Understanding Eyelid Aging and Rejuvenation Options

The delicate eyelid skin is the thinnest in our body and often the first to show visible signs of aging. These signs vary depending on the individual, including eyelid hooding and heaviness, crepey skin, and atrophy of the youthful upper eyelid fat. These changes make the eyes appear droopy and tired, make it difficult to apply makeup, hide eyelashes, or affect vision. Bulging fat pockets cause eyelid bags and puffiness, while skin discoloration and volume loss cause dark circles under the eyes. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to improve upon these changes, including eyelid surgery in Fairfield, CT.

What is a blepharoplasty? 

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure that tightens sagging skin on or around the eyelids to achieve a more youthful, lifted appearance, resulting in larger-looking, more appealing eyes. 

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids, or both can be addressed during the same procedure. 

The Latest Surgical Techniques

In the past, patients undergoing upper eyelid surgery had the skin, muscle, and fat removed automatically. This led to a hollowed and skeletonized appearance as the patient continued to age.

In more recent years, our understanding of facial aging led to a shift in our approach to preserve fullness and restore volume in the eyelids and the surrounding areas (eyebrows, temples, and cheeks).

In the lower eyelid, smooth skin with shallow tear troughs, no distinct eyelid-cheek separation, and full cheeks define a youthful face. A well-rounded approach by an expert in eyelid procedures is required to address current eyelid problems and also maintain a healthy appearance as the patient continues to age. An experienced eyelid surgeon in Fairfield CT, like Dr. Levin, understands what a youthful, beautiful eyelid looks like and can assess the individual needs of each patient. For more information, please call us today.

Before & After Upper Blepharoplasty

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Before & After Lower Blepharoplasty

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What Are the Options?

Botox and Fillers

Neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport can address forehead wrinkles, wrinkles between the eyebrows, and laugh lines (crow’s feet). In addition, precise placement can accomplish a subtle brow lift where the eyebrows are raised and contoured for a more relaxed and rejuvenated appearance. Precise placement of a hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane in the lower or upper eyelids can restore lost volume and create a fuller, more youthful eyelid appearance. Filler can also improve the appearance of dark circles and lower eyelid bags, improving the tired look.

Eyelid Lift 

When non-surgical treatments are not an option, a blepharoplasty in Fairfield CT may be the procedure of choice. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a relatively straightforward procedure that usually takes under one hour and is performed in the office under local anesthesia. It’s a delicate surgery, which requires a unique understanding of the eyelid anatomy and a specialist to attain the desired and natural results. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is performed to address the lower eyelid bags, dark circles, and loose skin. This can be done alone or combined with an upper eye lift.

Who Is a Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?

An ideal candidate for an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is someone who feels that their eyelid skin is more hooded or is sagging over. There is no “ideal” age for this as some notice even minor changes and would like to have this addressed earlier in their life, while others wait until it's more significant. Candidates may also have some element of drooping eyebrows, which can push the eyelid skin down further.

Although this is a minimally invasive procedure, it is still surgical, and patients should be in good overall health. There are very few contraindications to this surgery, but someone with untreated and/or severe dry eyes should be more careful as the surgery can exacerbate that condition. During your consultation with Dr. Levin, she can discuss your treatment options and determine if an eyelid surgery in Fairfield, CT is right for you.

Who Is a Candidate for Botox and Filler?

The key to success and patient satisfaction with their treatment results is careful patient selection. Not everyone is a candidate for non-surgical corrections. While Botox can help most patients with forehead wrinkles, in some, it can make the eyelids feel heavier than before treatment. The best candidates for under-eye filler are younger patients with excellent skin tone, hollowness, and none or minimal under-eye bags. A consultation with an expert like Dr. Flora Levin can help determine the proper treatment to achieve the best results for you.

Before & After Eyelid Filler

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Benefits of eyelid rejuvenation

An eyelid lift achieved with blepharoplasty provides many benefits for patients who are dealing with sagging eyelid skin and wrinkles. Benefits from eyelid surgery include the following:

  • A rejuvenated, refreshed appearance
  • Eyes appear larger and more appealing
  • Reduced wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes 
  • Smoother under-eye area–reduced eye bags and under-eye puffiness 
  • Improved field of vision
  • Skin irritation from the rubbing of excess folds of eyelid skin is eliminated
  • A fuller contour beneath the lower eyelids–reduced under-eye circles
  • Natural-looking results 

Dr Flora Levin's Philosophy on Eyelid Surgery

Flora Levin Philosophy

How to prepare before your eyelid surgery

Dr. Levin will provide a list of medications to avoid prior to your eyelid surgery. These will include aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications, vitamins, or other supplements. Prepare for your recovery period after eyelid surgery by arranging for a friend or family member to drive you home once the procedure is complete, and to help you during the first day of your recovery.

Results and recovery from a blepharoplasty

After your blepharoplasty, you will need about a week off from work while you recover and recuperate. Expect some swelling and bruising. This will diminish after the first few days, and continue to fade slowly over the next week or so. Sleep on your back for 1-2 weeks to help minimize swelling and to support the healing process, and avoid significant sun exposure. 

Wait for 10-14 days before you wear your contacts again. You may wear glasses as soon as the day after your surgery. After 2-4 weeks, once you’re fully healed, you can participate in strenuous exercise again. 

What are the Risks of Eyelid Surgery? 

Eyelid surgery has a 90% success rate. However, as any surgery does, blepharoplasty carries risks. These include bleeding, infection, blood clots, scarring, anesthesia risks, problems with the eyelids, or other unfavorable outcomes, such as asymmetry, dry eyes, or a downward pulling of the lower eyelids.

Visit Our Office for Your Consultation

Dr. Flora Levin, an eyelid surgeon in Fairfield, CT, provides eyelid rejuvination services to Westport, Norwalk, Westchester, Fairfield, and the rest of CT, as well as the tri-state area. If you’re interested in learning about your options for eyelid rejuvenation, contact our office to schedule your consultation. We look forward to meeting you!

Your Consultation With Dr. Flora Levin

The first step in your eyelid rejuvenation process is a consultation with Dr. Levin. As a nationally and internationally- recognized board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, she has performed thousands of eyelid rejuvenation procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical. She specializes in creating results that look natural while still meeting your desired cosmetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Levin will give you honest and thoughtful advice about your options and give you her recommendations around eyelid surgery in Fairfield, CT.

Our Patient Reviews

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Eyelid Surgery FAQs: 

How long will eyelid surgery results last?

How much recovery time is needed after eyelid surgery?

Will a blepharoplasty affect my vision?

Is it a good idea to combine blepharoplasty with other treatments?

What’s the right age for blepharoplasty?

How long will eyelid surgery results last?

Eyelid surgery results can last quite a while! Lower eyelid surgery results are usually permanent, while upper eyelid surgery typically lasts around 5 to 7 years.

How much recovery time is needed after eyelid surgery?

You’ll probably be able to get back to light work after a week, but it usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks for a full recovery.

Will a blepharoplasty affect my vision?

If loose skin on your eyelids is blocking your sight, eyelid surgery can help by clearing up your field of vision.

Is it a good idea to combine blepharoplasty with other treatments?

Yes! Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments, or a chemical peel can be great options to pair with blepharoplasty for even better results.

What’s the right age for blepharoplasty?

While younger patients can benefit, most people consider blepharoplasty after the age of 30, when eyelids typically start to droop.

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