One of the first things we notice about is person is their eyes. Many of us suffer from puffy under eyes or droopy eyelids, but luckily, Palm Beach facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jean-Paul Azzi, is an expert at performing blepharoplasty, more commonly known as an eyelid lift, a procedure that restores the skin to its natural look and can take many years off of a patient's face. Dr. Azzi performs eyelid lifts right in his office with only local anesthesia.
There are two types of blepharoplasties, upper and lower.
An upper eyelid lift targets excess skin and prolapsed fat above the eyes. For some people, the sagging skin becomes so severe that it impairs their vision.
A lower eyelid lift focuses on the skin and fat underneath the eyes. Typically, patients that are interested in lower blepharoplasty have dark bags and puffy circles beneath their eyes, often giving them a tired appearance.
We get a lot of questions about eyelid lifts, so Dr. Azzi sat down to address some of our most frequently asked questions here.
Can you describe the processes involved in the surgery? “At The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery, blepharoplasties are performed simply and routinely,” said Dr. Azzi. “In fact, a patient came to consult for revision upper blepharoplasty this morning. He told me he is running a marathon in California in two weeks and would like to look more refreshed. Since he was taking no blood thinners, I agreed to perform his procedure in the office, under local anesthesia in approximately 30 minutes during my lunch break the very same day. It’s that simple!"
How long does the actual procedure take? “In my practice this procedure is performed fully awake, under local anesthesia to give people rapid recoveries and eliminate anesthesia risks. Upper blepharoplasty takes approximately 30-60 minutes.”
How long does recovery take? “This can vary from patient to patient,” said Dr. Azzi. “Sutures typically come out about 5 days post-op. These are extremely fine and typically are flesh colored. Makeup or glasses can easily hide any bruising that may appear.”
What are the end results of the procedure? “It is important to distinguish a blepharoplasty or ‘eyelid lift’ from a brow lift. The blepharoplasty procedure just 'cleans up' the extra skin and tissue above the eye. It DOES NOT change the position of the brow. Brow lifts and blepharoplasties are routinely performed together to rejuvenate the entire upper 1/3 of the face. Both procedures can be done while the patient is awake, right in the office, under local anesthesia with minimal downtime.”
What characteristics can be enhanced or corrected with blepharoplasty? “Most patients complain of looking tired. I never make anyone look ‘done.’ The goal is to just give people back what they had before the aging process changed their appearance. One thing female patients love after an upper eyelid lift is the “shelf” over their upper eyelid where they can apply makeup.”
Are there any procedures that are commonly combined with blepharoplasty? Dr. Azzi said, “I can combine blepharoplasty with almost all other procedures. Some people use Botox or Xeomin injections for a ‘chemical brow lift’ with an upper eyelid lift. Some people prefer a brow lift simultaneously. I also often perform eyelid lifts with my deep-plane lower facelift and neck lift.”
How long do the effects of the procedure last? “I perform many blepharoplasty revisions on patients (situations where the patient is unhappy with the work of another surgeon). The reason, typically, is the extra skin left behind over the crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes. Once done correctly properly and thoroughly, this procedure should not have to be touched up for a decade or more.”
Are blepharoplasties more common for certain ethnicities? “Almost everyone, at some point, will lose the shelf above their upper eyelid and need it cleaned up. Patients of an Asian ethnicity typically present at a younger age, but this is because they are requesting a crease or fold above the eye.”
What about under eye fillers? “Although an eyelid lift is a more permanent solution, many patients can realize significant improvements with just a few simple injections. This is a great option for younger patients who have not yet developed severe sagging or puffiness, but still want a refreshed look. At your consultation, I’ll recommend the best solution for your individual situation.”
At The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery, Dr. Azzi does A LOT of revision upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures. Trust your face to a facial plastic surgeon and do your research before choosing a surgeon. It is much better to have the procedure done correctly the first time.
Are you a candidate for blepharoplasty? If your eyes appear excessively baggy, saggy, or tired looking, or if your eyelids interfere with your vision, we invite you to schedule a complimentary blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. Azzi at The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Azzi will take the time to understand your goals and explain which technique or procedure best suits your goals and anatomy. He will also explain what can be realistically achieved with an upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty.
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