“Perhaps the best part is that people are no longer asking me if I’m tired.” ~T
Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area
Blepharoplasty by Dr. Michael R. Macdonald
In our culture, the eyes are usually the primary focus of attention when we interact to communicate with one another. Droopy upper eyelids can make you look tired and older and can also impair your vision. In the lower lid area, puffiness or “bags” under the eyes may produce a worn and tired-looking appearance. The solution is quite simple!
Blepharoplasty removes the excess fat, muscle and skin from upper and/or lower eyelids. The results Dr. Macdonald strives for include a very natural, refreshed appearance, with a younger-looking, firmer eye area. Dark circles can be eliminated. Those around you will usually think you look healthy and very well rested without ever knowing that you have had a surgical correction.
This procedure does not alter true skin pigmentation changes, nor does it address sagging eyebrows. Your initial consultation with Dr. Macdonald can help you decide whether any additional, complementary surgery would increase the success of the outcome. If total facial rejuvenation is the goal, he might recommend planning a simultaneous brow lift to correct drooping brows and smooth the forehead, or laser skin resurfacing to remove the fine lines in the eye area.
Procedure Information
Dr. Macdonald most commonly performs blepharoplasty under monitored Intravenous (IV) Sedation, also referred to as “Twilight Sleep Anesthesia”, at a private surgery center in San Francisco. The patient benefits of this method versus general anesthesia are further described in the section entitled Patient Care Philosophy. Alternatively, general anesthesia and/or surgery in a hospital setting are available in both San Francisco and Oakland, if desired or if indicated by a pre-existing condition. The patient experiences no pain during the surgery and remembers very little from the time the IV is started. Eyelid surgery usually takes 1-2 hours.
In upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Macdonald marks the planned incisions in the natural lines and creases of the lids in order to keep any scars as invisible as possible. For those patients who wish to create a new upper eyelid fold or change the contour of the existing one, Dr. Macdonald also performs “double-eyelid” surgery. The incision is made, and excess fat, muscle and loose skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions, further minimizing the visibility of any scar.
In lower eyelid surgery, the approach is tailored uniquely to each patient. Dr. Macdonald generally makes the principal incision on the inner surface of the eyelid so that there are no visible scars at all in this region. This is referred to as the “transconjunctival” approach in which puffiness caused primarily by excess fat is corrected. Fat from the upper cheek area is sometimes then pulled up and stretched over the infraorbital rim to camouflage any depression in this area. A “pinch” of excess skin may then be removed through a second small incision adjacent to the lash line or eyelid margin, if appropriate.
Finally, a small suspension suture to address or prevent any sagging in this area may be needed to support the taught-ness of the lower eyelid. The specific approach to rejuvenation of the lower eyelid may vary from patient to patient quite considerably. Dr. Macdonald takes great care in his initial consultation to review all factors with the patient in order to thoroughly plan for a successful surgery and appropriately inform the patient as to the extent of the procedure and its expected results.
Recovery Information
Recovery time is extremely rapid. If bruising occurs, it generally lasts no longer than 3-7 days. A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down, will enhance healing, minimize bruising and relieve discomfort. Although post-surgical discomfort is rare, Dr. Macdonald prescribes pain medication as well as ointment and eye drops to relieve initial dryness of the eyes as needed in the first week following surgery. Any stitches will be removed 5-7 days after surgery. You can expect to be back to work within a week or so, although complete recovery from eyelid surgery may take a few weeks.
Please call or contact us online at any time to further discuss your eyelid surgery options and questions. Or, visit our cosmetic surgery offices in the Union Square district of San Francisco, California. Our offices are conveniently located for easy accessibility from the entire San Francisco Bay area.
