Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery:
What It Is & How It Works

Bright, vibrant eyes and smooth skin are some of the features commonly associated with youth. But unfortunately, the skin surrounding the eyes is often one of the first places to show age, resulting in sagging eyelids or puffy undereye caused by muscle atrophy and accumulations of fat.

While these cosmetic concerns can be minor, in some cases, drooping or excess skin may eventually affect vision. Additionally, you might constantly look tired, even after a good night's sleep. If you frequently get comments like, “You look tired,” this is tell-tale sign that your eyes are giving you an overall tired or aged look.

Aging, genetics, and sun damage are all factors that may contribute to cosmetic concerns on the eyelids and the skin surrounding the region. Although these cosmetic issues can be gradual at first, with time, you may discover that your appearance makes you look older or more tired than you are. For local patients seeking treatment for eyelids that have lost their youthful appearance, an eye lift provides a long-lasting solution.

Eyelid surgery in Northern Virginia and Alexandria, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes the excess fatty tissue or skin from the eyelids. Dr. Eric Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery has performed this facial procedure on many different patients, restoring a youthful appearance. If you are no longer happy with sagging skin and excess fatty tissue surrounding your eyes, discover how our team can help.

Ideal Candidates for Blepharoplasty

Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery include people in good physical and psychological health who are unhappy with drooping eyelids or puffy under-eye bags. The majority of blepharoplasty patients are in their mid-forties and older, but if sagging eyelids tend to run in your family, you may consider getting an eye lift around age 35.

If a person seeking blepharoplasty happens to have hyperthyroidism or myxedema, they are not a good candidate for this procedure, because an eye lift will never be able to reduce edema in the eye area caused by these conditions. Likewise, if you have any eye issues like glaucoma or detached retina, you should get clearance from your ophthalmologist before seeking blepharoplasty.

This might seem confusing, but Dr. Desman can help Northern Virginia and Alexandria residents determine eligibility for eyelid surgery during a first meeting.

What Happens During an Eyelid Surgery Consultation?

At your eye lift consultation. Desman will be able to address any questions or concerns you may have about the blepharoplasty procedure. He will likely review your medical history and assess your face to determine whether or not you’re an ideal candidate for an eye lift. Likewise, he will help you explore other operations that might suit your cosmetic needs. For example, many Alexandria or Northern Virginia patients opt to undergo a facelift or a forehead lift in addition to their blepharoplasty, helping them achieve an overall youthful appearance.

During the first consultation, Dr. Desman will also discuss where the eyelid surgery will be performed, what your anesthesia options are, your expectations for outcome, potential risks, and what kind of surgical techniques will be used. By facilitating an informative, helpful consultation, our team strives to our patients up for an optimal outcome. Whichever procedures you decide on, he will incorporate your tastes, needs, and preferences into a custom treatment plan that aligns with your ultimate cosmetic goals.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Surgeon for Blepharoplasty?

Anyone seeking an eye lift in Alexandria or Northern Virginia should remember the importance of choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Desman has undergone rigorous training and examinations to prove his mastery of plastic surgery.

By choosing our practice, patients can be assured that their blepharoplasty is being performed with the highest standard of care and expertise. Dr. Desman is committed to serving his eye lift patients through advanced training, dedication to perfection, and unmatched personal care.

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery

Before you go in for your procedure, Dr. Desman will provide you with helpful pre-operative instructions so that you’re fully prepared and comfortable on the day of your eye lift. These instructions may include dietary guidelines, medications to take or avoid, and how to properly care for your eyes after surgery.

When preparing for blepharoplasty, you should also make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive you to your surgery and home. If possible, it is also helpful to have someone assist you at home for a day or two, so you can focus on relaxing and healing after your eye lift surgery.

The Eyelid Surgery Options Explained

Our practice offers two different kinds of eye lifts, depending on a Northern Virginia or Alexandria patient's needs and goals.

Typical Blepharoplasty

A typical eyelid surgery works to correct sagging eyelids, remove diminished muscle tissue, and trim excess skin. During a blepharoplasty, Dr. Desman will make incisions within the natural creases of the eyelids, and sometimes the incisions will extend to the crow’s feet area at the corners of your eyes.

Once the skin is separated from underlying tissue, any excess fat is removed, and diminished muscles are extracted. If needed, excess or sagging skin in the eyelid area gets trimmed down.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty

For patients seeking treatment for under-eye puffiness, Dr. Desman may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty instead. With this procedure, the incision will be made on the inner part of the lower eyelid, through which excess fat is removed.

This procedure leaves no visible scars, and it is effective at reducing eye bags or under-eye puffiness. Transconjunctival eye lifts are a better option for younger patients who still maintain good skin elasticity.

Post-Op Instructions