo a physical examination and a vision examination to determine the current state of your health.

First, you may receive a visual examination to see the extent to which your eyesight has been affected by your eyelids. Next, a physical examination will be performed to ascertain your state of health. If you are in good general health, Dr. Espinosa will advise you on a plan of action to help you achieve the desired results.

Finally, before your procedure begins, Dr. Espinosa will take snapshots of your eyes from various angles. These snapshots will help the doctor gather enough information on your anatomy to properly plan the eye-lift procedure.

A few weeks before you undergo the eye-lift surgery, you will be asked to stop taking certain medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen. Don’t worry – Dr. Espinosa will provide you with a list of medications that you should avoid to make it easier for you to remember.

You will also be asked to stop smoking a few weeks prior to the procedure to ensure that you heal properly and quickly.

What to Expect During the Surgery

An eye lift surgery is generally an outpatient procedure. Make sure you have someone available to drive you home after the surgery, since you will not be able to drive for a time. Just before the surgery, an anesthetic will be administered to help you relax and ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.

If your surgery involves changes to your upper and lower eyelids, Dr. Espinosa will first work on the upper eyelids. She will make an incision along the eyelid fold and will remove any excess fat, muscle, and skin in the treatment area. Once the necessary corrections are made, your doctor will close the sutures.

For the lower eyelid, Dr. Espinosa will make an incision just below the lash line (or inside the lid) and remove or redistribute excess fat and skin before closing the incision.

Immediately after the surgery, you will be transported to a recovery room, where you will be monitored. If everything appears to be in order, you will then be able to leave and recover at home.

What to Expect After the Surgery

After the surgery, you may experience blurred vision and slight discomfort for a few days, but it will pass. You will be advised to:
● Use an ice pack for about 30 minutes every day before going to bed.
● Avoid strenuous activities, including swimming, for a week.
● Avoid smoking.
● Avoid wearing contact lenses.

You will have to revisit the surgeon in a few days for a follow-up appointment to make sure you’re healing properly and to remove the stitches if needed.

Contact Our Office

Whether your eyes simply have aesthetic problems or they’re making it hard for you to see, reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Nashielli Espinosa is here to help you experience a newer, better you. Schedule a consultation and start your journey to the transformation you deserve.