Cosmetic Eyelid Surgeon Serving Norman, Edmond, Oklahoma City & Nearby Central Oklahoma
As we age, the skin over our upper eyelids tends to droop. If uncorrected, it can even obstruct your vision. With aging, your midface (cheek) tends to droop, and the septum that holds the fat around the lower eyelids tends to bulge. All of this creates an aged, tired look.
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a facial procedure that can correct these issues by removing excess fat and skin. Dr. Jayesh Panchal, a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been practicing since 1997, performs this surgery at Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa.
The Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are over 35 and have excess skin on their upper and lower eyelids. If you notice that your cheek fat pads have slid down on your face, resulting in nasolabial lines (smile lines running from your nose to your lips on the sides), they can all be corrected at the time of the lower eyelid surgery.
If you have vision problems or excessive dry eyes, you will need to have this checked by your ophthalmologist before blepharoplasty. In addition, patients with bulging eyes may have thyroid issues. This may need to be checked by your doctor or an endocrinologist.
To be a good candidate for blepharoplasty, you will need to be:
- A nonsmoker
- In generally good health
- Able to take time off to recover
There will be care instructions both before and after eyelid surgery to reduce risks and speed healing. Failure to follow these can lead to unpleasant outcomes, including infection, which may harm vision. Good candidates for eyelid surgery are willing to take all precautions before and after surgery to mitigate these risks. During your initial consultation, Dr. Panchal can discuss this in more detail.
Planning for Your Surgery
During your initial consultation, we will review your complete medical history. Be sure to check your own records beforehand, so you are ready to provide us with information. Let Dr. Panchal know if you have any allergies, if you are taking vitamins or medications, and if you smoke.
Discuss your goals with Dr. Panchal. He will explain how his technique differs from others and determine whether you need upper, lower, or both corrected. He will also tell you the type of anaesthesia and where the surgery will be performed. A detailed quote about the estimated costs will be given to you. This will include surgeons' fees, anaesthesia fees, and facility fees.
Blepharoplasty Procedure
When performed by Dr. Panchal, eyelid surgery is completed under local anaesthesia at one of our three Oklahoma City-area offices or at an accredited outpatient facility. If you are having both upper and lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Panchal may recommend general anaesthesia. This will be covered during your initial consultation.
Upper eyelid surgery requires a small incision in the upper fold of the eyelid. This incision allows for optimal removal of excess skin and fat. Dr. Panchal places the incision near the upper eyelid margin to achieve a more youthful appearance. He will take out a small amount of fat from the inner aspect of the upper eyelids, but leave some at other places so that your eyes appear youthful and not hollow.
The lower eyelid incision is made just at the level of the eyelash margin. During this part of the procedure, only a small amount of fat is removed from the lower eyelids. This dramatically reduces your risk of having lower eyelid droop. Lower eyelid surgery allows Dr. Panchal to also elevate the outer aspect of the lower eyelids to give you a more youthful look. He will re-drape the fat so that you do not have hollow, sad eyes after your procedure.
After Your Surgery
After your surgery, your eyes may be swollen and bruised. Applying ice and sleeping upright will help keep the swelling down. You may benefit from having some artificial tears to help keep your eyes from drying out.
You may have difficulty focusing for the first few days following surgery. You will not be able to wear contact lenses for up to two weeks. Keep your glasses handy. Vision disruptions will self-correct during the recovery phase.
When Dr. Panchal performs eyelid surgery, complications are infrequent and usually minor. You may notice some asymmetry or residual swelling. You may feel the sutures over the outside of the eyelids for a few weeks to a month. The upper eyelids tend to remain swollen for slightly longer than the lower eyelids. Rarely, your lower eyelids may drag a little while they are healing, but this will settle shortly.
During your recovery phase, Dr. Panchal will meet with you for follow-up visits. If you have concerns between these visits, we strongly encourage you to call our office right away.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
Most people can resume work within 7 to 10 days after blepharoplasty. Due to residual swelling, you may have difficulties driving for a week or so. Make arrangements as necessary to keep yourself and others safe.
While work and some routine activities can be performed after 10 days, it may take 6 or more weeks before you are cleared for more strenuous exercise. Make sure you wait until you have Dr. Panchal's go-ahead to begin more demanding activities. During this time, you are encouraged to walk briskly or use a stationary bike to prevent weight gain and other health problems associated with inactivity.
While healing takes some time, your eyes will continue to look better every day. Over just a few weeks, they will appear more youthful and less tired, and these results may last for many years. During your initial consultation at our Edmond or Norman offices, we can discuss recovery, expectations, and timelines to ensure you are fully prepared for the best possible experience.
Why Choose Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa for Blepharoplasty in Norman & Edmond, OK?
