Blepharoplasty Provides a More Alert and Youthful Look

Candidates for Blepharoplasty

Many men and women seek blepharoplasty to diminish the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and raise drooping eyelids. Typical blepharoplasty patients are 35 or older, but if your eyelids have begun to droop at a younger age, you may still be an excellent candidate for this procedure.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Patients who are experiencing sagging or puffy upper eyelids as a result of excess fatty tissue can benefit from the fat tissue being removed. The remaining skin can be gently pulled taut and elevated, as needed, to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Patients with enlarged lower eyelids due to fat deposits may be candidates for lower eyelid surgery. During surgery, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will make an incision beneath the lower eyelash to remove excess skin and fat. This procedure can dramatically transform a person’s appearance.

Blepharoplasty is completely customized to meet your needs, and you can choose to address the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

Certain medical conditions can affect your candidacy for blepharoplasty, including glaucoma, a detached retina, or dry eyes. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or thyroid conditions can also affect your candidacy. Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne can help determine your candidacy during a consultation.

Benefits and Results

Blepharoplasty is completely customized to meet your needs, and you can choose to address the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The procedure can correct a number of cosmetic issues by:

Lifting the Upper Lids

• Removing excess skin from the upper eyelids and reducing puffiness
• Raising sagging upper eyelids that can obstruct vision
• Tightening loose skin that can create significant lines and wrinkles
• Improving the field of vision
• Providing a “wide awake” and alert appearance

Smoothing the Lower Eyelids

• Eliminating excess fat from below the eyes and reducing bags
• Lifting sagging lower eyelids
• Tightening loose skin that can create significant lines and wrinkles
• Removing the appearance of fatigue

Blepharoplasty is not designed to remove crow's feet or to raise sagging eyebrows. To correct these conditions, ask Dr. Boudreaux or Dr. Claiborne about a brow lift or non-surgical skin treatments, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, which can be performed alone or in conjunction with your blepharoplasty.

Preparing for Your Treatment

Recovery from this procedure can take about 10 days to two weeks. Having necessary supplies ready is one way to ensure a full and healthy recovery:

• Ice
• Washcloths
• Plastic bags to hold ice
• Gauze pads
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Artificial tears or moisturizing ointment
• Nutritious foods and drinks

You might also find it helpful to have a friend or family member stay with you for at least the first few days following surgery.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

In the weeks leading up to your blepharoplasty, patients should eliminate smoking and minimize alcohol consumption. Before your surgery, you will have a complete consultation with Dr. Boudreaux or Dr. Claiborne. In addition to discussing your cosmetic goals, they will evaluate your medical history.

For Upper Blepharoplasty

Before the procedure, which will take place at our private surgical center, local anesthesia will be applied to numb the treatment area. General anesthesia is also available to help patients remain relaxed.

To begin, Dr. Boudreaux or Dr. Claiborne will create tiny incisions hidden in the natural folds of your eyelids. For upper eyelid surgery, the incision will be made in the eyelid crease. Working through that incision, Dr. Boudreaux or Dr. Claiborne will trim away excess skin that may be obstructing vision or causing your eyelids to appear tired or droopy. Minor adjustments to the muscles may be needed. The last step involves lifting the remaining skin and closing the incisions with special sutures. 

For Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery allows Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne to transfer fat or dermal fillers to sunken-in areas under the eye, leaving your face looking more defined and healthy-looking.

While treating the lower eyelid, they may create an incision on the lower lash line. Through these incisions, they will carefully lift and suture the underlying muscle, removing any excess tissue, as needed. If you only need fat removal below your eye and do not need any tissue removal, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne may use a transconjunctival incision, located just inside the lower eyelid.

Remember to arrange for a friend or relative to pick you up from our clinic. A full recovery from blepharoplasty (for upper or lower eyelid) typically takes up to two weeks. During this time, or until Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne advise otherwise, you should refrain from strenuous physical activity. Once healing is complete, you can expect to have a more alert and youthful appearance.

Aftercare and Side Effects

Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will provide you with a comprehensive recovery plan that should be followed closely. If you have any questions, Dr. Boudreaux, Dr. Claiborne and our staff will be available whenever you need us.

Eyelid surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, but there can be some pain experienced during recovery. Trusted surgeons such as Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will perform minimal modifications to ensure that your recovery is quick and as comfortable as possible. Most patients describe the discomfort felt in the days after surgery as similar to sunburn or windburn. Ice packs can help manage any swelling. Most bruising and swelling should subside within a week or two.

Learn More about Blepharoplasty

Cosmetic eyelid surgery can help you feel more confident in your appearance. Our team can provide all the information you need to make an informed decision on whether it is right for you. If you choose to undergo surgery, rest assured you will be in expert hands. Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne have extensive experience and advanced training, and they are well-known for their compassionate and caring bedside manner. Contact our online office or call (985) 237-6050 today to learn more about how a custom blepharoplasty procedure can rejuvenate your appearance.