Welcome to Our Clinic

Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a surgical procedure to shape or recontour the eyelids. It may restore the eyelids to a more youthful appearance after changes due to age, medical condition, exposure to harsh environment or trauma. In the Asian patient, blepharoplasty may be used to create a fold in the upper eyelid (“double eyelids”).

You may be a candidate for eyelid surgery if:

  • Your eyelids have excess skin
  • You desire well defined upper eyelid creases (double eyelids)
  • You have excess “puffiness or bags” under your eyes
  • You have trouble with vision due to excess skin or fat in your upper eyelids
  • You have asymmetry in eye shapes
  • You have changes in your eyelids shape due to age

Eyelid consultation

At your consultation we will discuss:

  • Why you want eyelid surgery and expectations
  • Medical history, medications, and allergies
  • Previous surgeries
  • Results of any previous eye problems or surgeries

Dr. Tran and his team will show you before and after photos of past patients who have undergone eyelid surgery to help you gain a better understanding the results you may expect to attain.

Preparing for your eyelid procedure

Prior to the eyelid surgery, our team at Dr. Alan T. Tran Plastic Surgery will provide you with a set of instructions that the patient must abide by before the surgery. Some of the instructions include:

  • Get lab testing and/or a medical evaluation
  • Stop smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery
  • Avoid taking any anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, as these can increase your risk for bleeding
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after this procedure

Eyelid surgery techniques

There are several incision techniques that can be performed for eyelid surgery. Your surgeon will help you decide on a method that is right for you based on the anatomy and condition of your eyelids.

Upper blepharoplasty

An incision is made in the natural fold of the upper eyelids so that it is hidden from sight. After the incision is made, the surgeon will remove excess skin and tissue while tightening the remaining skin and sculpting fat to achieve a more youthful eye appearance.

If a double eyelid appearance is desire, the incision closure will be anchored to the upper eyelid levator (lifting) mechanism to create this fold.

Lower blepharoplasty

Dr. Tran may make an incision just below the lower eyelashes, where excess skin will be removed if necessary. An inner eyelid incision may be made within the lower eyelid to reposition fat and improve puffiness under the eyes. Fat may be taken to fill the tear trough hollowness if needed.

Incision closure

Once the desired amount of excess skin has been removed and fat has been redistributed and sculpted, the incisions are closed with sutures. The incisions are taped.

What to expect after your eyelid procedure

After your eyelid procedure is complete, you will be provided with specific instructions, including:

  • Postoperative care to follow at home
  • Prescriptions for medications
  • Follow up appointments

Eyelid surgery recovery

After the procedure is complete, bandages will be applied to the eye area to help reduce swelling. Prescribed medication can be taken to alleviate the pain or soreness that exists.
The time to recover from eyelid surgery is different for everyone. Generally, most patients return to work after about a week, but strenuous activity should be refrained from for at least two weeks after surgery.

Eyelid surgery results

It will take several weeks when the incisions heal and swelling resolves to see the result of your eyelid surgery. Incisions will fade over a few months usually becoming barely visible. The results of aesthetic eyelid surgery are usually long lasting, but they may be affected by heredity and lifestyle factors. Removal of fat from your eyelids, which is usually the cause of puffiness and bags, is permanent and usually will not recur. However, the skin continues to age and skin laxity along with the fine wrinkling of the eyelid area may return.
Sometimes loss of tone in the forehead causes sagging of the eyebrows which mimics a recurrence of drooping upper eyelids. Correction of this condition may require a forehead lift or a secondary eyelid procedure. Even though the aging process continues, patients are generally very happy with their appearance for many years following eyelid surgery.

The first step in eyelid surgery is to visit our clinic for a consultation. You will spend quality time with Dr. Tran, a board-certified plastic surgeon, who will address all your questions regarding the surgery, and the post-surgery recovery.

We look forward to helping you achieve your best natural look!