Choosing Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa for blepharoplasty in Norman and Edmond means entrusting your care to a surgeon with decades of distinguished experience. Dr. Jayesh Panchal has practiced plastic surgery since 1997 and previously served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. Internationally recognized for his research and surgical advancements, he is also included in the elite Super Doctors list, which represents the top 5% of physicians. Beyond credentials, patients value his kindness, discretion, and attentive approach. His background in complex reconstructive surgery reflects the precision and compassion he brings to every eyelid procedure.
FAQs
Does Blepharoplasty Lift Eyebrows?
No. Blepharoplasty addresses the eyelids and the tear troughs, but does not lift sagging eyebrows. However, surgical options, such as the endoscopic brow lift, and non-surgical options, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, can lift droopy brows and often make an ideal addition to blepharoplasty.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Panchal will carefully evaluate the area around your eyes and discuss the treatments that can help improve your appearance.
When Can I Wear Makeup After Blepharoplasty?
You must wait 2 to 3 weeks after blepharoplasty before wearing eye makeup again. During this time, keep incisions dry, clean, and free of irritation.
In the weeks after your eyelid lift, you will return to our office for follow-up visits with Dr. Panchal. During these visits, he will assess your rate of recovery and help you determine when it is safe to wear makeup and resume other activities.
How Long After Blepharoplasty Before I Can Fly?
Pressure changes can impact comfort and recovery following blepharoplasty. Therefore, waiting at least two weeks before traveling by plane is best. If traveling a longer distance, you should wait up to 2 months before flying.
Please let us know if you have a trip planned shortly after your procedure. Dr. Panchal can discuss ways to reduce discomfort when traveling after plastic surgery to help ensure your experience is as positive as possible.
How Can I Prepare for My Blepharoplasty Procedure?
In the weeks leading up to your procedure, you will need to stop taking certain medications, herbs, and supplements. We will evaluate the medicines and supplements you take to determine which will need to be ceased before surgery. You will also need to avoid nicotine for up to six weeks before your procedure and alcohol in the 48 hours leading up to it.
We encourage you to arrive early on the day of your appointment with freshly cleansed skin free of makeup, perfume, and lotion. You will need to arrange a ride to and from your procedure and have an adult’s help for the first day or two of recovery.
Make a comfortable spot at home where you can relax. Stock it with entertainment and snacks, so you won't have to move too much. Having this laid out before your procedure helps ensure a seamless transition from hospital to home.
Is Blepharoplasty Permanent?
Blepharoplasty is long-lasting, but outcomes may not last forever.
Depending on factors unique to your anatomy, genetics, and lifestyle, an upper eyelid lift may produce results for five years or more. However, for some people, results last for decades.
A lower eyelid lift may produce noticeable results for 10 years or more. It is unlikely that lower blepharoplasty will need to be repeated.
Each patient is unique. The best way to learn how long you can expect your blepharoplasty results to last is through a consultation with Dr. Panchal at our Edmond or Norman office.
Will Blepharoplasty Change the Shape of My Eyes?
Blepharoplasty is designed to refresh the appearance of the eyelids without dramatically altering the natural shape of your eyes. The goal is to remove excess skin and reposition or reduce fat to restore a more rested, youthful look while preserving your unique features.
When performed with precision, the procedure maintains your natural eye contour rather than creating a “pulled” or surprised appearance. In some cases, subtle lifting of the outer lower eyelid can provide improved definition.
During your consultation, Dr. Panchal will evaluate your anatomy and discuss realistic expectations based on your goals.
Can Eyelid Surgery Improve Under-Eye Hollows or Tear Troughs?
Lower blepharoplasty can improve the appearance of under-eye hollows by carefully repositioning fat rather than simply removing it. In many cases, redistributing existing fat helps smooth the transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, reducing a sunken or shadowed look. However, significant tear trough hollowing may sometimes benefit from additional treatments such as fat grafting or dermal fillers.
A thorough evaluation helps Dr. Panchal determine the best approach for achieving balanced, natural-looking results. The focus is on creating a smooth contour while avoiding an overly hollow appearance that can occur with aggressive fat removal.
What Type of Scarring Should I Expect After Blepharoplasty?
Incisions for upper blepharoplasty are typically placed within the natural eyelid crease, while lower eyelid incisions are made just beneath the lash line or inside the eyelid. Because of this careful placement, scars are usually well concealed once healing is complete.
Early on, incision lines may appear pink and slightly firm, but they generally fade significantly over time. Most patients find that scars become barely noticeable within several months.
Following postoperative care instructions, protecting the area from sun exposure, and attending follow-up visits all contribute to optimal healing and minimal visible scarring.
Contact us Today
To schedule your blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. Panchal, please call 405-340-9949 (Edmond) or 405-310-6767 (Norman). Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa welcomes patients from Oklahoma City and all nearby areas.