Blepharoplasty in McLean and Northern Virginia

The eyes are an alluring component of the face that deserves to be visible, but sometimes, excess skin around the eyes can conceal their appearance. This is not only a cosmetic concern but a functional issue as well. Sagging tissue above the eyes can impair a person's field of vision, making it difficult for them to see and perform everyday activities. Low hanging skin in the upper face or puffy bulges of tissue below the eyes can create an unattractive and tired-looking appearance. Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA offers blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery to correct these issues. With his extensive expertise, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi can remove tissue above or below the eyes to attain a youthful and attractive appearance. 

There are both cosmetic and functional benefits to blepharoplasty. The surgery can correct drooping upper eyelids that may be impairing your vision, as well as remove puffy bags. Blepharoplasty can also be used to improve the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines around the eyes. Dr. Mesbahi can create a more youthful and refreshed appearance that can make you look years younger. Results from surgery are long-lasting and can be further enhanced with nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments.

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that is popular among both women and men. During the initial consult, treatment alternatives will be discussed with Dr. Mesbahi based on your areas of concern and level of skin laxity. Most often, ideal candidates wish to correct excess, drooping skin and folds on the upper eyelid, or bloated skin below the bottom eyelid.

Depending on the nature of the eyelid surgery, general anesthesia or IV sedation will be given. This cosmetic procedure may be done on the top eyelid by itself, on the bottom eyelid, or a blend of both eyelids.

• Upper
  Upper eyelid surgery assists in decreasing the folds of skin that droop over the eye to produce a more flattering look. The incision point is often placed along the lid crease to remove loose skin and fatty tissue.
• Lower
  Lower eyelid surgery is performed to improve puffy and bulging skin beneath the lower eyelid. The incision is made below the lash line to allow access to remove tissue and fat, and the skin is gently lifted to create a softer look. 

Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed with general or IV sedation. Depending on the severity of your condition and whether you are having both the upper and/or lower eyes addressed, your procedure can take up to two hours. After your surgery, you can expect to experience mild bruising and swelling, but these symptoms are normal and can be eased with over-the-counter medication. Most patients experience noticeable results after about two weeks with optimal outcomes occurring once a full recovery has been achieved. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled so Dr. Mesbahi can monitor your progress and make sure your incisions are healing nicely. Your stunning results can last for years, but a blepharoplasty does not stop the natural aging process. As you advance in age, skin laxity may reappear. 

Can I use insurance to pay for my eyelid surgery?
If loose skin is affecting your vision, your insurance company may pay for part of your blepharoplasty. Please tell Dr. Mesbahi in your initial consultation if you might be applying for an insurance claim. A team member at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery can help you get the needed paperwork and information to send to your provider. Generally, you will need a diagnosis from an ophthalmologist or optometrist that blepharoplasty is medically necessary to restore your vision.

What are some other benefits of an eyelid lift?
Blepharoplasty doesn't just help to rejuvenate your appearance, it can also provide other benefits. You may discover your field of vision is greater once excess skin from your upper eyelid is gone. It can also be easier to apply eye makeup when your upper eyelid is smooth. Eliminating fine lines, dark circles, and puffy bags on your lower eyelid may help your eyes appear fuller and brighter without cosmetics.

Will an eyelid lift fix wrinkles and Crow's feet?
Crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles might be better addressed with a facelift or brow lift since the results of a blepharoplasty are limited to the upper or lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty can also be performed with a nonsurgical procedure, like BOTOX, which can smooth wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead. Wrinkle fillers, like JUVÉDERM, can help to add volume for a smoother appearance. In your consultation, Dr. Mesbahi will develop your custom treatment plan based on your needs and goals.

What about nonsurgical treatments instead of eye surgery?
Nonsurgical skin tightening and injectable treatments (such as BOTOX and JUVÉDERM) can give you some improvements. However, if you have moderate to severe sagging skin or would like to see long-lasting results, an eyelid lift is better for your needs. Once you have talked to Dr. Mesbahi about your concerns and goals for your eyes, he will give you his recommendation for a surgical or nonsurgical treatment plan. He might also suggest both surgical and nonsurgical procedures for your best results.

Can blepharoplasty be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids?
Yes, blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on the patient's needs and Dr. Mesbahi's recommendations.

What should I avoid before and after blepharoplasty?
Before surgery, avoid taking medications and supplements that can increase bleeding. After surgery, avoid strenuous activities, smoking, and rubbing your eyes to ensure proper healing.

If you are having a hard time seeing due to hanging skin on the upper eyelid, or you are frustrated by puffy bags under your eyes, then blepharoplasty at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery may be right for you. This surgery can help you look refreshed and youthful while offering a beautiful solution to your vision impairment concerns. We invite you to get in touch with our office in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mesbahi.