Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can transform the face, replacing a tired and worn appearance with a youthful and vibrant look. Beyond the cosmetic side, blepharoplasty can also improve pain and restore vision problems associated with drooping eyelids.
At Gale Facial Plastics in Utah, Dr. Derrick Gale specializes in facial reconstruction and plastic surgery. With his keen eye for aesthetics paired with technical surgical skills, Dr. Gale can deliver optimal results for your eyelid surgery.
What Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin from the eyelids. It can include removing portions of the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. Sometimes, if the upper eyelid droops so far down it covers the pupil, blepharoplasty can be performed to lift the eyelid in addition to removing extra skin.
Signs You May Benefit from Eyelid Surgery
You may benefit from eyelid surgery if these criteria apply to you:
- Sagging, loose skin that folds and disturbs the upper eyelid contour
- Puffiness in the eyelids from extra fat
- Bags under your eyes
- Lower eyelids that droop far enough to show white beneath the iris
- Extra skin and wrinkles in the lower eyelid
If you don’t live with chronic illness, have any severe eye conditions, or smoke, you could be a candidate for eyelid surgery.
Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery: What’s the Difference?
There are a few differences between upper and lower eyelid surgery. Upper eyelid surgery removes portions of upper eyelid skin and is typically recommended to help the eyes look more open and refreshed. Lower eyelid surgery is designed to correct puffy, sagging bags under the eyes by removing excess fat and skin and sometimes tightening muscles.
How Eyelid Surgery Can Refresh Your Appearance
Eyelid surgery can revolutionize your look from exhaustion to vivacious. Droopy eyelids can make you look drained and weary, even when you feel alert and well-rested. Removing fat and extra skin around the eyes can offer an instant lift to your appearance.
Can Eyelid Surgery Improve Vision?
Although blepharoplasty typically provides cosmetic enhancements, it can also improve your vision. In some cases, sagging upper eyelids can drop so low as to hinder your vision. Removing that extra skin can lift the lids and resolve the vision problems that come with it.
What to Expect During Eyelid Surgery with Dr. Derrick Gale
Before your procedure, Dr. Gale will clearly communicate what you can expect during the surgery and the results afterward. The team will ask you to have someone drive you to the clinic who can also drive you home. Depending on the extent of your procedure, blepharoplasty may be performed under local or general anesthesia.
During the procedure, you will receive anesthesia, and Dr. Gale will remove the extra skin and fat tissue from your eyelids and surrounding area, as determined during your consultation. Through his expert incision placement in your natural skin folds and close to your eyelashes, Dr. Gale helps support you with minimal visible scarring and optimal healing.
When you wake up after surgery, the team will monitor you in a recovery room until you’re ready to return home.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery: Healing and Results
Healing from blepharoplasty can involve some discomfort, including:
- Watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred or double vision (from protective lubricating ointment)
- Puffy or numb eyelids
- Bruising (similar to a black eye)
Take about a week to rest and relax as you heal. The following week, you can resume more of your normal activities, but start slowly. It can take a full second week for all the symptoms to resolve. Any scars will fade within a few months to a year.
Why Choose Dr. Derrick Gale for Eyelid Surgery in Utah?
Dr. Gale has expertise as a reconstructive and plastic surgeon, which allows him to perform both functional and cosmetic surgeries at the highest standard. With extensive training and experience, Dr. Gale is one of the best plastic surgeons in Utah, and he also contributes to the medical community by publishing research and giving national presentations.
Choosing Dr. Gale can help you restore and refresh your appearance through eyelid surgery for an overall refreshed look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty
What Are the Risks Associated with Blepharoplasty?
Rarely, complications can arise following blepharoplasty, such as impaired vision, muscle damage, dry eyes, and inability to close your eyes. When blepharoplasty is performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Gale, the risks are minimal.
How Long Does Eyelid Surgery Take?
Upper eyelid surgery alone takes about 45 minutes. For both upper and lower lids, it can take as long as an hour and a half.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost in Utah?
In Salt Lake City and Riverton, the cost of eye surgery depends on the extent of the procedure. You will receive an accurate estimate after your consultation with Dr. Gale.
How Long Will It Take Before I Look Normal?
Within a week, you should notice a more youthful appearance, and after the second week, most people won’t even be able to tell you had surgery!
Next Steps: Is Eyelid Surgery Right for You?
If you think you may benefit from eyelid surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us at (801) 506-6344 or visit us online to arrange your consultation. We’ll schedule a consultation, where you can benefit from an assessment from Dr. Gale and ask him any questions you may have.