Blepharoplasty

Why should you consider an upper lid blepharoplasty?

Upper lid blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that improves the look and function of your upper eyelid. As you age, the structural changes that affect your skin, orbital fat, and elevator muscle-extensions may be most noticeable in the delicate tissues of your upper eyelid. In some older patients, detachment of the elevator muscle extensions results in aesthetic and functional changes.  

These findings may cause your upper eyelid skin to sag, creating excess skin folds at or over the lid margin that can reduce your full field of vision and camouflage the presence of the normal double-lid line. Weakening of a fascial barrier results in a bulging fat protrusion in the inside corner of the upper lid. Thinning or detachment of the elevator muscle to the fibrocartilaginous plate (tarsal plate) results in dropping the upper lid (ptosis) and blunting, malposition, or loss of the double-lid line.

To improve the look of your upper eyelid, Dr. Sasaki offers blepharoplasty. He has extensive experience and has performed upper eyelid surgery on many patients with various ethnic backgrounds. 

Why should you consider a lower blepharoplasty?

The lower blepharoplasty addresses the lower eyelid. Like your upper eyelid, the effects of aging may cause excess skin, accentuating folds and wrinkle lines that make you look tired even after a full night of rest. Thinning of a fascial barrier permits intra-orbital fat protrusions (bags) into three pockets (inner, central, and outer portions). Weakening of the lower half of the circular orbicularis oculi muscle allows the lower lid to pull away from the globe leading to red, irritating, and dry eyes.  

What happens during an upper lid blepharoplasty? 

The details of your blepharoplasty depend on your specific aesthetic needs and goals. Dr. Sasaki creates individualized surgical plans and reviews the details with you at your consultation.

If you demonstrate extra skin and fat bulging in the proper upper lid, an elliptical skin excision and simultaneous removal of the protruding fat from the inner corner address these concerns. When you exhibit a significant drooping of the upper lid towards your pupil, causing partial obstruction to vision or asymmetry to both upper lids, Dr. Sasaki will provide you with precise surgical options to raise the upper lid from either an outside approach (tightening or advancing the extension of the voluntary elevator muscle) or an inside approach (shortening the involuntary elevator muscle). If you are in good health, Dr. Sasaki can perform your upper lid blepharoplasty in the office under local anesthesia, ensuring your safety and comfort. The procedure may take up to 1 to 1.5 hours. 

What happens during a lower blepharoplasty?

If you demonstrate extra skin, fat bulging, and lower lid laxity in the lower lid, Dr. Sasaki recommends an outside approach (subciliary) with an incision below the lash line. The skin excision exposes the fat under the muscle that then can be conservatively removed under direct vision. The muscle layer is then lifted and tightening at the outside corner of the eye to support the lower lid. The skin adjustment is closed with absorbable sutures.

If you demonstrate primarily fat bulging but no extra skin or lid laxity, Dr. Sasaki will recommend an inside approach (transconjunctival) with an incision inside the lower lid. 

After entry through the mucosa and inferior lower lid muscle retractors, the fat is easily visualized and removed under direct vision. The mucosa edges are approximated with a single absorbing suture that dissolves on its own within a few days. 

Dr. Sasaki will perform your lower lid blepharoplasty in the hospital for your safety and comfort. 

What can I expect during the recovery period? 

Dr. Sasaki reviews the details of what to expect during your blepharoplasty recovery at your initial consultation. The tissue around your eyes heals quickly but may exhibit bruising because of the tissue thinness. You may be able to return to work within a week of the procedure. You may shower and shampoo the day after surgery. Your absorbing sutures are removed in 10 days.  

To support healing, Dr. Sasaki provides specific instructions regarding the care of the surgical areas and activity. He schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing. In some cases, Dr. Sasaki may suggest additional procedures to enhance your surgical effects, such as Botox®, dermal fillers, or light chemical peels.  

To schedule your blepharoplasty consultation, call Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center, or book an appointment online today.