Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Specialist
Hollywood Star Plastic Surgery
Zareh H. Vartivarian, MD
Plastic Surgeon located in San Fernando Valley, West Hills, CA
Eyelid surgery can reduce puffiness and sagging that can make men and women look and feel older than they really are. At Hollywood Star Plastic Surgery in the West Hills Surgicenter, Dr. Vartivarian performs state-of-the-art blepharoplasty surgeries to help patients from West Hills, CA, and throughout the San Fernando Valley look and feel their best.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Q & A
What is blepharoplasty?
Also called cosmetic eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty is a surgical technique used to improve the appearance of the eyes by removing puffy fat pockets and reducing sagging, so patients appear more alert and more youthful, and less worn out and tired. Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper lids or the lower lids or both, depending on the needs of each patient. Because surgery is performed around the eyes, patients who use lenses to correct their vision should provide the results of their most recent eye exam in their patient history before their surgery. Patients with chronic eye conditions like dry eye or diseases like glaucoma should also be sure to inform the doctor before surgery.
What happens during an eyelid surgery procedure?
Both upper and lower lid surgery use special techniques for very precise results. In upper lid procedures, the incisions are placed in the lid crease to enable tissue to be removed. The tiny lines left by these incisions will not be visible when the eyes are open. Lower lid surgery uses incisions placed along the lash line or just inside the lid. Once the excess tissue is removed, incisions are closed using tiny sutures. Both lids can be treated at the same time. Eyelid surgery can be performed using IV sedation without the need for general anesthesia, and most procedures take one to two hours, depending on whether both the upper lids and lower lids are being treated or not.
What is recovery like?
Following blepharoplasty, a special ointment may be placed around the surgical site to prevent infection, and compresses may be applied to help reduce swelling and to support the initial stages of healing. Bruising and redness may also appear around the eyes, typically resolving within one to two weeks following the procedure. Any issues like pain or significant swelling or redness that persist should be reported to the office to ensure the area is not infected.