Upper Blepharoplasty Seattle

Upper Blepharoplasty The eyes are often one of the first facial features people notice when meeting someone. They also serve as an important way to express emotion and communicate. Thus, when a person’s eye appearance changes, this can affect how others perceive them. While some eye changes are rare and unlikely, one that is common and will eventually affect everyone is aging. Aging eyes can cause the eyes to appear heavy, tired, and grumpy. Upper eyelid surgery can help resolve these potential issues. Dr. Javad Sajan at Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery performs the best upper blepharoplasty Seattle offers patients.

Upper blepharoplasty surgery removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. The procedure is considered one of the least risky and minimally invasive surgeries in all of plastic surgery. It is generally performed to address aging concerns, but it can also help improve vision. Some people of Asian descent undergo a similar surgery which creates an upper eyelid crease.

In the United States, blepharoplasty surgeries are most popular among the 55 to 69-year-old population. Though, it is also the second overall most performed plastic surgery. This is likely due to the relative safety and minimal recovery of eyelid surgeries. Simply, more people are good candidates for the procedure than more aggressive surgeries.

People often expect changes in their vision with age. However, the outward appearance of the eye also changes. Like the rest of the face, the skin of the upper eyelids thins, loses elasticity, and begins to sag. Also, the muscle that lifts the eyelid—the levator muscle—weakens and cannot adequately support the upper eyelid anymore. All of these factors combined can lead to eyelid sagging and hooded eyes.

Other signs of upper eyelid aging include:

• Droopy eyebrows
• Sunken eyes
• Skin that hangs down over the natural crease
• Wrinkly eyelid skin
• Fat deposits that descended onto or above the eyelid
• Eyelid sagging that interferes with vision

Upper eyelid surgery comes with many benefits for aging patients. The benefits of a specific blepharoplasty surgery will vary based on the patient’s anatomy and situation. Some of the possible benefits include:

• Remove extra skin
• Elevate sagging upper eyelids
• Eliminate unnecessary fat bags
• Tighten the underlying muscle structures
• Reposition fat to maintain a youthful appearance
• Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Restore the full visual field
• Enhance tired or grumpy looking eyes
• Generally younger look
• Ability to communicate better and more effectively
• Low risk surgery
• Takes under one hour
• General anesthesia is often not needed, local anesthesia is sufficient in most cases
• Minimal pain and discomfort during recovery
• Quick recovery
• Performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in Seattle

The risks of upper eyelid surgery are minimal. Major complications are very rare. Most complications are temporary and treatable. Dr. Sajan uses several methods to help reduce the risk of complications in all of his surgeries. For example, Dr. Sajan performs thorough patient screening, determines the right anesthesia option, and provides adequate aftercare instructions.

Still, it is important for patients to understand the possible risks of the procedure. Risks of upper blepharoplasty may include:

• Infection
• Hematoma
• Dry eyes
• Injury to eye muscles
• Skin discoloration
• Temporary blurred or double vision
• Difficulty blinking
• Visible scarring
• Temporary, or rarely, permanent changes or loss of vision

Dr. Sajan will make an incision within or just below the eye crease. This incision will remove the extra skin and provide access to the underlying anatomy. He carefully removes the extra skin, fat, and potentially part of the muscle. Then, Dr. Sajan will elevate the skin of the lid to the eye crease. Repeating the same process on the other side, the entire procedure is quick and patients should remain completely comfortable.

Sometimes, upper blepharoplasty is combined with or performed through a brow lift. In minor cases of eyelid sagging, pulling the brow tight can elevate the upper eyelids too. Patients can also undergo both procedures at the same time under local anesthesia.

1. What Is The Best Age For Upper Blepharoplasty?

The age of blepharoplasty surgery patients falls into a fairly large range. More than half of all upper eyelid surgery patients are over the age of 55. However, it is generally agreed that upper blepharoplasty surgery patients are over the age of 35. Though, they can range up to 70 or over.

People do not experience aging on the same timeline because of genetics, sun exposure, medical conditions, and more. Some people may see visible eyelid sagging as soon as their thirties while others may not see it until close to age 60.

2. How Much Is Upper Eyelid Surgery In Washington State?

An upper blepharoplasty with Dr. Javad Sajan in Seattle starts at $4,285. Additional procedures such as a lower eyelid surgery or brow lift surgery performed at the same time may incur more cost.

Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery provides outside financing through Care Credit, Alphaeon, and United Medical Credit. Patients have multiple financing and payment options. At a consultation appointment, the patient will receive a customized price quote and financing information.

3. Are You Awake During Blepharoplasty?

Often, yes, but not always. Due to the quick and non-invasive nature of the procedure, plastic surgeons use local anesthesia if only performing eyelid surgery. However, if a patient plans to undergo multiple facial plastic surgeries in one session, general anesthesia will likely be required.

4. Who Is Not A Good Candidate For An Upper Eyelid Lift?

Most patients are great candidates for a Seattle upper eyelid lift. However, there are situations where Dr. Sajan may advise against it. Other than simply not having the extra skin necessary, other factors that may make a patient not a candidate include:

• Severe or chronic dry eyes
• Untreated or severe dry eyes
• Glaucoma
• Certain thyroid disorders
• Heart disease
• Circulation disorders
• Correction could be better achieved via a brow lift

Treated and well managed medical conditions are not necessarily an automatic disqualification from the procedure. They may place patients at a higher risk or require further evaluation to ensure safety. Anesthesia is not necessary for this procedure, making it quicker than comparable surgeries such as a facelift or brow lift. This allows more candidates to undergo it.

5. What Is The Fastest Way To Recover From Upper Eyelid Surgery?

An upper blepharoplasty recovery may be one of the easiest and quickest in plastic surgery already. However, that does not mean it cannot hinder daily life or cause frustration. Following Dr. Sajan’s post-operative instructions is the best way to promote a quick recovery. Examples of his instructions and ways to speed up recovery include:

• Elevate the head when resting
• Avoid activities that require eye strain or sustained eye use (reading, driving, watching TV, etc.)
• Limit physical activity
• Do not smoke
• Attend post-operative appointments
• Take prescribed antibiotic
• Keep the surgical area out of the sun and wear a hat when going outside
• Administer eye drops if recommended
• Do not bend over or lift heavy objects
• Take time off work
• Do not allow the incisions to get wet
• Follow scar care instructions