Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty, also known as Eyelid Lift or Upper Eyelid Surgery, focuses on removing the excess skin from the upper eyelids and is the most common type of Eyelid surgery. This option is often chosen to remove excess skin caused by age or genetics, and for some, can improve their vision and make the eyelid feel less heavy. The surgery can also make the eyes look younger and more alert whilst providing a more youthful and rested appearance to the face and eyes.

Upper blepharoplasty surgery can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. When combined with other surgeries such as a browlift, facelift, or lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.

Once your procedure begins, Dr. Dedhia will make a carefully crafted incision to conceal the resultant scars within the natural eyelid crease. Once the incision is made, he will excise or reposition the excess fatty tissue, along with the surrounding eye and brow structures to optimize your result. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures. If non-absorbable sutures are placed, they will be removed around one week during your first follow-up appointment. 

During the initial recovery period from upper eyelid surgery is very important to rest and avoid strenuous activities, especially ones that can strain the eyes (i.e., prolonged screen time). You will be directed regarding proper wound care to optimize your healing, including the use of artificial tears and eye lubricant to ensure the eyes maintain proper hydration during the initial phase of healing. 

Improvement can be seen immediately after the procedure, with bruising and swelling resolving in the first few weeks. Final results will be apparent between four and six months with any resulting scarring to mature and heal over the following year.

Lower Eyelid Surgery rejuvenates the lower lids by targeting various concerns such as under-eye bags, puffiness, excess skin, and wrinkles. 

A lower Blepharoplasty requires Dr. Dedhia to remove excess fat, trim any redundant skin, and reposition the muscle to create a smoother, more youthful contour around the eyes. The surgery is often combined with laser procedures to treat the fine lines and wrinkles of the lower eyelid skin. The incisions are made either along the inside of the lower eyelids via a scarless (transconjunctival) approach, or via a small incision made just below your lower eyelid. Excess fat, skin, and muscle tissue are adjusted or removed to address concerns such as under-eye bags, puffiness, and wrinkles. We may also reposition fat deposits (fat transposition) or perform a fat transfer procedure (fat grafting) to restore a smoother contour to the lower eyelids. The remaining skin is carefully redraped and tightened to create a natural-looking and youthful appearance, and the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures. 

Significant results are typically visible within a few weeks, though final results may take several months to be fully apparent.

Our patients who have received Eyelid Surgery in San Francisco have shared a range of benefits some of which are included below:

• Boost in self-confidence
• Enhanced vision
• Improvement in eyelid contour
• Look less tired
• Less angry appearance
• Better eye contact
• Reduction of excess skin
• Rejuvenated appearance
• Smoother forehead as no more eyes being widened

When it comes to Eyelid Surgery in San Francisco and beyond, the best candidates are individuals who have specific concerns and characteristics that can be addressed by the procedure. Here are a few characteristics:

• Excess skin on the upper eyelids
• Good overall health
• Impaired vision due to droopy eyelids
• Low self-esteem
• Angry to tired look to the eyelids
• Non-smokers
• Puffy or baggy lower eyelids
• Realistic expectations

On the day of your eyelid surgery at Raj Dedhia MD Facial Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, CA, Dr. Dedhia and his friendly staff will welcome you, and go over the surgical plan for any last-minute questions and/or concerns. Once everything is in order, an anesthetist will administer anesthesia to ensure a pain-free surgery. 

Dr. Raj Dedhia will then begin the procedure, carefully following the customized treatment plan discussed during your consultation.

During both Upper Eyelid Surgery and/or Lower Eyelid Surgery, Dr. Dedhia will place the incisions strategically, along with natural contouring of your eyes to minimize any visible scarring. Finally, he will close the incisions with stitches that are barely visible and will be removed within the first week.

Upper Eyelid Surgery can take between 30 min and one hour, whereas a lower blepharoplasty usually takes one to two hours. After the surgery is complete, you will be carefully monitored in a recovery area until the effects of anesthesia wear off.

After the surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room until sedation wears off. It is encouraged that you have family or a friend drive you home to be safe. 

Immediately after the surgery, your eyes may be covered with ice, bandages, and ointment to protect the incisions and promote healing. It is also common to experience minor swelling, bruising, and discomfort. While most patients do not experience significant pain, you will be prescribed pain medication to make your recovery comfortable. 

During the initial days of recovery, it is essential to keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Your provider will provide specific instructions on how to clean and care for your incisions, as well as any necessary eye drops or ointments, to aid in healing and prevent infection.