What is Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) ?
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to remove eyelid skin and to remove fat from the eyelids.
There are 2 types of eyelif surgeries:
Upper blepharoplasty surgery: small incisions to the upper eyelid to remove skin. the eyelid is then stitched (with a very thin stitch) back together to create an eyelid crease. This procedure can be done under local anesthesia.
Lower blepharoplasty surgery: small incision underneath the eyelash either from the inside or the outside of the lower eyelid to remove fat.
Deciding to undergo eyelid surgery
Since there is not much tissue support in the eyelids, this is often the first area to show signs of aging. The eyes are also the first feature others see when they look at you. Aging eyes can make you appear tired, sad, or just plain old.
Occasionally, the excess skin of the upper eyelid is often what contributes to the appearance of aging. For this reason, people often focus first on their eyes before they express concern about improving the appearance of their neck, or other areas.
The Eyelid Surgery Experience at Natural Look Institute in 4 crucial steps
During eyelid surgery, known as blepharoplasty, it is of utmost importance to determine the appropriate amount of skin, muscle, and fat to be removed in order to obtain optimal and natural results. You need a skilled surgeon with an artistic eye, as well as years of expertise, to achieve optimal and natural looking results. “Practice Makes Perfect.” Therefore, you need an experienced eyelid surgeon (blepharoplasty surgeon) who has done many eyelid procedures. Dr. Shahar offers years of experience and talent. Dr. Shahar is one of the best eyelid surgeons in NYC. Below are Dr. Shahar’s key consultative steps:
1. Dr. Shahar’s Consultative Approach and Caring Attention
Dr. Shahar offers personalized, caring attention during your initial consultation. Dr. Shahar generously offers his time to answer any questions you may have. So, after careful evaluation in his “Mirror” room, his unique approach is to analyze your face, eyelids and advise as to what you really need to do to look your best. Firstly, he addresses your specific concerns. Secondly, he lets you decide whether you wish to follow his advice or not.
2. Transparency & Trust before your eyelid surgery begins
The hallmark of Dr. Shahar’s work is that he is highly realistic about the results of each patient. As a result, he encourages them to be as well. Therefore, he never over-corrects, and always recommends the most minimal procedure to achieve the utmost maximum natural-looking result. Meanwhile, patients are informed of the latest state-of-the-art, non-surgical alternatives.
3. Safety is paramount during your eyelid surgery
“Patient care and safety is paramount to me. Therefore, I perform most of the eyelid surgeries in my on-site Surgical facility which is accredited by the AAAHC. Likewise, I am attended by excellent anesthesiologists and nurses. Blepharoplasties are performed under local anesthesia. As part of my patient care, I am personally follow up with my patients after the procedure to make sure their concerns have been addressed.”
Dr. Shahar has perfected the blepharoplasty procedure, minimizing scar length and visibility. The incision site becomes almost invisible.
Whether you wish to enhance your appearance by improving upon your best features or correct those you may want to change, his impeccable artistic judgment, finely honed expertise and caring attention will create natural, more toned, younger-looking results. Those natural results are custom-tailored to your unique individuality without altering your look.
4. Awareness of the eyelid surgery and pre/post-op instructions
Doctor Shahar recommends you stop smoking 1 week before the surgery and refrain from smoking for at least 1 week after the mini face lift surgery. He also recommends you avoid consuming alcohol 1 week before surgery and refrain from drinking at least 72 hours after the mini face lift surgery. You should avoid taking any drugs containing aspirin or drugs such as Mortrin, Advil or Premarin 1 week before surgery. Use only Tylenol if needed. Avoid taking food supplements (vitamins, protein powder…) at least 1 week before surgery.
The eyelid surgery usually lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour.. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia.
You will need someone to drive you home after the eyelid surgery is performed. You may be prescribed pain medication making it unsafe to drive or operate any kind of machinery. Driving should be avoided for about 4-5 days. You can take showersafter 2 days.
Avoid wearing contact lenses until at least 2 weeks after your surgery.
You can take showers immediately after the eyelid surgery from the neck down. Be sure not to wet your face for at least 5 days after the surgery. Please discuss with Dr. Shahar to know when it is safe to take full showers again. Don’t put makeup (such as eye shadow, eyeliner, or mascara) on your eyes for 1 week post-op.
How we Achieve a Natural Looking blepharoplasty
Is eyelid surgery permanent?
It can vary from patient to patient. However, from our experience we can estimate the following: upper eyelid surgery lasts for years. Lower eyelid surgery is usually permanent. Please note that your eyelids will change and still age after the procedure.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
After eyelid surgery, your eyelids may feel a bit sore and dry. Your eyes may feel slightly itchy, dry, sensitive or watery. Those symptoms are normal. Your vision might get a bit blurry (because of antibiotic ointment) for a few days but will come back to normal in less than a week. Doctor Shahar will discuss with you the various pain medication at your disposal to ease the potential discomfort.
What about Eyelid Surgery Recovery?
The recovery time is short, and you can be back to work within 3 to 5 days. Pain is minimal and can be managed with Tylenol. Swelling and bruising are minimized by the medication provided after surgery. In a few short weeks you will look alert, rested and refreshed. During your consultation, Dr. Shahar will advise you on the right eyelid surgery procedure for you, show you many before and after photos, and answer all of your questions to help you decide what’s best for you.
Most patients return to a normal lifestyle and activity after 5 days following the eyelid surgery. 2 weeks after the blepharoplasty most of the redness, swelling and bruising subsides.