Eyelid Enhancement

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA

eyelid enchancement

Eyelid Enhancement is a rejuvenating surgery performed with an eyelid lift, and is also called a blepharoplasty. An eyelid lift is a procedure that corrects the aesthetic appearance of sagging skin around the eyes. As soon as we wake up each morning, our eyes are always working to gather information about the world around us, so the muscles that control them are in constant use; all day, every day. This, combined with the rigors of aging and countless expressions throughout the lifespan, can take its toll on the delicate tissues of the face over time. Unsurprisingly, surgeries to correct eyelid irregularities are toward the top of the list of popular cosmetic surgeries today!(1) Patients choose eyelid lift surgery for a multitude of reasons, correcting:

  • Sagging upper eyelids
  • Puffy, tired-looking eyes
  • “Eye bags” drooping from the lower eyelids
  • Slackened upper eyelids causing vision problems
  • Congenital or acquired defects

Thankfully, Faces + offers treatments that could dramatically improve the appearance of your eyes with a fresh, rejuvenating facial transformation. Renowned craniofacial and plastic surgeon Dr. Steven R. Cohen conducts procedures that reinvigorate and enhance your natural radiance. We are located in beautiful San Diego, CA, and proudly care for our patients in the area and beyond. Don’t put off rewarding yourself for your eyes’ years of hard work. Contact our office at 858.453.7224 or fill out the online inquiry form on our website. Our friendly staff will be happy to arrange a personal consultation for you.

Before and After Photos

Ptosis of the Eyelids

Ptosis is the official terminology used to describe the sagging of skin around the eyes. In less severe cases, it can seem as though you are just very tired. You may receive comments that you look perpetually run down or sleepy. In the most serious cases, ptosis can cause the upper eyelid to droop so much that it covers the pupil.

What causes ptosis?

Ptosis can arise due to a wide variety of individual factors, but it is broadly categorized in one of two ways: 

  • Congenital ptosis: The presence of drooping eyelids since birth. The condition can be unilateral or bilateral (present in one, or both eyes), and is usually noticeable within a few months after birth.(2)
  • Acquired ptosis: Eyelid sagging that results from aging, or medical conditions.

Ptosis is further categorized into three groups according to the severity of eyelid skin sagging:

Mild Ptosis

Mild sagging of the skin around the eye is up to 2mm. This causes minimal irritation to the eye and only minor discomfort.

Moderate Ptosis

With sagging of between 3-4mm into the field of vision, moderate ptosis could impair sight if it is not treated promptly.

Severe Ptosis

Severe ptosis is drooping that is greater than 4mm. At this stage, loose skin covers most, if not all, of the pupil. It can cause significant problems with eye functionality, and field of vision.

People who suffer from ptosis complain of eye irritation, or of their eyes continually watering.(3) Aponeurotic ptosis, the most common form of eyelid drooping for those over 50, presents when the levator muscle of the eyelid becomes overstretched, and is the most common form of ptosis overall.(4) Eye muscle strain can feel unpleasant, and can make our eyes appear fatigued. As well as being a cosmetic annoyance, these symptoms can result in frustrating interruptions to routine tasks. 

Our eyes are a huge part of our identity, so it is essential that we are happy with their appearance. If you experience eye drooping, discover the benefits of eye lift surgery and other facial procedures at Faces + and schedule a face-to-face appointment with Dr. Cohen.

Benefits of Eyelid Lift Surgery

Revitalizing ptosis correction surgery can help you feel more beautiful! In addition, a blepharoplasty can:

  • Restore your field of vision
  • Undo the effects of aging by eliminating the “tired eyes” look
  • Boost your confidence
  • Reduce the appearance of under-eye bags
  • Alter and correct your eye shape

Eyelid lift surgery is one of the most reliable ways to give your face a more youthful, vibrant look. It is on the lower end of the pain scale for plastic surgeries,(5) and achieves long-term positive effects with minimal scarring. For more details about facial rejuvenation procedures, visit our website to find out more.

Candidates for Eyelid Lift Surgery

Men and women who seek eyelid lift surgery come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Good blepharoplasty candidates are people who are:

  • Affected regularly by upper eyelid sagging
  • Affected by lower eyelid “bags”
  • Have pragmatic, positive expectations of what can be achieved with surgery
  • Not affected by medical conditions that could affect treatment
  • Non-smokers

Let Dr. Cohen tailor an individual facial rejuvenation plan for your specific needs. Contact us at 858.453.7224 to arrange a personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Cohen provides the highest quality care for all of his patients, beginning with a personal consultation at our San Diego office. He will conduct a detailed physical examination and will discuss your excess skin sagging, and how surgery can benefit your individual needs.

Preparation for Eyelid Lift Surgery

Planning what to do before any surgery can be daunting, but have no fear: The team at Faces + is here to provide all the information you need before your blepharoplasty procedure. Before your surgery date, Dr. Cohen will give you the following advice:

  • Stop taking certain medications (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen etc.), Vitamin E, and herbal supplements two weeks before your surgery
  • Refrain from smoking, or using any nicotine products at least two weeks before your surgery
  • Use a high SPF sunscreen on your face and limit sun exposure as much as possible
  • Arrange for someone to pick you up from our office after surgery

Blepharoplasty Procedure

Eyelid lift surgery removes and repositions the skin of the eyelids. Because everyone’s eyes are different and have their own unique shape and contours, there are many variations available. You may want to combine upper and lower eyelid lift surgery for more noticeable results. 

