Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert and Scottsdale, AZ

An eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that renews the appearance of your eyes by tightening muscles and removing excess skin.

The procedure can be done on either the lower eyelid, upper eyelid, or both, to create a refreshed look for your face. The procedure also has the power to improve your line of vision that can become compromised by lax skin. Unfortunately, aging, lifestyle, and genetics can cause eyelids to sag. The natural loss of collagen and elastin in the skin often is compounded by weakened muscles in the eyelid, leading to ptosis, or drooping eyelids. An eyelid lift procedure corrects this. With a simple incision, excess tissue can be removed, and muscles corrected to reveal a brand new look. Robert G. Bonillas MD and the exemplary staff of Scottsdale Plastics are here to restore a vibrant appearance. Schedule an informative consultation at our offices in Scottsdale, AZ. We can also be reached at (480) 245-6380.

Before and After Photos

Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #12387
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #12387
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #12396
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #12396
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #12405
Blepharoplasty Before & After Patient #12405
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About

Surgery to address surplus skin folds above the eyes was described as early as the 10th and 11th centuries by Arabian surgeons Avicenna and Ibn Rashid. [1] This is one of the first documented examples of surgical corrections for eyelid ptosis. In 1818, German surgeon Karl Ferdinand Von Graefe coined the term “blepharoplasty” while conducting eyelid reconstruction. Since then, blepharoplasty has become one of the most commonly performed procedures to correct sagging skin. [2]

A blepharoplasty procedure is relatively painless compared to other cosmetic surgeries, but just as effective in revitalizing the face. It eliminates a tired, angry look and provides a smoother, firmer skin texture. This versatile treatment allows either the upper or lower eyelid to be treated separately or concurrently. An upper eyelid procedure will help remove the hooded appearance of the eye caused by creased, loose skin. A lower blepharoplasty removes the under-eye “bags” or fat deposits. [2] In the end, you can look forward to a smoother, rejuvenated appearance with a more alert expression. Either treatment involves making a small incision, either on the inside of the lower eyelid or at the upper eyelid crease. Dr. Bonillas will adjust the tissue of the lower eyelid, and or remove excess skin from the upper eyelid and tighten up the muscles. Your surgery ends by closing the incisions with tiny sutures.  

Benefits

An eyelid lift lets patients look forward to a restored, fresh, expression, and a noticeable difference. Blepharoplasty benefits include:

  • Reduced lax skin around the eyes
  • Eliminates skin irritation from skin folds
  • Smoothed fine lines and wrinkles
  • Clear, unblocked vision
  • Appearing alert, engaged, and youthful
  • Surge in self-confidence

Candidates

Candidates for an eyelid lift are those experiencing loose sagging skin around the eye area. Patients are strongly recommended to consider this corrective surgical procedure if excess skin is causing vision problems. Dr. Bonillas ask patients to do the following:

  • Be in good general health without significant health problems, or eye conditions
  • Have redundant skin near the eyes that are giving a tired, upset, or sad look
  • Have wrinkles and fine lines forming near the eyes
  • Do not smoke shortly before the procedure and throughout your recovery, as it may affect the surgery and healing process.

If you’re ready to see yourself in a new light, come to Dr. Bonillas for a personal consultation session. He and his staff are more than happy to meet with you and develop the personalized plan that you deserve. Call our office at (480) 245-6380.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Bonillas

Robert G. Bonillas MD sincerely enjoys his plastic surgery practice because of the nearly limitless potential it offers his patients. At Scottsdale Plastics, we utilize the latest cosmetic procedures to enhance our patient’s existing natural beauty. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Bonillas develops a genuine rapport with everyone who comes in for our care.

Your consultation is for you to discuss your ideal results, and Dr. Bonillas and our office team are here to support you.

During your personal consultation, Dr. Bonillas will gather a sense of what your expectations are and what you’re looking to gain. Next, he’ll examine laxity around your eyes. Doing so helps us devise a treatment plan and estimate your recovery time. After we’ve developed an approach, we will walk you through how an eyelid lift will renew your look. Finally, just before you go, we’ll give you a few items to complete before you come for your appointment. Please make sure to follow them carefully to ensure a smooth process and excellent results. 

