Blepharoplasty in Atlanta, GA

Droopy, tired-looking eyes and wrinkles in the eye area are often among the first signs of aging to appear as a person grows older. Louis M. DeJoseph, M.D. is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta, GA who specializes in cosmetic eyelid surgery, better known in the medical community as blepharoplasty. Dr. DeJoseph rejuvenates the face during this transformative plastic surgery procedure by contouring the eyes and restoring a refreshed, awake appearance. Blepharoplasty in Atlanta helps patients look their best and feel more confident in their daily lives.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, also known as cosmetic eyelid surgery, is a facial plastic surgery procedure that is performed to revitalize the eye area. During the procedure, excess tissue of the eyelid is removed from the upper or lower lids to create a more youthful appearance. This procedure can:

• Smooth wrinkles around the eyes
• Remove excess skin and fat
• Improve the resting expression
• Resolve eye bags beneath the lash line

In some cases, upper eyelid surgery is a medical necessity when it is performed to remove eyelid hooding that interferes with the patient’s eyesight. However, the procedure is most commonly performed for cosmetic reasons.

There are two different versions of eyelid surgery: upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty. Upper eyelid surgery is performed to reduce unwanted features like crow’s feet and excess drooping skin, while the lower eyelids are typically altered to reposition or remove excess fatty tissue that causes puffy bags. The upper and lower eyelids can be addressed in one surgery if desired, but many of our Atlanta blepharoplasty patients are only concerned with one of the two areas.

Why Choose Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic upper and lower eyelid surgery that is performed to enhance the look of the eyes, reversing some of the natural signs of aging. Normal functions of vision, expressions, sun damage, and the natural aging process can cause the eyes to prematurely display a hooded appearance, lines, and wrinkles, and crepey skin, often prematurely. As tissues of the face shift downward, fat pads below the eyes are exposed and create prominent under eye bags. Many patients choose this procedure to boost their confidence and to look younger and more awake.

Am I a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty candidates in Atlanta include men and women who wish to improve the appearance of their eyes, have realistic expectations, and are healthy enough to undergo a surgical outpatient procedure. Patients who request the procedure often feel self-conscious when interacting with others and engaging in prolonged eye contact.

Prospective patients should not have any issues of the eyes, such as dry eyes or active infections. Patients who are considering Atlanta blepharoplasty surgery will need to have their candidacy assessed during an initial consultation with Dr. DeJoseph.

The Blepharoplasty Consultation

Blepharoplasty consultations in Atlanta, GA, at Premier Image allow Dr. DeJoseph to design a custom treatment plan for individual patients and to ensure candidacy. Each patient will submit paperwork on his or her health, undergo a facial and eye examination, and explain their aesthetic preferences for the eye area. Experienced plastic surgeons like Dr. DeJoseph will have a range of before and after photos available to help give patients an idea of what to expect.  

Dr. DeJoseph will examine the upper and lower eyelids to determine the best way to treat issues like wrinkles around the eyes or excess fat that creates puffy bags under the eyes. He may suggest alternative or complementary procedures such as a brow lift or dermal fillers to help patients reach their goals. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and address any concerns they may have.

Preparing for Blepharoplasty Surgery in Atlanta

Upper and lower eyelid surgery are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients will return home soon after their blepharoplasty. Eyelid surgery patients must arrange for a ride to and from the surgery center as they will not be allowed to drive themselves after receiving anesthesia.

Dr. DeJoseph may restrict a patient’s medications if they could interfere with the surgery or prevent proper healing. He may also provide prescriptions for patients to minimize swelling, lessen the likelihood of infection, and control pain. These medications can be filled prior to the eyelift so they are available as needed. Many patients also choose to prepare their recovery area in advance with comfortable pillows, bedding, and activities to do in their downtime.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

Under local anesthesia at his practice or at Northside Advanced Surgery Center Perimeter, Dr. DeJoseph will begin eyelid surgery by creating strategic incisions in one of three hidden areas: the natural crease of the upper eyelid, along the lash line of the lower eyelid, or inside the lower lid.

Dr. DeJoseph trims the tissue to remove excess skin, and sometimes fat. In other cases, the fat is repositioned or surgically adjusted to contour the under eye area. He then tightens the muscles around the eyelid to create long-lasting improvement. Once the blepharoplasty surgery is completed, the incisions are carefully sutured closed, or skin adhesives are applied to ensure proper healing without noticeable scars.

Blepharoplasty Before-and-After Photos

Recovering from Blepharoplasty Surgery

You will receive a list of aftercare instructions from Premier Image before your surgery date. Take any medications as prescribed by Dr. DeJoseph to speed up the healing process, and adhere to all postoperative instructions to prevent complications and encourage the optimal results. Your eyes may feel sensitive and tight for several days after the surgery.

