Blepharoplasty

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.

Dr. Brian Arslanian is a double board-certified plastic surgeon proudly serving the needs of Sandy Springs, Jonesboro, Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta and beyond. Known as Dr. Hotlanta® on social media, Dr. Arslanian is synonymous with Atlanta chic

To reap the regards of the doctor’s vast expertise, consider an eyelid surgery at Arslanian Plastic Surgery. You can schedule your consultation online, or call (678) 894-9200 to connect with a friendly, attentive staff member. We also offer virtual consultations to best suit your schedule and lifestyle.

About Blepharoplasty

eyelid surgery

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.[1] To address drooping eyelids, Dr. Arslanian can customize an eyelid surgery to accommodate your needs.

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.

Before and After Photos

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

  • 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

Eligible Candidates

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.

If you are annoyed with people always asking if you’re “tired”, schedule a visit with Dr. Arslanian today and wake up to a whole new you!

Private Consultation in Atlanta

consultation eyelid surgery

During your consultation, you will meet with Dr. Arslanian and his staff. They will put you in the proverbial driver’s seat, giving you the opportunity 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. 

Preparation

Prior to 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. In some cases, 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.

Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Your blepharoplasty will be performed as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgery center. A board-certified anesthesiologist will be present to facilitate the safest conditions possible. The surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Arslanian will make any necessary preoperative markings on the morning of surgery.

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

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.[2] 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.[3] 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 change 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.

Restful 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!

Amazing Results

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.

To get a glimpse of how happy you will be with Dr. Arslanian’s work, visit his stellar reviews page. 

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 a 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. 

For the most impressive results, schedule a blepharoplasty with Dr. Arslanian.

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.

FAQ

How much does eyelid surgery cost in Atlanta?

The cost of your procedure/treatment 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.

References 

  1. Finsterer, J. (2003). Ptosis: Causes, Presentation, and Management. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 27, 193–204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-003-0127-5 
  2. Rohrich, R. J., Coberly, D. M., Fagien, S., & Stuzin, J. M. (2004). Current concepts in aesthetic upper blepharoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 113 (3) 32e-42e. DOI: 10.1097/01.PRS.0000105684.06281.32 
  3. Hidalgo, D. A. (2011). An integrated approach to lower blepharoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 127 (1) 386-395. DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181f95c66