Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Huntington Beach

In addition to offering an extensive array of advanced eye care and vision correction treatments, Clarity Eye Group’s surgeons perform several cosmetic procedures, including eyelid surgery. Oculoplastics specialists of Clarity Eye Group use a unique combination of advanced surgical skill, refined aesthetic judgment and compassionate patient care to deliver the best possible aesthetic results for each one of their eyelid surgery Orange County patients. Please peruse the paragraphs below to learn more about blepharoplasty and the remarkable results Orange County eyelid surgery patients can achieve through it.

What Does Eyelid Surgery Do?

With age, the upper and/or lower eyelids can become puffy, droopy or saggy due to the skin losing elasticity, the muscles weakening and fat pockets bulging. Sometimes the upper eyelid skin stretches to such an extent that it droops over the upper lashline, interfering with the line of sight. The skin of the lower eyelids can also droop to reveal the part of the eye under the iris. All of these factors can make the eyes look tired, aged or sad.

Eyelid surgery is intended to improve the appearance of the eyelids, giving the eyes a more youthful, rested and pleasant expression. During the surgery, excess skin is removed, the tissues are tightened and displaced fat is restored to the correct position to create more attractive eyelids.

Clarity Eye Group offers “no-stitch eyelid surgery,” which we feel offers the most natural-looking outcomes. After making the necessary surgical modifications, we use TISSEEL glue, made from clotting proteins found naturally in the blood, to seal the tissues together.

Are You a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

You may be a suitable candidate for eyelid surgery if you:

• Are bothered by saggy, droopy or puffy upper and/or lower eyelids
• Have trouble seeing because excess eyelid skin droops into your visual field
• Find yourself tilting your head back in order to see clearly because of the excess skin
• Have wrinkled eyelid skin
• Have bags under your lower eyelids
• Are in good general health
• Do not smoke or can quit several weeks prior to surgery
• Understand what is reasonable to expect from surgery

If you are interested in eyelid surgery but aren’t sure whether you are a good candidate, we invite you to schedule an informational consultation with our doctors.

What Is the Difference Between Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty?

There are two main types of eyelid surgery: upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty. Although they are frequently combined to maximize the rejuvenation of the face, they are two separate surgeries.

Upper blepharoplasty addresses drooping upper eyelids. A hooding effect is created when extra skin and fat accumulate just above the eyes, which pushes down on the upper eyelids and makes it more difficult for them to open completely. In addition to removing excess tissue, this surgery also tightens eyelid muscles that become weaker with age to further improve their ability to keep the eyes open for a younger appearance.

Lower blepharoplasty deals with the hollows (or “tear troughs”) just below the eyes. Here, the eye surgeon removes loose skin and repositions fat to eliminate bags and restore a smooth texture to the under-eye area. Patients who have this surgery have a refreshed appearance and tend to look less tired.

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

By removing excess skin and pockets of fat from the upper and lower eyelids, our Orange County eyelid surgery specialists can reduce sagging and even improve the appearance of tired or puffy-looking eyes. Also, blepharoplasty can be combined with a brow lift or another cosmetic procedure designed to reduce crow’s feet around the eyes, further improving the look of the eye area.

At Clarity Eye Group, we specialize in no-stitch eyelid surgery for the most natural-looking outcome possible. No-stitch blepharoplasty is accomplished with the help of an adhesive tissue glue called TISSEEL glue. The glue is made of clotting proteins that are found naturally in the blood and dissolves without leaving residue for the most successful healing.

Blepharoplasty Procedure Details

Upper blepharoplasty: After administering local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during your surgery, your surgeon makes an incision along the crease of the upper eyelid (where any scarring that should form is easily concealed). Through this incision, your surgeon can remove excess skin and fat and tighten weakened muscles so that the eyes can open fully. Care is taken to ensure that the eyelids are symmetrical and have the same elevation on both sides of the face. The entire surgery is usually complete in about one hour.

Lower blepharoplasty: Your surgeon uses local anesthesia to ensure you do not experience pain during the procedure. Usually, the surgeon makes an incision along the lower eyelash to hide any potential scarring more easily. Through this incision, your surgeon can move facial fat to fill in the sunken space beneath your eyes. Your surgeon also removes any loose skin that ages the face. It typically takes about one hour to perform this surgery on both eyes.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

The several weeks you spend recovering from eyelid surgery are well worth the anti-aging and functional benefits of the procedure.

Expect to receive  a set of comprehensive written instructions from our team regarding aftereffects, incision care and activity limitations. Call or email us if you have questions about these guidelines.

What to Expect after Surgery

It is normal to experience mild swelling and bruising in the days immediately following eyelid surgery. It may appear as though you have a “black eye” for a few days. Other common aftereffects include a tight or numb sensation in the lids, watery eyes, sensitivity to light and blurry vision.

