Eyelid Surgery also know as a Blepharoplasty has evolved within the last 5 years. There are surgeons who still remove excessive skin and fat leaving patients with hollow eyes and high eyelid creases, devoid of wrinkles, but lacking a youthful appearance. Many of these surgeons will actually display these photographs on their websites or in journal articles as a “successful result.” Unfortunately, this traditional approach to blepharoplasty can leave obvious signs of surgery and may actually be counterproductive, making the face more unattractive.
Why Have Blepharoplasty?
The benefits of having blepharoplasty is that it reduces the appearance of that “tired look” of heavy bags under the eyes. While time and stress does begin to hollow out the face, this procedure returns that youthful look by filling out that hollowness, slimming out the eyelids and reducing wrinkles around the eyes. Also, if your vision is impaired by flaccid eyelids, blepharoplasty can help by making the eyelids tight and firm.
DR. SHAH’S APPROACH
Dr. Shah’s approach is to remove an exacting amount of skin and fat and recreate a youthful eyes. In some patients, he will restore volume in order to help create a youthful appearance. His approach to the eyes looks at patient’s pictures of their youth and attempts to create an eye which fits each patient’s own characteristics. This approach has helped create a natural, individualistic approach to blepharoplasty.
UPPER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is used to remove either excessive skin and/or fat from the upper eyelid area of patients. Doing so helps create a more open eye for the patient to see from, can provide enough lid crease for patients to apply makeup, and can showcase the eyes and make them look less tired. Dr. Shah hides the incision within the upper eyelid crease and uses a particular type of suture technique to help decrease the likelihood of milia ( a common bump seen after blepharoplasty). Some patients can have this procedure performed in the office depending on which type of blepharoplasty the are seeking.
LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty involves creating a smooth contour from the lower eyelid to the cheek. Again, in Dr. Shah’s opinion, excessive removal of eyelid fat is detrimental to creating a youthful appearance in all patients. An individualized removal and sometimes addition of fat can create a natural eye contour. Preservation of lower eyelid tone and function is an important aspect of lower eyelid rejuvenation. Dr. Shah utilizes a specialized technique to preserve lower eyelid position and maintain lower eyelid function and tonicity. Dr. Shah has co-authored a sentinel article in lower eyelid anatomy and preservation of natural appearance of lower eyelid. It is important to take in consideration the position of the brow and the individual characteristics of the patient.
Why Dr. Shah as a blepharoplasty surgeon?
Dr. Shah is a facial plastic surgeon whose practice focuses entirely on the face. He has coauthored one of the landmark articles on lower eyelid anatomy and eyelid position. Since Dr. Shah also injects facial filler, he can help add volume (either with filler or fat transfer) in an aesthetic manner to help compliment the patient’s surgical procedure. Finally, Dr. Shah’s use of resurfacing lasers can help smooth the surrounding areas to help improve overall facial appearance.
Are you a candidate?
Patients who seek blepharoplasty are often those who are looking for a more youthful look. They are the ones who are tired of having baggy, puffy eyes and being told of their constant “tired” appearance. Usually, this comes about from over time, stresses in life and other aging factors. Other reasons would be for those who have vision impairment by from drooping eyelids and seek to have this corrected. This would be one of the main reasons a younger patient would seek blepharoplasty as well as noticeable features. However, this type of procedure is really for patients who have started noticing aging in their eyes, which could begin in your early 30s. And while this procedure does return that youthful appearance, it is not a permanent solution. Also, this procedure cannot correct deep wrinkles, dark circles or crow’s feet. You can, however, ask what can be done to tackle these problems.
EYELID SURGERY PHOTO GALLERY:
The before and after gallery represents a small fraction of the patients Dr. Shah has operated on. He has many more example of his work in his office. The gallery is intended to show a variety of aesthetics. All pictures shown are patients of Dr. Anil Shah.
See photos.
WHEN CAN I TREAT MY EYE PROBLEM?:
Many patients ask, “When is the best time to treat my aging eye area? And where do I start?” Compiled here is a guide to preventing and treating the eye area in your 20s, 30s and beyond. Click here to read more.
WHAT IS AGING MY EYE?:
The eyes are a complex and varied feature. There is not a ‘one treatment fits all’ solution for the aging eyes. One patient may have pronounced crow’s feet and another, under-eye puffiness. Determine what issues you may be experiencing by viewing this chart. Click here to see more.
RECOVERY TIME
The sutures are typically removed in one week after upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Some patients are able to wear fake glasses and return to limited activity three days after the procedure. For lower lid blepharoplasty patients, some patients are able to be seen in public in three days after, but recovery typically takes around one week.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
When can I wear makeup after the procedure?
You can wear makeup two days after the sutures have been removed.
How long until my scars become less noticeable?
It is normal for there to be a small amount of redness in the early postoperative period, most scars fade at the 6 month mark.
How long before I see a final result?
There can be some swelling with the eye, since the skin is so fragile and delicate. Usually by 3-6 months, the final result can be seen, since most of the swelling has subsided.
How soon can I return to work?
There are a few factors to consider after having a Blepharoplasty procedure. There will be bruising and swelling after the procedure as you heal. It would be best to plan to be able to go back to work two weeks after the surgery.
Will my brows be elevated?
No, this is a separate procedure. An Eyelid Surgery in Chicago is designed to remove excess skin or fat from the eye area. A brow lift is designed to lift the brow.
Does a blepharoplasty remove crow’s feet?
No, Botox is the best modality to remove crow’s feet.
Is there an age when blepharoplasties are best performed?
It usually depends on the patient. The eye are the first to age, so in some patients it can be performed in their early 30s.
When can I use Latisse after a blepharoplasty?
Latisse can irritate the skin around the eye, so we recommend waiting at least two weeks before starting Latisse.
How can I find out if my doctor is board certified?
For surgeons certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery, please click here.
For surgeons certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, certification can be verified by calling 713-850-0399.
Where is Dr. Shah’s office located?
Dr. Shah’s office is located in the Water Tower Building 60611 in Chicago Illinois.
How much does a blepharoplasty cost?
A blepharoplasty cost can be determined by an evaluation by Dr. Shah. Contact our office for more details.
