Answers to Your Top Blepharoplasty Questions

As we age, the skin around our eyelids naturally stretches, and our eyelid muscles weaken over time. This often leads to drooping, saggy skin around the eyes, and bulging fat. Excess skin folds can both obstruct peripheral eyesight and cause a noticeable aged, tired look.

Blepharoplasty, frequently known as an “eyelid lift,” is a plastic surgery procedure that improves the appearance of the eyes by removing excess skin and fat from the eyelids. This treatment may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, with results being both natural looking and rejuvenating.

If you’re interested in blepharoplasty in Asheville, NC with Dr. Halvorson, learn more about this plastic surgery procedure and whether you’re a good candidate.

Eyelid Lift FAQs

What can blepharoplasty correct?

Blepharoplasty is a procedure designed to rejuvenate the eye area by addressing several aesthetic and functional issues. Common corrections achieved through eyelid surgery include:

• Excess Skin: Removes sagging or hooded skin from the upper eyelids
• Puffiness: Reduces puffiness in the upper eyelids that can contribute to a constantly tired look
• Wrinkles and Bags: Eliminates excess skin and fine wrinkles in the lower eyelids and reduces under-eye bags
• Vision Improvement: For some, blepharoplasty improves peripheral vision hindered by the drooping of upper eyelid skin

Can upper blepharoplasty correct brow ptosis?

It’s important to understand that upper blepharoplasty does not address brow ptosis, or drooping of the eyebrows. 

The brows are the first thing Dr. Halvorson will examine when assessing the upper eyelids. If there is brow ptosis, the results of upper blepharoplasty alone will be limited, especially laterally, where the excess skin extends out to the side of the eye. A brow lift will correct much of the perceived excess upper eyelid skin, allowing blepharoplasty to proceed without removing too much excess skin.  

If brow ptosis is not corrected, blepharoplasty may remove too much upper eyelid skin, which can pull the eyebrow down further and also give a less-than-ideal result. 

Who is the ideal candidate for an eyelid lift?

An eyelid lift is beneficial for individuals looking to correct age-related changes to their eyelids. Ideal candidates are those who:

• Are in good overall health without serious eye conditions
• Have noticeable signs of aging around the eyes, such as droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, or excess eyelid skin
• Are non-smokers, as smoking can complicate both the surgery and the healing process
• Have realistic expectations about the surgery outcomes and are seeking improvement in their eyelid appearance

How is blepharoplasty performed?

Upper blepharoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia, though general anesthesia is typically used for lower blepharoplasty, upper and lower blepharoplasty, and in more complex cases. Depending on whether both the upper and lower eyelids are addressed, the procedure usually takes about one to two hours.

For the upper eyelid, our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Halvorson, makes incisions along the natural lines of the eyelids. These incisions remove excess skin, muscle, and possibly fat, and they are then closed with fine sutures.

In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is often made inside the eyelid to remove excess fat and just below the lashes in the natural crease to remove the skin. This approach allows the removal or redistribution of excess fat, skin, and muscle without leaving visible scars.

Are eyelid surgery results permanent?

While the results of blepharoplasty are considered long-lasting, they are not classified as permanent due to the natural aging process that continues after the surgery. While surgery can set the clock back, nothing stops time and gravity!  The removal of excess skin and fat can greatly rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes, and these results typically last for many years. However, as aging continues, some patients may notice gradual changes and may opt for additional treatments in the future.

Lifestyle factors and genetics also play a role in the longevity of surgical outcomes.

What should I expect from blepharoplasty recovery?

Recovery from blepharoplasty typically involves a short period of downtime. Most patients experience bruising and swelling, which peak within the first few days after surgery and generally subside over the next two weeks. Cold compresses and head elevation can help minimize swelling.

Patients are often able to return to normal activities within a week or two but may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a longer period. It is crucial to follow Dr. Halvorson’s post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and achieve the best results.

Learn More About Blepharoplasty in Asheville, NC

If you think an eyelid lift may be right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at Halvorson Plastic Surgery. Here, we’ll discuss your goals in a confidential, judgment-free setting and discuss whether upper, lower, or four-lid blepharoplasty is right for you.

Have additional questions? Get in touch with us today to learn more about our approach to blepharoplasty in Asheville.