Surgery for Sagging Eyelids – Solve Droopy Eyelids

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul – don’t you want yours to be clear, bright, and unobstructed by sagging skin? If you are considering surgery for sagging eyelids, then you are in the right place. Qazi Cosmetic Clinic in Orange County, CA now offers a variety of surgical procedures designed to help you look and feel your best. If your sagging eyelids are affecting your confidence, impeding your quality of life, or obstructing your vision,  it is time to do something about it!

What is Blepharoplasty (Surgery for Sagging Eyelids)?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps reduce the appearance of sagging eyelids. When you get a blepharoplasty, a surgeon will go in and remove excess skin and tissue from the upper eyelids. This procedure can be done on its own or in conjunction with lower blepharoplasty surgery. Many patients choose to treat both their upper and lower eyelids in order to completely transform the area around their eyes for a more approachable and alert look. 

There are many different reasons why patients get surgery for sagging eyelids. For some, it is purely cosmetic because they want to maintain a youthful look without sagging eyelids. This procedure is commonly done at the same time as a brow lift or facelift to take decades off your face in a single surgery. Other patients require an upper blepharoplasty for functional reasons. If your vision is obstructed by overhanging skin, then you may have difficulty reading, driving, and performing basic life functions. The goal of this surgery is to restore both your vision and your appearance. 

Whether you are getting a blepharoplasty for surgical or functional reasons, there are several benefits to having your droopy eyelids fixed:

• Improved confidence in yourself.
• You will look more awake and approachable. 
• No more “What’s wrong?” or “Are you mad?” from the people around you.
• Improved vision, which will make driving much safer. 
• You will look decades younger because your droopy eyes won’t give away your age. 
• The surgery is permanent, so you only have to get the procedure once. 
• You will be less self conscious about your appearance. 
• Greater enjoyment of activities like dating, being in photos, and going out.

What Causes Sagging Eyelids?

In medical terminology, this condition is called ptosis. If it only affects one eye, it is called unilateral ptosis. When both eyelids droop, it is known as bilateral ptosis. There are many causes for sagging and drooping eyelids; depending on the cause, it can be permanent or go away on its own over time. 

The most common cause is natural aging. The muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid is called the levator muscle; it can become stretched over time and cause the eyelids to fall slightly. Build up of excess fat above the eyes can also contribute to the appearance of sagging eyelids. It is also possible for sagging eyelids to be genetic or something that you were both with. 

In some cases, trauma or an underlying medical condition could be causing your eyelids to sag. People who have had injuries to the face or to the region near the eyes often develop drooping eyelids later in life. It can also be caused by damage to the nerves, which can be a side effect of  LASIK or cataract surgery. More serious conditions, including a stroke, brain tumor, or cancer can contribute to drooping eyelids. 

The best way to treat sagging eyelids is with surgery. Whether you were born with sagging eyelids or developed them as you age, a surgeon at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic can help you get your youth and your vision back. However, if your doctor believes that an underlying condition is causing your droopy eyelids, then it is recommended that you receive treatment for that first. If it does not reduce the sagging, then surgery may be an option. 

What You Need To Know About Surgery For Sagging Eyelids – FAQs

How do I know if I am a good candidate for upper blepharoplasty surgery?

Your first step should be to schedule a consultation at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic. Our cosmetic surgeons will examine your eyes and determine if surgery is right for you. There are several factors that he will take into account, including what is causing your eyelids to sag, your overall health, and the structure of your face.

For some patients, surgery for sagging eyelids is best done in combination with a brow lift because of how the brows affect the eyelids. It is quite common to combine cosmetic procedures for increased efficiency, so let us  know if you are considering other surgical procedures as well. 

What is the right age for upper eyelid surgery?

For most surgical procedures, there is no hard-and-fast “best age” to get the procedure. It all depends on your goals, your health, the extent of your cosmetic concerns, and what condition your skin is in. Factors like genetics, if you smoke, sun damage, and if you have had trauma to the face will determine if you are a good fit for eyelid surgery better than your age will. 

Qazi Cosmetic Clinic has had patients as young as 35 undergo eyelid surgery; however, most of our patients are in the 45 to 65 range. Many patients choose to have their sagging eyelids corrected at the same time that they get an initial face lift or a refresher facelift. 

How long does upper eyelid surgery last?

This is determined by your genetics and how well you care for your results. Unlike non-surgical procedures, where the results will not wear off over time, which means that the results of your surgery can be permanent. However, it is common for your results to be harmed over time as gravity and natural aging affect the treatment area. For most patients, the results can last between 15 to 20 years, but it may last longer if you do an exceptionally good job caring for your skin. 

What are the risks of surgery for sagging eyelids?