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Cohen will carefully anesthetize the upper eyelid area, then make incisions in the upper eyelid along its natural crease. He will then make delicate adjustments to the inner musculature and tissues surrounding the eye, removing skin and fatty tissue as needed. This careful sculpting of the area results in minimal scarring.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

After anesthesia is administered, fat and skin tissues are shaped or removed through an incision below the lower lashes. The transconjunctival approach may also be used in your lower eyelid surgery. Retracting the lower lid away from the eye and making an incision on the inner side of the tissue, Dr. Cohen will use your natural eye creases as a guide and remove and sculpt problematic tissue under the eye.

Recovering from Eyelid Lift Surgery

After your blepharoplasty, you should expect some short-term swelling and bruising. You may experience temporary, manageable pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision, so it is best to take it easy immediately following the procedure. Wearing dark glasses and staying out of the sun is vital for healing to take place simply and quickly. Surgical incisions are usually sealed with sutures or skin glue, so it is important to refrain from touching or rubbing the area, as this may impede the healing process. A cold compress and eye drops are useful items that inhibit swelling and provide relief. Medication may also be useful to prevent dry eyes and post-surgical irritation.

Results

Many people seek eyelid lift surgery to regain their youthful looks. Understandably, blepharoplasty is a surgery choice that yields lasting, noticeable cosmetic results. After Dr. Cohen removes and resculpts tissue in the area, skin textures achieve a smoother and tighter appearance. This is one of the many clear-cut cosmetic benefits of blepharoplasty. After their procedure, our patients also experience better-defined eye shape and a more satisfying overall facial appearance. Ten to 15 days after your procedure, your successful results will be apparent in the form of a brighter, more rested face. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

If you are interested in a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan, Dr. Cohen is more than capable of providing a number of complementary procedures to give you the facial makeover you always dreamed of. You may consider adding the following additional treatments to your blepharoplasty:

Botox

Botox has become a popular way to revitalize waning areas of the face that become more noticeably creased with age. By weakening certain specific muscles and blocking certain facial nerves, a botox treatment can smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Combining a blepharoplasty procedure with a medspa Botox treatment could be the perfect combination to regain the youthful vibrance of your face.

Lip Fillers

If your transformative eyelid lift procedure is the main event, you may consider the finishing touch to be fillers. Using a natural filler  Facial fillers like Juvederm and Restylane enhance and improve the appearance of a number of features, the most prominent of which are the lips. Consider lip fillers to help add lip fullness and radiance to your eyelid lift treatment.

Cost of Eyelid Lift Surgery in San Diego

The cost of eyelid surgery varies from patient to patient, and every procedure is planned with your individual needs in mind. You’ll be given an accurate estimate for your blepharoplasty procedure following your personal consultation.

FAQ

How long does an eyelid lift procedure take?

The length of an eyelid surgery depends on whether the surgery is on one eye or both eyes, and whether the upper, lower, or both sets of eyelids are operated on. A blepharoplasty that includes changes to the upper and lower lids is usually around two hours in length.

My whole face has sagging skin, what can I do?

How long does an eyelid lift procedure take?

The length of an eyelid surgery depends on whether the surgery is on one eye or both eyes, and whether the upper, lower, or both sets of eyelids are operated on. A blepharoplasty that includes changes to the upper and lower lids is usually around two hours in length.

My whole face has sagging skin, what can I do?

You may consider blepharoplasty to correct sagging in the eye area, and further surgeries that alter the laxity of the skin. These include, but are not limited to, face lift, brow lift, neck lift, and neck liposuction.

Will I be able to drive home after my eyelid lift surgery?

As a safety precaution, you will not be able to drive home after your eyelift surgery. Your surgeon will advise you to arrange for someone to pick you up after completion.

I heard eyelid surgery is painful, is this true?

Although there is some postoperative pain, it is temporary. The benefits of the long-term effects of eyelid lift surgery usually outweigh the short-lived period of discomfort after the procedure.

How noticeable is scarring after an eyelid lift?

Scarring is minimized in blepharoplasty because surgeons follow the natural creases in the eyelids, creating a near seamless effect after healing.

References

  1. Drolet, B. C., & Sullivan, P. K. (2014). Evidence-based medicine: Blepharoplasty. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 133(5), 1195–1205. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000000087
  2. Finsterer J. (2003). Ptosis: causes, presentation, and management. Aesthetic plastic surgery, 27(3), 193–204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-003-0127-5
  3. Shukla UV, Patel BC. Congenital Ptosis. [Updated 2021 Aug 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568688/
  4. Koka K, Patel BC. Ptosis Correction. [Updated 2021 Jul 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539828/
  5. Lee, H., Lee, J., & Baek, S. (2012). Postoperative pain assessment for upper lid blepharoplasty in Asians. Annals of plastic surgery, 69(3), 244–246. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0b013e31822afa7f