Eyelid Surgery in Bellevue

As our faces age, they lose tissue mass, and skin begins to sag, which can give the face a deflated or weary appearance. More than any other feature, it is our eyes that can make us seem tired. Eyelid surgery in Bellevue can improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, restoring firmness to the area surrounding the eyes and making you look more rested and alert.

Our focus is on natural results that give patients a rejuvenated appearance that preserves and enhances their natural features, avoiding the “worked on” look of the past. During your consultation, Dr. Min will work with you to understand your needs and help you create a facial plastic surgery treatment plan that will look and feel natural.

How Does Eyelid Surgery Work?

Every eyelid procedure in Bellevue is unique, just as everyone’s eyes are unique, but most procedures involve the removal of some fat and excess skin. Some procedures also involve the removal of some muscle tissue. Dr. Min will make an incision in the natural crease of the eyelids and separate the skin and fatty tissue from the underlying muscle to allow for its removal. In some cases, fatty tissue may be redistributed or muscles altered to provide shape and firmness to the eyelids. Dr. Min may also employ more modern techniques, such as lasers or wrinkle fillers (with patient approval), to achieve the desired result. In the case of double eyelid surgery (Asian Blepharoplasty), the eyelids will be reshaped to ad a crease where there previously was none to allow the eyes to open more fully and give a more alert, rounded look.

You will experience some bruising and swelling during the first several days. You will be given medication and special cold compresses to reduce pain and swelling, as well as prescription eye drops. You can expect your vision to remain slightly blurry for 2-3 days, but these effects will not last. If you use contact lenses, you may have to wait 1-2 weeks before wearing them again. Within 2-3 weeks, eyes should feel like they are opening and shutting naturally, and because eyes heal so well, patients rarely notice any scarring.

Your Initial Eyelid Surgery Consultation

The role of the consultation is to ensure that you feel informed, confident, and excited, and we take as much time as we need to get there. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will ask you about your desired appearance, as well as questions about your general health, to determine if he can meet your expectations. He will analyze your eyes and evaluate the shape, quality of skin, and underlying bone structure. After your consultation, photographs will be taken for additional analysis and your medical records. He will walk you through your options, explain the details of the eyelid surgery procedure in Bellevue, and answer any questions you may have. You will have an opportunity to view extensive before and after photos. Dr. Min will assess factors such as bone structure, skin type, the amount of underlying fatty tissue, and the contour of your face. He will share and explain his opinions with you about what is most appropriate for your face and what results you can expect. Together you will decide on the details and timing of your procedure. Finally, Dr. Min will make sure you know exactly what will happen on the day of your procedure, what you will experience while you recover, and what you can expect in the months and years to follow.

Safety & Risks of Eyelid Surgery

Our approach at Newvue is to always put our patient’s safety above all other concerns. We have invested in state-of-the-art tools, and our on-site surgical suite is one of the first in the region to be fully approved under the stringent new safety standards. Eyelid surgery is a very common and safe procedure in Bellevue. Nonetheless, we feel it is important that all our patients fully understand the risk(s) associated with this or any surgical procedure. The most important thing to know is that Dr. Min and team Newvue will stand by you should any complications arise and do everything we can to help you achieve your desired result.

Risks associated with eyelid surgery include: possible reaction to anesthesia, infection, difficulty closing the eyes, facial nerve injury/loss of sensation, and/or asymmetry. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will address all possible risks and complications with you and make sure that your questions and concerns are answered.

After Your Eyelid Surgery Procedure

You are still our patient after you leave, and we will be there for you as you recover to answer any questions you may have and advise you on any side effects you may be feeling. After eyelid surgery in Bellevue, patients can generally return home within a matter of hours. You will be given special cold compresses and medication to manage pain and swelling, as well as prescription eye drops and instructions for using them. Dr. Min will advise you on the specifics of your recovery program. Patients can begin moving around right away and resume light exercise after about a week. Most patients return to work in 5-10 days, but you should avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks.

Your Eyelid Surgery Options

Dr. Min will help you customize the eyelid surgery procedure in Bellevue to give you a natural, energized face to show the world. The procedure itself will vary slightly from person to person and may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It may also be performed in combination with other procedures, such as a face or brow lift.