If you have any discomfort after eyelid surgery, you can take prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Applying a cool compress to your eyelids will help soothe discomfort, too.

Your eyes may become tired easily right after surgery. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Try to limit visually strenuous activities, such as heavy computer work or reading, as much as possible. Get plenty of sleep and take naps as needed to rest your healing eyes.

Guidelines to Prevent Complications:

• Use ointments, drops or prescribed medications according to our team’s instructions.
• Keep your surgical incision lines clean and dry to prevent infection and other complications.
• Do not rub, scratch or press on your eyelids or incisions.
• Refrain from wearing contact lenses until we say it is okay to do so.
• Keep your head elevated above your chest, including while you sleep, for approximately one week. Sleep in a reclined position or prop yourself up on a few large pillows.
• Protect your healing eyelids from elements like the sun and wind. Wear wraparound sunglasses when going outdoors.
• Follow all other post-operative instructions provided by our team.
• Attend all post-operative follow-up appointments.
• Most importantly, refrain from smoking or using tobacco products while you heal.
• If you notice anything unusual, such as pain that seems to be worsening with time or an unusual discharge from your incisions, promptly contact our office.

Returning to Your Regular Routine

Bathing: You can bathe the day after eyelid surgery, as long as you keep your eyes dry. Take care not to get soap, shampoo, shaving cream or other topical products in or near your eyes.

Driving: You can resume driving when you are no longer taking pain medication, and when you feel confident enough in your vision to get behind the wheel.

Work: How soon you are able to resume work depends on your individual recovery progress and the nature of your job. Most of our patients schedule one to two weeks off from work after eyelid surgery. Some feel good enough to work from home as soon as several days after surgery. If your job requires strenuous activity or heavy lifting, you will likely need to delay your return to work.

Exercise: Walking is permitted as soon as you feel ready. Strenuous exercise or activities that involve getting your heart rate up considerably, running or jumping should be avoided for at least two weeks. At one of your follow-up appointments, our team will clear you to resume strenuous exercise.

Eyelid Surgery FAQ

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

Eyelid surgery costs depend on the scope of the treatment plan, the surgeon performing the procedure and other factors. For more information about pricing, please contact our practice today.

Can I drive after my surgery?

You cannot drive yourself home from your procedure, but you may be able to drive as soon as 24 hours after your surgery if your surgeon permits you to do so.

Will insurance cover my eyelid surgery?

Some insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of eyelid surgery if the surgery is performed to remove loose skin from the upper lids that interferes with your vision. To qualify for insurance coverage, your doctor may need to provide documentation that your vision is impaired for driving or other daily tasks because of the excess skin. You will need to speak with your insurance company and check your plan documents for details.

Are the results permanent?

Eyelid surgery does not stop the aging process. However, your eyes will always look younger than they would if you did not have surgery.

Is eyelid surgery painful?

Eyelid surgery is not painful. You will receive anesthesia prior to surgery so you do not feel anything during the procedure. You might have mild discomfort during your initial recovery, which can be managed with prescription medication.

How soon can I return to work?

Expect to take approximately one week off from work to recover from surgery. Your surgeon will advise you as to when it is safe to resume work during one of your follow-up visits.

Can I wear contacts after eyelid surgery?

You will probably not be able to wear your contacts for about two weeks after eyelid surgery (wear your glasses instead). You shouldn’t pull or tug on the area around your incisions or the healing skin and tissues. Your surgeon will advise you as to when you can resume wearing contacts during a follow-up visit.

Do blepharoplasty results look natural?

Eyelid surgery is famously one of the more subtle cosmetic procedures. The changes may be small, but the biggest transformation is the energy you radiate. In many cases, your friends will notice a difference and not know what to attribute it to, assuming that you’ve improved your skin care routine or committed to getting more sleep. When blepharoplasty is performed by an expert eye surgeon at Clarity Eye Group, you can rest assured that you will still look like yourself — just a significantly younger and more alert version.

Can blepharoplasty improve asymmetrical eyelids?

Symmetry is one of the most important traits people look for (even if unconsciously) when assessing the attractiveness of a face. Therefore, it makes sense that people with asymmetrical eyelids have cosmetic concerns. Some people are born with uneven eyelids, while others develop them over time when one eyelid starts to sag more significantly than the other.

Fortunately, blepharoplasty is a very effective tool for correcting differences in the upper eyelids. Your surgeon carefully measures each eyelid to ensure that they have the same elevation in their resting position.

Contact Us Today

To learn more about the benefits of eyelid surgery, or to schedule an appointment with one of our Orange County blepharoplasty specialists, contact Clarity Eye Group today.