Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Whether you are looking for cosmetic enhancements or to address some functional issues, here are some of the ways Eyelid surgery in Atlanta can be beneficial: 

• Removes loose or sagging skin
• Reduces puffiness of the eyes by eliminating fatty deposits 
• Reduces the bags under the eyes that can make you look tired
• Fixes droopy lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris
• Addresses excess skin and wrinkles that appear on the eyelid
• Reduces the “hollow” look on the lower eyelid
• Relatively short downtime, compared to more extensive procedures
• Tailored to the unique anatomy of the patient’s eyes
• Provides a more alert, aware appearance
• Removes skin that may hang in the field of vision and obstruct one’s view

The overall effect is to give your eyes a makeover that enables you to look younger and refreshed. There may be other areas of concern you can discuss with Dr. Arslanian if you are thinking about Eyelid Surgery.

Patients seeking blepharoplasty typically do so for cosmetic or functional reasons. As we age, the skin on the upper eyelid and above it can begin to loosen, wrinkle, and sag. The skin of the lower eyelid can also begin to wrinkle and sag, and bags can form under the eyes giving a very tired look to the patient. In some patients, the upper eyelid sagging is so bad it can affect their visual field. These patients can sometimes get insurance approval for the procedure if an eye doctor determines their visual field is affected. More often than not, patients seek out eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons as they are unhappy with their appearance.

Typically, these are the following traits we look for when evaluating patients as good candidates for an Atlanta Blepharoplasty: 

• Healthy individuals with no medical conditions that can impair healing
• Nonsmokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals
• Individuals without serious eye conditions

Drooping eyelids or sagging skin can also be related to issues elsewhere on the face, such as the forehead, which Dr. Arslanian will assess before giving you the green light. Every eyelid surgery patient is evaluated individually to assess whether they are a good candidate.

Prior to your surgery, you may be instructed to fast for a certain amount of time or avoid certain medications. On the day of your appointment, while you are being prepped for surgery, Dr. Arslanian will walk you through the procedure and techniques he will be using, as discussed in your consultation. 

The first step in the surgery process is for Dr. Arslanian to administer a type of anesthesia to minimize discomfort and pain. The second step is to make the incision on the upper and/or lower eyelids where Dr. Arslanian will focus his attention. The incision lines for eyelid surgery are designed so the resultant scars will be well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region.

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

With an upper lid procedure, Dr. Arslanian makes a gentle incision in the eyelid crease which will conceal it from casual view. He will then remove a predetermined amount of skin along the length of the lid. Patients may also require a small strip of muscle to be removed as well. Depending on your anatomy, Dr. Arslanian may need to remove some of the fat in the pockets around the eye to alleviate any bulges that might be protruding. He will repeat the same procedure on the other eye. Finally, Dr. Arslanian will close the incision before you wake up and head to recovery. 

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

With a lower lid procedure, Dr. Arslanian makes an incision either under the eyelash margin, or sometimes on the inside of the lid, or in some cases both. Dr. Arslanian will then remove any fat bulges that are causing the bags under the eyes and assess how much excess skin to remove. Depending on your circumstance, a lid tightening procedure might also need to be performed to minimize the chance of post-operative complications such as lid droop. The same procedure will then be performed on the other side and you will then awake to begin your recovery.

The third step is to close the incision on the eyelids. Eyelid incisions typically are closed with sutures or skin glue. Sutures are removed within one week. Once the surgical component is complete, Dr. Arslanian and his team will move you into an area to rest and recover, before returning home. Because of the delicate nature of this surgery, you will require help getting to and from the clinic, as your vision will be impaired with bandages during recovery.