Blepharoplasty 101: Steps to Brighter Eyes with Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery
With aging, it’s common for the delicate skin around your eyes to show the effects of time and gravity. Even if you feel perky and alert, sagging or drooping eyelids can make you look tired or squinty-eyed.
Blepharoplasty, also called eyelid rejuvenation, is an effective and popular option to give your eyelid area a firmer, more youthful, and more alert appearance, revealing the unique natural beauty of your eyes. Let’s look at what’s involved before, during, and after a blepharoplasty so you can decide if it’s right for you…
Before Surgery
Here’s where to start:
Step 1: Choosing an Experienced Surgeon
Before scheduling any plastic surgery procedure, it’s important to find a board-certified surgeon you’re excited about. Look for factors like:
- Many years of experience
- Positive online reviews
- Before and after pictures that reflect your own aesthetic
If you’re in Knoxville, Tennessee or the greater East Tennessee region, check out Dr. Jay Lucas’s bio and credentials. With decades of experience and specialized education, countless patients he’s seen report feeling thrilled with their natural-looking results!
For more tips on how to choose an excellent plastic surgeon, uncover What Makes a Plastic Surgeon Qualified to Help You?
Step 2: Consultation & Health Checks
Next, it’s time for a pre-surgical consultation. This is when your surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals, answer any questions, and develop a customized surgical plan to achieve your desired results.
At The Lucas Center, each personalized blepharoplasty consultation includes thoroughly evaluating several key areas, including the eyelid skin, brow position, prominence of fat pads, and the eyelid lifting mechanism to assess any drooping.
Dr. Lucas will also examine the tear trough region, cheek volume, lid support, and underlying skeletal structures to ensure a harmonious, balanced result. Additionally, he will review your medical history, including any instances of hypertension, dry eyes, thyroid disorders, and sinus disease, to confirm that you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.
During Surgery
On surgery day, plan to have a friend or family member drive you there and home afterward. Here’s generally what you can expect once you arrive at the hospital or surgery center:
Step 3: Anesthesia & Surgery Prep
Before surgery, you’ll see both a preoperative nurse and an anesthesiologist, who will give you instructions, help with things like an IV, medication, and getting you comfortable.
Step 4: Incisions
While you’re under anesthesia, the exact incisions your surgeon will make depend on your eyelid structure and custom surgical plan. Generally, incisions will be made in the eyelid creases so any scarring (which should be minimal) will be hidden when your eyes are open.
Step 5: Fat & Skin Removal
At this stage, your surgeon will skillfully remove or reposition excess skin, muscle, or fat above the eyes to create a refreshed, firmer look. If drooping eyelids are a concern, an elevator muscle repair can be performed to enhance the lift and give a brighter, more alert appearance.
Often, fat grafting is also recommended to restore volume to the cheeks and create a harmonious balance with the rejuvenated eyelids. Microfat grafting may be used in the tear trough area to soften the transition between the eyelids and cheeks, blending these features seamlessly and enhancing the overall youthful effect.
Step 6: Suturing
It’s time to delicately close the incisions for smooth healing. A skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Lucas uses precise suturing and proven techniques to result in minimal scarring and beautiful, natural-looking results. Read more here about what you can expect on operating day when you work with Dr. Lucas and The Lucas Center.
After Surgery
After a short recovery in post-op, you should be ready to go home the same day. Your surgeon or a post-operative nurse will give you (and ideally, the person with you) specific instructions for incision care and recovery.
Step 7: Rest & Healing
This may sound simple — but take it seriously! Always take it easy after any surgery and follow your surgeon’s specific instructions. You will have the best results when you give your body plenty of time to heal without too much activity or stress.
Though minimal pain is expected, you should plan to take several days off from work so you can rest. During that time, you can expect to see peak swelling in the first 72 hours, and about 80% resolved within 2 weeks.
When out and about, wearing large sunglasses during the initial recovery period can help conceal bruising or swelling. Generally, you may resume light activities after the first week, but should wait around 2-3 weeks before doing anything physically strenuous.
Pro Tip: After any surgery, it’s also wise to have a loved one stay with you overnight to help take care of household needs and to be available if any unexpected issue arises.
For more on post-surgery recovery, check out our recovery FAQs with Dr. Lucas.
How to Enjoy Long-Lasting Results
When you choose an experienced surgeon like Dr. Lucas and allow yourself plenty of time to rest and heal, your blepharoplasty should yield long-lasting results. From your initial consultation, to creating a custom surgical plan, to your pre-op experience, all the way to post-surgical care, you can feel confident you’ve teamed up with someone who can give you enduring, youthful results. If you’re ready to get the process started for your eyelid rejuvenation, schedule your consultation with Dr. Lucas or give us a call today at (865) 218-6210. Our team here at The Lucas Center can’t wait to help you!