Eyelid Surgery in Northern Virginia

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, your surgeon 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, your surgeon 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

Risks Associated with Blepharoplasty

When performed on healthy individuals, eyelid surgery is typically a very safe procedure. You can also reduce your risk of complications by being in good health, choosing a board-certified surgeon to perform your operation, and by having the procedure performed in an accredited surgical facility. However, there are still risks associated with an eye lift, such as:

  • Poor healing or asymmetric eyelids
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • The need for revision surgery
  • Temporary double vision or blurred vision
  • Temporary swelling
  • Lagophthalmos, or difficulty when trying to fully close the eyes. In most cases, this only occurs when the blepharoplasty has not been performed properly.
  • Ectropion, which is a condition in which the eyelids droop outward from the eye, requiring additional surgery

In addition to these risks, Northern Virginia and Alexandria patients should also be aware that certain health conditions can increase the risk of complications. Noteworthy health concerns include:

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Graves’ disease
  • Chronic dry eye
  • High blood pressure or other circulatory disorders
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes
  • Detached retina or glaucoma

Dr. Desman, fortunately, can assess a patient’s health to confirm that an eyelid surgery would be a safe option.

Chat With Dr. Desman About Eyelid Surgery in Northern Virginia

The results of blepharoplasty are long lasting for most patients. The thin scars may have a slight pink appearance for the first six months, but they will fade as they heal. Most blepharoplasty patients feel that their scars are barely detectable, and while healing, they can be covered with makeup.

While you can’t stop the aging process, you can take control of your appearance. Consider eyelid surgery in Northern Virginia to rejuvenate your complexion and boost your self-confidence. Call today to learn more and schedule your consultation.

FAQs About Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – Northern Virginia

 

Frequently Asked Questions

After waking up from your eye lift surgery, your eyes may burn and feel tight. You may experience an increase in pain as the anesthesia wears off. However, Dr. Desman will provide you with pain medication to help with any discomfort.

Blepharoplasty procedures are performed by Dr. Desman in his fully accredited surgical facility in Alexandria, VA. With Dr. Desman’s staff of experienced personnel and access to state-of-the-art equipment, your comfort and safety will be an absolute priority. While undergoing any kind of procedure can be a source of anxiety for patients, Dr. Desman’s welcoming staff and professional facilities ensure you’ll have a positive experience.

Eye lift surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, which is when the area being operated on is numbed with injections, and you’ll remain awake throughout the procedure. It can also be performed under sedative anesthesia or general anesthesia for optimal comfort. But for general anesthesia, your recovery immediately after blepharoplasty will take longer.

After your eye lift surgery, you should keep your head elevated for the first several days. For the first two weeks after your eye lift, plan on limiting your activity and generally taking it easy. If you have been placed on antibiotics to prevent infection, it’s very important that you take the full course as directed. You will likely experience swelling and bruising near your eyes, but you can use a cold compress throughout the day to alleviate this. Swelling and bruising usually peaks during the first week, and it may actually take a few days after surgery for it to worsen. As the incisions heal, patients might also experience either excessive tearing in their eyes or dry eyes, but these symptoms are minor in most cases.

Your sutures will be removed after about three days. If you plan on wearing contact lenses, be aware that they may feel uncomfortable, even after the allotted time has passed. Most blepharoplasty patients will be able to return to work within seven to 10 days but swelling and bruising might still be present. Be sure to avoid sun exposure while your incisions are still healing, and avoid excessive eye movement for the first few days.

It’s normal for eye lift patients to feel a bit anxious after their surgery, but this is mostly due to the required lack of activity, new medications, and pain. But as your incisions heal and your swelling subsides, you will begin to enjoy your newly rejuvenated appearance.

While many blepharoplasty patients are understandably concerned about scarring, Dr. Desman is careful to minimize scars. During the eye lift procedure, he will typically make incisions in areas that naturally camouflage scars, like the creases and folds of the eyelids.

While complications for Eyelid Surgery are rare, Dr. Desman will be there to take care of you. In addition, when you have surgery, you will automatically be enrolled in a cosmetic surgery specific insurance plan that covers you for the first 45 days after surgery. Your safety and well being are a top priority for us and this is another way that we ensure you have the best care possible.

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