Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Surgery in Norman & Edmond, OK

Plastic Surgeon & Medical Spa Serving Norman, Edmond, Oklahoma City & Nearby Central Oklahoma

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is where fat and skin are removed from the upper and lower eyelids. This surgery can correct:

  • Drooping upper lids
  • Puffy bags below eyes
  • Dark circles below the eyes

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 adds to aged, tired-looking eyes.

Blepharoplasty is ideally suited to address issues with the eyelids and the skin just below the eyes, but it cannot address crow’s feet. For some patients, it makes sense to combine eyelid surgery with an additional procedure, such as a chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing. Additional surgical procedures including facelift and brow lift can also prove complementary to blepharoplasty. During your initial consultation, Dr. Panchal can discuss all of your options to help make sure you are provided information on the procedures that will best help you reach your goals.

To set up a consultation at Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, please call 405-340-9949 today. We maintain offices in Edmond and Norman to better serve people in and around OKC.

The Best Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are over the age of 35 and have excess skin over 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 problems with your vision or excessive dry eyes, you will need to get this checked by your ophthalmologist prior to blepharoplasty. In addition, patients with bulging eyes may have thyroid issues. This may need to 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
  • Willing to follow all pre and postoperative instructions

There will be care instructions both before and after eyelid surgery to reduce risks and speed healing. Failure to follow these can result in unpleasant results, 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 decide whether you need upper, lower, or both to be corrected. He will also tell you the type of anesthesia and where the surgery will be performed. A detailed quote about the estimated costs will be given to you. This will include surgeons fees anesthesia fees and facility fees.

What Can Eyelid Surgery Do

Blepharoplasty Procedure

When performed by Dr. Panchal, eyelid surgery is completed under local anesthesia at either one of our three Oklahoma City area offices or in an accredited outpatient facility. If you are having both upper and lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Panchal may recommend general anesthesia. 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 close to the upper eyelid margin to produce a more youthful look. 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 so as 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. Application of ice and sleeping upright will help to keep the swelling down. You may benefit from having some artificial tears to keep your eyes from drying out as well.

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 eyelid surgery is performed by Dr. Panchal, complications are infrequent and usually minor. You may notice that there is 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 are able to resume work within seven to ten days of undergoing 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 ten days, it may be six or more weeks before you are okayed for more strenuous exercises. Make sure you wait until you have the go-ahead from Dr. Panchal to begin more demanding activities. During this time, you are encouraged to walk briskly or be on a stationary bike to prevent weight gain and other health problems linked to inactivity.

While healing takes some time, your eyes will continue to look better every day. Over the course of just a few weeks, they will appear more youthful and less tired, and these results may last for many years to come. During your initial consultation at our Edmond or Norman offices, we can discuss recovery, expectations, and timelines to help make sure you are fully prepared for the best experience possible.

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 two to three weeks after blepharoplasty to start wearing eye makeup again. During this time, it is essential that you 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 wearing makeup and resuming other activities is safe.

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 two months before traveling by plane.

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 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 to 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 to ensure a seamless transition from hospital to home and will assist in protecting your comfort.

Is Blepharoplasty Permanent?

Blepharoplasty is long-lasting, but 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. How long a treatment may last depends on the individual. 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.

Contact us Today

To schedule your blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. Panchal, please call 405-340-9949. Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa welcomes patients from Oklahoma City and all nearby areas.

2 Convenient Locations In Your Area

EDMOND HOURS

Mon 8am-4pm
Tues, Wed & Thurs 8am-5pm
Fri 8am-3pm
Closed Sat & Sun

NORMAN HOURS

Mon 8am-4pm
Closed Tues-Sun

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