Preparation

Dr. Bonillas will give each blepharoplasty patient a personalized list of instructions. Here is a general overview on how to prepare:

  • Temporarily stop drinking and smoking before surgery and throughout the healing process 
  • Stop taking certain medications such as ibuprofen or blood thinners
  • Arrange for a ride home
  • Plan to take 1-2 weeks off from work

Procedure

For your comfort, we’ll administer local anesthesia with sedation before the procedure. Your blepharoplasty is a highly customized procedure that concentrates on either the upper or lower eyelid or both. Depending on your treatment, your surgery can last 45 minutes to two hours. Here’s what the process looks like with either approach. 

Upper Eyelid Lift

Dr. Bonillas starts by making a small incision in the upper eyelid crease. Next, he will remove excess skin and tighten the muscles. [1][3] Once complete, the incisions will be closed to minimize scarring. [4] Most patients will have light scars that are well-hidden in the eyelid crease, making them nearly invisible to others. 

Lower Eyelid Lift

A careful incision is made around the crease of your lower eyelid. Dr. Bonillas then removes excess tissue from the area. [2] The eyelid is then sutured closed. Once complete, the patient looks refreshed, without a puffy under-eye appearance. 

Recovery

An eyelid procedure is a routine procedure that needs minimal recovery. However, there are a few things helpful things to look out for during recovery:

  • Mild discomfort, bruising, and swelling may be felt for 7-10 days.
  • Apply a lubricating ointment and a cold compress to help with irritation or dry eyes for a few weeks.
  • You can resume light activities and go back to work within seven days.
  • Refrain from wearing contact lenses. Please wear glasses for a week.
  • Strenuous movements can resume in two weeks.
  • Wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes for about six weeks.

Results

Gradual improvements from your blepharoplasty procedure will continue in the weeks ahead when the swelling and discoloration fade away. You’ll notice your eyelids have a lifted and youthful appearance. Instead of seeming tired, sad, or upset, you’ll look refreshed, alert, and engaged in the world around you. You can also look forward to clearer, unobstructed vision. The results are yours to keep for years to come. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss all the options available to create a rejuvenated and enhanced appearance. Some procedures can be performed as a stand-alone option, while others can be combined with an additional procedure. Patients considering a blepharoplasty may also be interested in learning more about:

  • Brow Lift (Forehead Lift): Those with significant sagging above the eyes may also benefit from a brow lift. This surgical solution corrects lax tissue in the eyebrow area while smoothing forehead lines and wrinkles to give the upper portion of your face a brighter appearance. 
  • Facelift: This comprehensive facial rejuvenation surgery improves the appearance of skin laxity, volume loss, and lines and wrinkles. The process involves tightening both the underlying tissues and skin for rejuvenated contours and firmer skin.
  • Rhinoplasty: Provides a new look by reshaping, reducing, or augmenting the nose. A rhinoplasty can also correct a deviated septum or damage from an injury. 

Cost

The final cost of your blepharoplasty procedure will depend on the individualized details of your surgery, and whether you’ve decided to undergo any additional procedures. An accurate quote will be provided following your initial consultation. Scottsdale Plastic is pleased to partner with CareCredit to make our procedure attainable for any budget. 

FAQ

Can I correct my upper and lower eyelids at the same time?

Absolutely! Patients looking to make comprehensive corrections can have both procedures performed during the same surgery appointment. By having both surgeries performed at the same time, patients only have to undergo one recovery. 

Will a blepharoplasty make me have a surprised look?

Not at all. A blepharoplasty only addresses the tissue below the brow. The procedure provides patients with natural-looking results that appear subtle yet offer noticeable improvement for the patient. 

References

  1. Bhattacharjee, K., Misra, D., & Deori, N. (2017). Updates on upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 65(7), 551. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.ijo_540_17
  2. Drolet, B. C., & Sullivan, P. K. (2014). Evidence-Based Medicine. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 133(5), 1195–1205. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000000087
  3. Lyon, D. B. (2010). Upper Blepharoplasty and Brow Lift: State of the Art. Missouri Medicine, 107(6), 383–390. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6188243/
  4. Olds, C., & Most, S. P. (2019). Upper Blepharoplasty. JAMA, 321(13), 1320. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.1957