The fat pads in our eyes droop as we age, and our skin begins to sag as collagen and elastin levels decrease. Some people grow frustrated when they are constantly asked if they are tired or angry because of their drooping eyes. Others experience vision problems due to excess skin. For aesthetic or practical reasons, blepharoplasty helps patients restore their eyes with only about a week of downtime.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as an eyelid lift, reduces signs of aging around the eyes. There are two types of eyelid lifts: upper and lower. Some patients may choose a combination of both.
Upper eyelid lifts remove excess skin and fat on the upper eyelid lifts. Lower eyelid lifts remove fat pads and excess skin on the lower eyelids. Patients also commonly choose to combine eyelid lifts with a face/neck or brow lift.
Eyelid Surgery
Before & After Photos
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
How Long is Recovery from Blepharoplasty?
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work after 7-10 days. The recovery time for eyelid lifts typically follows this schedule:
Immediately After
You will experience some discomfort for the first few days afterward. We recommend having ice packs and pain and inflammation medication available to you. We do not recommend wearing glasses during your healing period.
Day 1
For the first day, it is essential to keep your head elevated. Ice packs and medication can help with any swelling and bruising you may experience. Please make sure to apply ointments or medicines as prescribed by Dr. Holley.
Days 2-7
Within a week, most swelling, pain, and bruising subside slowly. We do not recommend any strenuous activities. Stitches are removed between 5-7 days after surgery.
Week 2
By the second week, you may return to your usual routine. Please wait for Dr. Holley’s approval to wear glasses.
Weeks 3-6
During the third to sixth week of recovery, you may begin raising your blood pressure again through exercise or other activities. Elevated blood pressure may increase swelling temporarily. Complete healing may take up to six weeks.
Consultations Available Now
Take the first step. Get your questions answered by meeting with one of our knowledgeable medical staff for an in-person consultation. Simply fill out the form, and one of our experienced team members will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.
Request a consultationWhat Results Can I Expect from Blepharoplasty?
You should expect brighter, more alert eyes after upper or lower blepharoplasty. You can experience results for 5-7 years, and lower eyelid lifts rarely need repeat treatments.
Should I Get an Eyelid Lift?
If you have droopy eyelids that block your field of vision or under-eye bags, you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty. Candidates must be in good overall health with realistic expectations for their surgery. To know if eyelid lifts are the right treatment for you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Holley at West Michigan Plastic Surgery.
Take the Next Step
Would you like to learn more about blepharoplasty? Simply fill out the form on this page or call West Michigan Plastic Surgery at (269) 222-1611 to schedule your appointment with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Holley. Proudly serving Kalamazoo and the greater Southwest Michigan area.
