Your eyes are your most captivating feature of your face and one of the first to show the signs of aging, unfortunately. The fragile skin around the eyes is particularly vulnerable to collagen loss, which leads to skin laxity, thinning skin, drooping eyelids and puffiness underneath the eyes. Sagging eyelids can be especially problematic, as they can make you look old and tired rather quickly. If the drooping or hooding becomes severe, it can even begin to interfere with your line of vision.
Fortunately, there is a surgical solution to reverse these changes with dramatic, long-lasting results. Blepharoplasty in San Antonio also known as an eyelid surgery, surgically removes excess skin and small deposits of fat from above and below the eyes. San Antonio eyelid surgeon Dr. Yu performs this procedure in his San Antonio office in most cases, providing you with a rejuvenated, more rested appearance with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Blepharoplasty is performed on the upper, lower or both eyelids at the same time. Some of the concerns addressed by this surgery include:
San Antonio men and women in good health and with realistic expectations about eyelid surgery make the best candidates for eyelid surgery. This procedure can be performed on patients of all ethnicities that want to refresh and rejuvenate their appearance. Some pre-existing conditions, including an overactive thyroid gland, may disqualify you from this procedure. Smokers will be asked to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery to ensure the nicotine does not present additional risks during and after the procedure.
You may consider eyelid surgery if you look in the mirror and see an older version of you staring back. Blepharoplasty might also be a good option if you are frequently told you look angry or tired. Dr. Yu will provide a full assessment of your concerns, health and desired results to determine whether blepharoplasty might be the right option for you.
Blepharoplasty may consist of two separate steps:
To remove skin and tissue from the upper lid, Dr. Yu will make small incisions in the natural creases where visible scarring will not be noticeable afterward. Through the incisions, he removes extra skin, tissue and fat to create a smoother contour and open the upper eye. Tissue and fat may also be repositioned to restore the youthful shape and appearance of the lid.
If the lower lid needs enhancement, Dr. Yu will make incisions inside the lid or the lash line. These small incisions allow adequate access for removal of skin and tissue, sculpting a firmer, more youthful lid contour. Wrinkles under the lid will also be smoothed away during this technique.
Dr. Yu can perform surgery on both eyelids at the same time, producing full results with a slightly longer procedure. Having both lids corrected simultaneously does not typically extend the recovery process.
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure Dr. Yu typically performs in his San Antonio office using local anesthesia. If sedation is requested, the surgery may move to the operating room of a nearby hospital. Either way, the operation rarely takes more than a couple of hours to complete, and patients are usually free to go home within a matter of hours after they arrive for their surgery.
It is common to experience mild bruising, swelling and discomfort after eyelid surgery. Dr. Yu will provide you with instructions on how to make your recovery as easy and comfortable as possible, including the use of homeopathic and herbal options designed to reduce bruising and healing time. The recovery from blepharoplasty takes one to two weeks, with most patients feeling comfortable enough to head out in public within seven to 10 days. Strenuous activities will be restricted for about one month to prevent complications and give your eyes ample time to heal fully.
The eyes are a focal point of your face and when signs of aging start to creep in, they can affect your entire appearance. This straightforward surgical procedure can have a profound impact on your look overall, refreshing you and restoring your youthful vibrancy. To learn more about eyelid surgery or find out if this surgery would be a good choice for you, contact Dr. Kenneth Yu at (210) 876-6868.
*This content was reviewed by Dr. Kenneth Yu, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in head and neck surgery (otolaryngology). His practice — Dr. Kenneth Yu Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — proudly serves the San Antonio and Austin communities.
