Blepharoplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boulder, CO

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, also called an eyelid tuck is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure which removes fat, excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelid, to reduce puffiness below the eyes. Eyelid surgery can decrease wrinkles formed around the eyelids, and correct drooping of the upper lids.

Before and After Photos

Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #1646
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #1646
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #1479
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #1479
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #791
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #791
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Who is a Good Candidate for an Eyelid Surgery?

Candidates must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. Most individuals seeking blepharoplasty are in their mid-to-late thirties. If saggy or fatty eyelids are hereditary you may wish to undergo this procedure at an earlier age. In extreme cases, where patients find that their sight has become impaired due to the drooping of the upper lids, surgery may improve vision.

NOTE: You may not be a candidate for surgery if you smoke, have recently quit smoking, or if you are exposed to second-hand smoke. Primary and secondary smoking decreases blood flow to the body’s tissues. This can result in prolonged wound healing, skin loss, infection, increased scarring, and a number of other complications depending on the kind of procedure performed.

How is the Procedure Performed?

An incision is made along the lash line in the lower lid, and/or on the upper portion of the upper lid and smile creases. Excess fat, muscle and skin are removed. Fine sutures are then used to close the incision. Sutures will usually be removed within one week after the procedure. If you only have pockets of fat beneath your lower eyelids, and do not need to have any excess skin removed, your surgeon may recommend “transconjunctival” eyelid surgery. In this procedure, the incision is made on the inside of your lower eyelid, which leaves no visible scar. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty will not tighten skin, but will reduce puffiness in the lower eyelid region.

Options to Enhance the Procedure

Some patients choose to have laser resurfacing or a chemical peel in addition to the blepharoplasty. This may minimize fine wrinkles near the eye. A forehead lift may correct sagging or abnormally positioned eyebrows.

Planning for Your Surgery

First, schedule a personal consultation. Communication is vital in establishing realistic expectations and reaching your goals. You will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you’d like to achieve. Dr. Roesner will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure and what long-term benefits you will experience. Every patient is different, and together, you will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you.

During your initial consultation

  • Provide a complete medical history. Include information about any previous surgical procedures; past and present medical conditions; and all medications or herbal supplements you are taking.
  • Be sure to inform your surgeon about symptoms of dry eyes and eyeglass or contact wear.
  • Expect your surgeon to conduct a complete physical examination.
  • Be prepared to discuss possible risks and complications of the procedure.

Preparing for Your Eyelid Surgery

You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. A pre-operative information packet will be provided that explains everything you should do and know before your surgery date. Your surgeon will instruct you on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and which vitamins and medications should be taken or avoided. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis. You may also want to make arrangements for someone to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital.

Where Your Surgery Will be Performed

Several options exist for where breast augmentations are done. Dr. Roesner has surgical privileges at St. Anthony Hospital, Rose Medical Center as well as North Suburban Medical Center. The majority of these procedures are completed on an out-patient basis.

Types of Anesthesia

You’ll remain comfortable throughout the entire procedure. In most cases, general anesthetic is used so that you will sleep throughout the procedure; although local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is also an option for some patients.

After Your Eyelid Surgery

It is very important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions. This will promote healing and improve progress towards your new physical appearance. Also, it is important that you attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Roesner can assess your long-term results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Post-Operative Instructions

  • Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Follow balanced diet.
  • Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may want to add more raw fruit to your diet, and be sure to increase fluid intake.
  • Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin unless approved by your surgeon.
  • Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
  • Even when not taking pain medications, no alcohol recommended for 3 weeks as it causes fluid retention.
  • If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
  • Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
  • Sleep with your head elevated 45 degrees for several days to minimize swelling.

Activities

  • Start walking as soon as possible, this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
  • Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
  • Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports.
  • Keep activities to a minimum for 3-5 days; avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks.
  • Read or watch television after 2-3 days.
  • Return to work in 10-14 days, or as directed by Dr. Roesner

Incision Care

  • Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months.
  • Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater).
  • If applied, keep steri-strips on. If steri-strips come off, you can replace them if provided with additional strips.
  • Keep incisions clean with soap and water and inspect daily for signs of infection.
  • Use cold saline compresses (NOT ice) for the first 24 hours for comfort and to reduce swelling and bruising.
  • Generally, your hair can be shampooed anytime after surgery.
  • Wait at least 2 weeks before wearing contact lenses, or as directed by Dr. Roesner.
  • You will have sensitivity to sunlight, wind and other irritants for several weeks, so wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids.

What To Expect

  • Occasionally, the eyes are bandaged for the first night.
  • Maximum discomfort should occur in the first few days, improving each day thereafter.
  • Expect temporary swelling of the eyelids, tightness of lids, bruising, dryness, burning, and itching of eyes.
  • You may have gummy eyes for approximately 1 week.
  • Your physician may recommend Natural Tears (OTC eyedrops) or Lacrilube (OTC ophthalmic ointment) as part of your post op treatment.
  • For the first few weeks, you may experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and double or blurred vision.
  • You may have difficulty closing your eyes when you sleep.

Appearance

  • Bruising and swelling of the eyelids may last 1-2 weeks.
  • Healing is a gradual process and your scars may remain slightly pink for 6 months or more.
  • Tiny whiteheads may appear after stitches are taken out; can be easily removed by surgeon.
  • Facial makeup can cover up bruising after the sutures are removed.

Follow-Up Care

  • Sutures will usually be removed in 5-7 days.

When To Call

  • If you have increased swelling or bruising.
  • If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
  • If you have increased redness along the incision.
  • If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
  • If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.
  • If you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees.
  • If you have any yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
  • If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure.
  • If you have loss of feeling or motion.

Schedule your Appointment

And Meet Directly With Dr. Roesner to Discuss a Treatment plan to meet your Aesthetic and Skincare Goals.

Schedule Appointment

Consult fee is $100 – which will be applied to the cost of the procedure
(If scheduled within 90 days).