They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and yet the eye area is typically the first to show the earliest signs of aging. If you’re bothered by the presence of droopy lids, puffy bags below the eye or a prematurely aged appearance to the eyes in general, eyelid surgery could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), sometimes referred to as an eyelid lift, restores a refreshed, alert look throughout the eye area that can help you look years younger.
Recognized as a blepharoplasty specialist and one of the top cosmetic surgeons in the Mobile-Pensacola metro area, Dr. James Koehler is a board certified cosmetic surgeon serving patients from Gulfport to Gulf Shores and beyond. Dr. Koehler offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures for both men and women, and is known for his caring commitment to a patient-first approach.
Contact us online using the "Message us" feature at the bottom of our website or you can call us at 251-929-7850 to learn more about our practice or to schedule your consultation.
Are You a Candidate?
Men or women with droopy upper lids, saggy lower lids or obstructed vision due to the anatomy of the eye area can make excellent candidates for eyelid surgery. Although most patients who are interested in blepharoplasty are over the age of 35, sometimes younger men and women can pursue eyelid surgery to correct the appearance of their eyes due to congenital reasons rather than changes related to age. In either case, those considering eyelid surgery should be in good general physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about their results.
Some patients schedule a blepharoplasty consultation in the hopes that eyelid surgery can help eliminate the appearance of crow’s feet, the tiny lines and wrinkles at the outer corners of the eye that crinkle and deepen when you smile. However, eyelid surgery doesn’t typically impact the skin and muscles responsible for the development of crow’s feet. If these fine lines are a concern for you, Dr. Koehler may recommend BOTOX® in addition to or instead of eyelid surgery.
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About Eyelid Surgery
The skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate compared to the skin on the rest of the face, which makes the eye area particularly susceptible to the effects of aging. This means that even if you look relatively young in other respects, your eyes can take on a tired, saggy appearance that can age the rest of your appearance prematurely. Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper lid, the lower lid or both at the same time.
During blepharoplasty, the intricate muscles around the eyes are tightened and repaired, along with removing any excess fatty tissue deposits or loose skin that contribute to an aged look. The final result should be a relaxed, rested look due with eyes that look younger and less tired.
Because eyelid surgery is such a localized procedure, it’s not uncommon for Dr. Koehler to combine an eyelid lift with additional facial cosmetic surgeries such as a brow lift or a full face lift. Nonsurgical med spa treatments can also help minimize lines and wrinkles throughout the forehead, brow and eye area for a fully rejuvenated upper face.
What to Expect
There are many different concerns that can lead men and women to consider eyelid surgery, and each one requires a slightly different technical approach as far as surgical procedure is concerned.
- For upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Koehler hides the incision in the natural folds of the eyelid crease of the upper lids.
- During lower eyelid surgery, the incision runs along the lower lash line, or occasionally inside the lower lid.
Through these incisions, Dr. Koehler can correct the issues that led to wanting eyelid surgery in the first place, such as removing fatty deposits below the eye responsible for causing puffy bags, or tightening lax muscles and eliminating excess skin in the upper lids that contribute to sleepy-looking upper lids or obscured vision.
Blepharoplasty can be performed under either sedation or general anesthesia, and oral medication is normally all that’s required to help you feel comfortable in the days immediately following your surgery. After your procedure, you may notice some bruising around the eyes or a feeling of dry eyes, but both of these should dissipate in about a week. After sutures are removed, residual bruising can be easily covered by makeup.
Risks and Complications
The complications associated with blepharoplasty are typically minor, and include concerns like a poor reaction to anesthesia or the possibility of infection. More serious concerns such as ongoing sensitivity to bright lights, problems closing your eyes or vision changes are possible, but these are rare. Dr. Koehler will discuss all the risks and benefits with you during your consultation so you’re fully informed about what to expect before you schedule your surgery.
Your New Look
Following eyelid surgery, your entire eye area should look noticeably younger, and your entire appearance should look more relaxed and refreshed. The upper eyelid crease will be higher and better defined, while the lower lids should look smoother and less baggy. The results of eyelid surgery are often equated with looking as if you just returned from a long-anticipated, restful and much-deserved pleasant vacation.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
How do I choose the best eyelid surgery cosmetic surgeon near me?
To choose the best eyelid lift cosmetic surgeon in your area, ask for referrals from friends or family members and read online reviews to narrow your search. Choose your top two or three favorites, then schedule an in-person consultation to find the best fit for you. The ideal blepharoplasty cosmetic surgeon will have plenty of experience performing facial procedures, as these require a specific skill set and nuanced attention to detail. Ultimately, you want to choose a cosmetic surgeon who has excellent credentials and with whom you feel confident and comfortable.
Is eyelid surgery the best option for me?
Eyelid surgery could be an appropriate solution for you if you wish to address drooping upper and/or lower eyelids, whether for cosmetic or medical reasons or both. However, if you are also looking to treat lines and wrinkles around your eyes and eyebrows, an eyelid lift alone may not be the best solution. Some people choose to pair eyelid surgery with other surgical procedures like a brow lift or facelift, or nonsurgical treatments like BOTOX.
During your consultation, Dr. Koehler can help you decide if you could be a good candidate for eyelid surgery and whether or not a combination treatment could help you achieve your goals.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Many people consider eyelid surgery to be one of the least painful cosmetic procedures, often with only minimal discomfort and soreness that tends to quickly dissipate. However, because swelling and bruising can persist for several days or weeks after an eyelid lift, most people choose to take 1 to 2 weeks off work to recover from their procedure.
Are you put to sleep for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery can either be performed under sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your personal preferences and the details of your specific surgery.
Eyelid surgery is usually a relatively quick outpatient procedure, which means that you can return home the same day as your surgery. You will need someone else to drive you home, however.
How long does it take to recover from eyelid surgery?
Most people feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 1 to 2 weeks after getting eyelid surgery. During the first few days of eyelid surgery recovery, you might experience some soreness, tightness or dry eyes. These symptoms are usually mild and should be easy to manage with the use of oral medication.
You will need to avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup for the first two weeks after your eyelid lift. Dr. Koehler will provide you with detailed recovery guidelines to optimize your eyelid lift results.
How long does an eyelid lift last?
Eyelid lift results are generally long-lasting. On average, a revision eyelid procedure may be necessary around 5 to 7 years after the initial procedure. To help prolong your eyelid surgery results, avoid direct exposure to the sun, wear sunglasses when outdoors, practice stress management techniques and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits to slow the natural process.
Contact us online using the "Message us" feature at the bottom of our website or you can call us at 251-929-7850 to learn more about our practice or to schedule your consultation.
Telephone No.(251) 929-4051
