Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
The delicate skin around the eyes is one of the first parts of the face to show signs of aging. Loose, droopy skin, wrinkles, and undereye puffiness can make a person look older and more fatigued than he or she feels, and are a result of diminished skin elasticity and aging and weakening of the structures that support the eyelid. At Elle Aesthetic Arts in Loudoun County, Dr. Larry Lickstein can restore firmness and tightness to the skin around the eyes, endowing his patients with a more youthful and refreshed look.
Why Choose Dr. Larry Lickstein for Your Blepharoplasty?
Dr. Larry Lickstein is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in operating on the delicate skin around the eyes to achieve results that leave a patient looking naturally more alert and refreshed. Patients not only appreciate his exceptional technical skill and artistry, but also his personalized approach to facial plastic surgery.
At Elle Aesthetic Arts, Dr. Lickstein takes time to evaluate each patient’s distinctive anatomy and understand his or her unique frustrations and goals. He then customizes each treatment plan to create stunning eyelid surgery results that are in harmony with the patient’s natural features.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both at the same time depending on the patient’s goals. Benefits of eyelid surgery include:
- A more youthful, alert appearance
- Removal of excess or drooping skin from the upper eyelids
- Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes
- Improved definition of the crease of the upper eyelid
- Removal of fat pouches above the eyes
- Reduction of excess skin from the lower eyelids
- Reduction of undereye puffiness or bags
- Tightening of drooping lower eyelids
- Adding volume to diminish “hollowed-out” appearance below the eyes
For some patients, blepharoplasty can also have functional benefits, expanding the visual field by removing excess eyelid skin.1
What to Expect During Your Eyelid Surgery
Preparing for Surgery
The first step in preparing for eyelid surgery is a consultation with Dr. Lickstein. During this meeting, Dr. Lickstein will review your medical and eye health history and also evaluate the area to be treated. You will have the opportunity to candidly discuss your concerns and goals for this procedure, and together you will arrive at a customized treatment plan.
During this appointment, Dr. Lickstein and his team will also give you detailed preoperative instructions and a clear understanding of what you can expect during the blepharoplasty procedure and recovery process.
How Eyelid Surgery Works
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure, and is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation in most cases.
Before your blepharoplasty procedure begins, Dr. Lickstein will meet with you to review your treatment plan and ensure that all of your questions have been answered. You will then receive anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
To begin the blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. Lickstein will create a small incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. He will then remove fat deposits and any excess skin. For lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Lickstein will make an incision below the lower lash line or inside of the eyelid. Next, he will remove excess skin and remove or reposition any fat deposits to create a more youthful, alert appearance. Once he is satisfied with the results of your eyelid surgery, Dr. Lickstein will close the incisions and you will be gently awakened from anesthesia.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Following eyelid surgery, it is normal for patients to experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Dr. Lickstein will prescribe medication to help you stay comfortable as you recover, and you may also use eye ointment to alleviate any dry eye symptoms.
For the first few nights after eyelid surgery, you should sleep with your head elevated by multiple pillows or in a reclining chair to help keep swelling down. Swelling and bruising should be greatly resolved within a few days of your procedure, and you should feel comfortable returning to work in one week.
Blepharoplasty Results
After eyelid surgery, Dr. Lickstein’s patients enjoy a more youthful, refreshed appearance with tighter skin around their eyes. While the results of eyelid surgery should last for many years aided by a good skin care and sun care routine, it is not possible for Dr. Lickstein to stop the natural aging process. Some patients may opt for a small blepharoplasty touch-up years later to keep their eyes looking as fresh as possible.
Contact Elle Aesthetic Arts
At Elle Aesthetic Arts, our goal is to help each of our patients feel more empowered by achieving their cosmetic goals and loving the way they look. If you think you could benefit from cosmetic eyelid surgery and would like to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lickstein, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty is an ideal procedure for men and women who are troubled by puffiness, wrinkles, or loose skin around their eyes. The ideal candidate for eyelid surgery with Dr. Lickstein:
- Is in good overall health
- Does not smoke
- Has healthy eyes
- Has realistic expectations about what can be achieved through plastic surgery2
What are the risks associated with blepharoplasty?
Any surgical procedure carries some risk of complications and side effects, including blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty is generally considered to be a safe procedure, and working with a highly experienced surgeon like Dr. Larry Lickstein not only reduces the likelihood of complications but also helps his patients feel confident that they will achieve exceptional results. Risks of eyelid surgery, while rare, may include:
- Infection
- Dry eyes
- Asymmetry
- Suboptimal scarring3
Will my eyelid surgery leave scars?
There will be scarring, but in most instances will not be noticeable. Dr. Lickstein makes incisions for eyelid surgery in the natural creases of the eyelids or inside the eyelids, so most patients see no visible scarring once the blepharoplasty healing process is complete.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is eyelid surgery? Available: plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery. Accessed March 30, 2021.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/candidates. Accessed March 30, 2021.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Eyelid surgery risks and benefits. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8409-eyelid-surgery-blepharoplasty#risks–benefits. Accessed March 30, 2021.