If you are a smoker, stop smoking at least two weeks before the surgery and for two weeks after. Smoking or chewing tobacco can inhibit circulation and significantly compromise surgical results.

Refrain from using unapproved skincare or cosmetic products. Resting is especially crucial for the first week after blepharoplasty.

Immediately After Blepharoplasty Surgery

Mild-to-moderate discomfort or pain may be experienced after blepharoplasty. Tylenol with codeine or equivalent medication is generally sufficient for pain management. Only take antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed by Dr. DeJoseph. Do not take anti-inflammatory medications or aspirin for two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery unless you first discussed this with the surgeon.

Patients must protect their eyes from the sun. Apply clean, cool compresses or ice wrapped in a dry cloth to your closed eyes four to six times a day for the first 24 hours after surgery to minimize swelling.

Having a family member or friend stay in your home for a few days will allow you to rest with your eyes closed. Avoid responsibilities and focus on healing for now. 

First 24 to 48 Hours After Your Blepharoplasty Surgery

Swelling and bruising can be expected immediately after surgery, and it is normal for these symptoms to appear worse on the second day. Pain and discomfort begin to decrease within 48 hours after surgery, and any significant increase in pain after this point should prompt you to contact the office. 

You may shower or bathe on the day after surgery, but keep your eyes dry, and do not allow the water to spray directly onto your face. Do not wash, rub, or massage your eyelids. Do not wear any makeup until Dr. DeJoseph examines your eyes and releases you to wear eye makeup. Contact lenses should not be used for the first five days after surgery but may be worn after this time if the incisions are healing well, and the eyes are not irritated.

The First 2 Weeks After Blepharoplasty Surgery

After 24 hours, some crusting may appear around your eyes. You may gently apply a warm clean compress to the area several times a day to reduce crusting.

Dry eyes are common after blepharoplasty. You may use artificial tear drops to soothe your eyes during the day. The surgeon may prescribe an ointment for you to place in your eyes before bed. It may briefly blur your vision when it is applied, but this is temporary.

Tearing and sensitivity to light are common and may be experienced for several days. You may wear sunglasses to alleviate discomfort.

The surgeon typically uses dissolvable sutures, which disappear on their own within five to seven days. Non-dissolvable sutures are usually removed in five to seven days. The external sutures must be kept clean and dry.

Do not perform any vigorous exercise, and avoid significant physical exertion, straining, or lifting for three weeks or more after the surgery. Intense activities may disrupt the healing process, so enjoy a period of rest and take it easy.

What Are the Possible Side Effects or Risks of Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Blepharoplasty in Atlanta is not typically performed under general anesthesia and is considered a safer procedure for older patients who may be limited by various health conditions. Additionally, all surgical procedures at Premier Image Cosmetic & Laser Surgery are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. While unwanted side effects and risks are rare due to numerous precautions, the following may occur:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Injury to muscles around the eye
• Affected vision
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Poor aesthetic results

Why Choose Premier Image

• Dr. DeJoseph is triple board certified in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery & laser surgery.
• He is a frequent lecturer to professional and civic groups, contributing author, and winner of many academic awards.
• Kristin A. Boehm, M.D., FACS, is a plastic surgeon in Atlanta certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
• Her Medical Degree is from The University of Rochester School of Medicine.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty

Are there any alternatives to undergoing a blepharoplasty?

In cases of mild hooding and creasing of the upper eyelids, brow lift surgery might be an effective alternative to eyelid surgery. The procedure lifts and repositions the brows and smoothens forehead wrinkles. There are also non-surgical options to rejuvenate the eyes, like VUE under-eye enhancement or laser skin resurfacing.

Will a blepharoplasty permanently restore youthful eyes?

While an upper or lower blepharoplasty surgically modifies the appearance of the eyes and can provide long-lasting rejuvenation, the area will continue to age with time and lifestyle choices. Smoking, unprotected sun exposure, and other habits will negatively impact the longevity of the results. A great way to maintain the results of a blepharoplasty is to undergo non-surgical procedures like laser skin resurfacing, facial fillers, or Botox injections.

What procedures complement a blepharoplasty?

Cosmetic surgery of the eyes is often combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures like a facelift or brow lift. Fillers can also be used in the nasolabial folds and marionette lines around the mouth to rejuvenate the face. Other patients may not display many signs of aging in other areas of the face and might elect to receive a blepharoplasty as a standalone surgery.

This article on Atlanta blepharoplasty was written by Dr. Louis DeJoseph, M.D. {About Dr. DeJoseph}. To learn more about blepharoplasty in Sandy Springs at Premier Image Cosmetic & Laser Surgery of Atlanta, call 770-457-6303 or book an eyelid surgery consultation online.