Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

In Atlanta

Introduction

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Over time, the eyelids accumulate excess skin and fat deposits. The fine musculature in the lids may have trouble holding up the weight of the redundant skin flaps. The result is ptosis or sagging of the lids. Sagging skin around the eyes can also impact your peripheral vision, especially the upper and outer parts of the visual field. Eyelid Surgery is an effective way to address these problems.

If you are considering Eyelid Surgery, come and see Dr. Brian Arslanian at Arslanian Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Arslanian is a Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and is ready to work with you. Find out how Dr. Arslanian can help elevate your appearance by enabling you to look young and refreshed with Eyelid Surgery today.

woman with great eyelids | Arslanian Plastic Surgery Atlanta

Rejuvenate the eyelids

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid Surgery (a.k.a. Blepharoplasty) is the medical term for eyelid surgery designed to improve the cosmetic appearance of the eyes. Eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the upper face and give a more youthful look to the patient. Both the upper and lower eyelids can benefit from blepharoplasty, and they may also be combined with other surgical techniques such as a facelift or brow lift. These can be discussed with Dr. Arslanian. 

By gently removing loose skin, Dr. Arslanian takes some of the pressure off your weary muscles. He can also tighten said muscles to give them added support and a taut, serene appearance. Once the eyelids are contoured to your specifications, Dr. Arslanian sutures the incisions closed to create a pleasing overall look and function for the affected area.

Here is a breakdown of the different procedures: 

Upper Eyelid Surgery

The upper eyelid is the most common type of Blepharoplasty. Many patients choose this option to remove excess skin often appearing with age or genetics. This eyelid surgery can also improve your vision and make the eyelid feel less heavy. For more severe functional issues, upper eyelid surgery can improve the vision and function of the eyelids. 

Lower Eyelid Surgery

The main reason patients choose lower eyelid surgery is to eliminate the look of bags under the eyes. Surgery can remove the excess fatty tissue, improving and smoothing the skin around the area drastically. The incisions are made to be hidden in the natural fold of the lower eyelid to avoid the appearance of scarring. 

What are the benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

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.

Who are the best candidates for 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.

First Steps

What’s the first step?

hello gorgeous interior | Arslanian Plastic Surgery Atlanta Before & After Plastic Surgery Results | male procedure

During your consultation, you will meet with Dr. Arslanian and his staff. They will put you in the proverbial driver’s seat, allowing you to discuss your individual situation as well as your concerns and aesthetic goals. Dr. Arslanian will take a detailed medical history and perform a complete examination of your face and eyes. Dr. Arslanian will take photos to help him point out certain facets of your eyelids and explain his approach to blepharoplasty. 

If you are deemed a good candidate for eyelid surgery, Dr. Arslanian will discuss the various options for blepharoplasty and make sure you are happy with your decision. He will also show you photos of other patients’ before-and-after results to help determine what you are looking to achieve. After answering all your questions, you will then sit down with the surgical coordinator to discuss timing, pricing, and any other questions you might have.

 Communication is a gift. We are eager to listen to your goals and desires, and we also strive to convey useful insights through our blog. Feel free to read our posts and bring your questions (and curiosity) with you to the consultation. 

Before surgery, you will be given detailed instructions regarding the day, time, and location of your procedure. If Dr. Arslanian prescribes any medications, please be sure to fill them before the date of your eyelid surgery. You may wish to rely on a trusted caregiver to carry out these errands for you, including driving you to and from the surgery center on the day of your procedure. 

Please fill out all of your paperwork, including consent forms, before the date of your blepharoplasty. Sometimes, you may require medical clearance from your physician or specialist. You may also need to meet with the anesthesiologist and undergo additional lab work, depending on your medical issues and personal situation.

What to expect on the day of Eyelid Surgery

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. 

Eyelid Surgery recovery

You will go home the same day of surgery and rest. Dr. Arslanian will prescribe pain medicine to help with the first week. You will likely be swollen and have some black and blue bruising around and under the eyes. Ice packs can help with the swelling. Your stitches will come out around 5-7 days after the eyelid surgery. Your swelling should resolve within a couple of weeks but can sometimes persist a little longer.

Please do not rub or scratch the incision site. Your eyes need time to adapt to their stunning new shape, and great results are worth the wait! It is also advisable to wear sunglasses for any outdoor activities. 

Patients can expect their eyelids to fully heal and look much more youthful within 1 month. The results can last for 5-10 years and in some cases may last much longer.

Complementary and Alternative Procedures

The face can be categorized into three main areas: the brow and eyes, the midface, and the lower face/neck. In most patients, these areas all age simultaneously. Oftentimes, patients may seek an eyelift but do not want to treat their face or their neck. This can then lead to disharmony in the face as one area is rejuvenated while other areas are not. 

Patients should consider treating all three areas comprehensively to create the most natural-looking total facial rejuvenation possible. Dr. Arslanian may discuss treatments with you such as upper or lower blepharoplasty, a brow lift, neck liposuction, a facelift, laser treatments, peels, or other ancillary procedures. 

Some people are turning to non-surgical blepharoplasty, or non-surgical eyelid lift, with a product called the plasma pen. However, the results achieved with the plasma pen are not as dramatic as those achieved with a blepharoplasty. A blepharoplasty restructures the tissue around the eyes for long-lasting results. At Arslanian Plastic Surgery, we prefer enduring methods that provide years of youthful beauty. A blepharoplasty is tailored to your appearance and desired outcome.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Cost

How much does Eyelid Surgery cost in Atlanta, GA?

The cost of your Eyelid Surgery in Atlanta will vary depending on the extent of your individual case and whether you choose to add any additional procedures. We would be more than happy to give you a detailed customized quote when you schedule a consultation with Dr. Arslanian. In the meantime, please visit our financing page or call (678) 894-9200 to discuss your rejuvenation needs with a caring professional.

Doctor Arslanian | Arslanian Plastic Surgery Atlanta
Doctor Arslanian | Arslanian Plastic Surgery Atlanta

Why choose Arslanian Plastic Surgery?

When you come to Arslanian Plastic Surgery for Eyelid Surgery you will be in good hands with Dr. Arslanian and his team. Dr. Arslanian obtained his medical degree from the University at Buffalo and then went on to complete a rigorous training program in General Surgery at one of the prestigious Harvard Hospitals: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. During his residency he discovered his passion for plastic surgery: both cosmetic and reconstructive. He then completed another 3 years of specialized training in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Emory University, an epicenter for plastic surgery in the United States. 

As a Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Arslanian has launched and grown his own practice into a busy mix of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to help patients from all over the Metro Atlanta area. Nicknamed “Dr. HOTlanta”, Dr. Arslanian’s goal for every patient is to create a beautiful, natural look, using the safest techniques he has learned.  Dr. Arslanian is an active member of the most prestigious plastic surgery societies, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society.

Contact

Schedule a consultation

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Arslanian, you can call (678) 894-9200, or contact us through our website. We also offer virtual consultations for all patients. Dr. Arslanian will take a detailed medical history and perform a complete examination of your face and eyes. Dr. Arslanian will take photos to help him point out certain facets of your eyelids and explain his approach to blepharoplasty. Get in touch with us today and find out how Dr. Arslanian can help you achieve your ideal look with refreshed brighter eyes.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) FAQ’S