Call Northwest Eye at (763) 515-7870 to schedule a cosmetic consult with Dr. Schmitt.
Northwest Eye Facial Rejuvenation
Nicholas J. Schmitt, MD
Call Northwest Eye at (763) 515-7870 to schedule a cosmetic consult with Dr. Schmitt.
Call Northwest Eye at (763) 515-7870 to schedule a cosmetic consult with Dr. Schmitt.
What is a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)?
Blepharoplasty (Blepharo- means “eyelid”, and –plasty means “change”) is the most commonly performed facial plastic surgery procedure. This is because the eyelids account for a large part of the expressiveness of the face. When you look at someone, you look at his or her eyes. If the eyelids are sagging, droopy, or puffy, the face will look fatigued, sad, and tired despite good health and adequate rest. If the eyes look bright and alert, an otherwise aging face will appear rejuvenated. Thus, blepharoplasty is a procedure that can rejuvenate the face as well as the eyes.
How is a blepharoplasty performed?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a same day surgery under light sedation and local anesthesia.
* An incision is made in the natural upper-lid skin crease, across the lid.
* Excess skin is removed using an advanced electrocautery device with the precision of a laser.
* Bulging orbital fat may be removed, sculpted or repositioned.
* Lateral sub-brow fat that contributes to upper lid fullness may be removed and/or sculpted.
* The incision is closed using a fine, absorbable suture.
* An incision is made in the natural upper-lid skin crease, across the lid.
* Excess skin is removed using an advanced electrocautery device with the precision of a laser.
* Bulging orbital fat may be removed, sculpted or repositioned.
* Lateral sub-brow fat that contributes to upper lid fullness may be removed and/or sculpted.
* The incision is closed using a fine, absorbable suture.
What is a lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
Lower-lid blepharoplasty is performed to soften the puffiness of the lower eyelids caused by prolapsed orbital fat.
* An incision is made across the length of the inside of the lower lid to remove or sculpt the fat (transconjunctival blepharoplasty).
* Fat may be repositioned to improve a tear trough deformity.
* Excess skin is removed, if necessary.
* Lower lid laxity or droop may be simultaneously corrected.
* Blending of the lid-cheek junction is performed with a lateral canthoplasty and orbicularis muscle suspension.
* An incision is made across the length of the inside of the lower lid to remove or sculpt the fat (transconjunctival blepharoplasty).
* Fat may be repositioned to improve a tear trough deformity.
* Excess skin is removed, if necessary.
* Lower lid laxity or droop may be simultaneously corrected.
* Blending of the lid-cheek junction is performed with a lateral canthoplasty and orbicularis muscle suspension.
What can I expect after the surgery?
* Postoperatively, there is minimal discomfort and patients rarely require more than extra-strength Tylenol.
* It is important to ice the eyelids often for the first few days to minimize bruising and swelling.
* It is also important to keep the head of the bed elevated.
* Minimize bending over and heavy lifting for the first week.
* Patients may return to work after a few days.
* Make-up may be worn in 1-2 weeks.
* It is important to ice the eyelids often for the first few days to minimize bruising and swelling.
* It is also important to keep the head of the bed elevated.
* Minimize bending over and heavy lifting for the first week.
* Patients may return to work after a few days.
* Make-up may be worn in 1-2 weeks.