Every surgical procedure comes with possible risks and side effects. The risks associated with upper blepharoplasty surgery include: 

• Infection 
• Excessive bleeding
• Dry eyes or irritated eyes 
• Difficulty opening or closing your eyes – temporarily or permanently
• Noticeable scars 
• Injury to the eye muscles 
• Need for a corrective follow-up surgery 
• Temporary blurred vision or damage to eyesight 
• Skin discoloration near the treatment area
• General surgical risks, such as blood clots or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia 

If you are concerned about the risks and side effects, there are several things that you can do to keep yourself safe: 

1. Only get surgical procedures from a board-certified and experienced surgeon. 
2. Ask lots of questions during your consultation to gauge your doctor’s experience with this procedure. 
3. Read reviews by other patients who have gotten procedures from this doctor. 
4. Follow all of your doctor’s pre-op instructions to the letter. 
5. After the surgery, take it easy and follow all the aftercare instructions. 
6. Be sure to contact your doctor if you experience any side effects or abnormal discomfort. Catching side effects early helps your doctor address the complications and keep you safe. 

Will I have visible scars after my upper blepharoplasty?

The experienced surgical team at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic uses the latest surgical techniques to minimize scarring and to hide the incisions. You can expect some initial scarring after your surgery, but the scars will fade over time until they are barely noticeable. There are things that you can do after the surgery to reduce the visibility of your scars, such as: properly cleaning the incisions, protecting your skin from sun damage, avoiding contact with the treatment area, and using an ice pack to reduce swelling. 

Is there a non-surgical alternative to improve the appearance of my eyes?

The short answer is both yes and no. Non-invasive treatments like dermal fillers, Botox, and laser treatment can help improve the overall appearance of the area around your eyes. However, these procedures are primarily designed to correct sunken eyes, wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration  – they are not designed to correct sagging eyelids.

Surgery is the only way to remove excess skin and fat on the eyelids. If you have questions about your surgical and non-surgical options, contact Qazi Cosmetic Clinic to learn more!

How To Prepare For Your Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery

If you and Dr. Qazi decide that surgery is right for you, then you will be given instructions for how to prepare for the procedure. Your surgical team will need to take your medical history and get a list of what medications you are on. If you have dry eye, glaucoma, allergies, thyroid problems, a history of adverse reactions to anesthesia, diabetes, or circulation problems, be sure to let the surgical team know. Certain conditions may make it extra risky for you to get upper eyelid surgery; in that case, you will be told that you are not a good candidate for this procedure. 

To prepare for the surgery, the surgical team will need to do an examination of your eyes. This will include measuring parts of your eyelids so that they can make a plan for how to best perform the procedure. Part of this examination may include taking photographs of your eyes from different angles. You may also be asked to see an eye doctor to get a vision test or to see your doctor for a physical examination to ensure that you are healthy enough for surgery. 

In the weeks leading up to the procedure, you will be given specific instructions to stop taking certain medications. Both prescription meds as well as over the counter medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and Advil can increase your risk of bleeding. If you take certain herbal supplements, you may also be asked to discontinue them before surgery. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit smoking several weeks before the surgery. 

Finally, you can prepare yourself by making arrangements for your recovery. You will need someone to drive you home afterwards and to stay with you the first night. Dr. Qazi also recommends that you do your own research to develop realistic expectations for the surgery. 

Follow Us On Instagram

Follow @doctorqazi to see all the latest happenings at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic.

What To Expect During the Surgery

Blepharoplasty is normally an outpatient procedure. Depending on your needs and if you are having other procedures done at the same time, the surgical team will use either local or general anesthesia. For the duration of the surgery, an experienced anesthesiologist will be monitoring your condition and keeping you comfortable. 

The surgery itself is fairly simple. A surgeon will make a cut along the natural fold of the eyelid. They will then remove the excess fat, sagging skin, and muscle. Once they are sure that the sagging has been thoroughly corrected, the surgeon will close the cut with either traditional or dissolvable stitches. 

After you have been stitched up and bandaged, you will be sent into the recovery room. Once the anesthesia wears off and you are safe to leave, you will be sent home to recover. 

Aftercare

Immediately after the surgery, it is normal to experience blurred vision, light sensitivity, pain, swelling, puffy eyelids, numbness, double vision, or watering eyes. These will go away within a few hours. 

Your doctor will give you instructions for how to care for the treatment area. It is recommended that you apply ice packs to your eyes for at least 10 minutes every hour for the first night. This will reduce the appearance of swelling and mitigate the pain. You will also need to clean your eyelids with certain eye drops or ointments that you will be prescribed. 

Dr. Qazi recommends taking it easy while you recover. One of the worst things that patients can do is to attempt to return to normal activities too quickly. For at least 2 weeks after the surgery, you should avoid: 

• Swimming, heavy lifting, and cardio.
• All strenuous activities, including jogging and yoga. 
• Consuming alcohol or smoking. 
• Taking certain medications, including herbal supplements, because they may increase bleeding.
• Rubbing your eyes or manipulating the treatment area. 
• Wearing contact lenses. 
• Going outside without the protection of a hat and dark sunglasses. 
• Sleeping horizontally. You should sleep with your head raised above your chest for the first few days. 

Are You Interested in Surgery for Sagging Eyelids?

If you are ready to take years off your face and restore your vision, contact Qazi Cosmetic Clinic today! Our experienced surgical team is highly qualified at both upper and lower blepharoplasty surgeries. If you have questions about what procedures may be good for you, schedule a consultation to learn more!