Cosmetic eyelid surgery (medically known as a blepharoplasty) can restore either or both of your upper eyelids and lower eyelids to give you a refreshed, reawakened, and revitalized appearance. This facial plastic surgery procedure is ideal for patients who experience any of the following cosmetic concerns: permanent under-eye circles, persistent puffiness, baggy eyes, or facial aging such as crow’s feet, wrinkles, folds, and fine lines.
Dr. Min and the Newvue clinical team specialize in eyelid surgery to give our Seattle patients a more rejuvenated and youthful appearance. Schedule a consultation with our clinic today to discover how this treatment can work for you.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is technically known as blepharoplasty surgery and is usually done to refresh the appearance of your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It helps reduce the visible signs of aging by removing extra skin and fat and reducing puffiness, which will make you look more awake and youthful. Sometimes eyelid surgery is done to correct sagging eyelids that are hanging down and affecting the person’s vision.
How it works
Dr. Min will carefully make small incisions in the natural folds of your eyelids to help hide any resulting scars. Next, he will eliminate any extra skin and fat, and adjust the muscle if needed, to give the area around your eyes a smoother, firmer appearance. Your eyelid surgery will be customized to fit your exact needs and the results you want to achieve.
Surgery time
1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery. Upper and lower eyelid surgery can be done together.
Performed by
Dr. Min, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the circumstances.
Recovery
It is normal to have some swelling, bruising, and mild soreness around your eyes, and they may feel dry or watery for a week or so while you heal. Many patients can return to work and most of their normal daily activities within one to two weeks, but it depends on their job and how comfortable they feel being in public.
Dr. Min will give you detailed aftercare instructions to help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. These will include activities to avoid for several weeks, like heavy exercise and other strenuous activities.
Location
Bellevue, WA.
Benefits
Can give you a more refreshed and well-rested appearance.
Helps to reduce drooping upper eyelids.
Reduces puffiness and under-eye bags.
Helps your eyes look more open and alert.
Can help improve your vision if excess upper eyelid skin is hanging low.
The results are long-lasting.
Any scars are usually well hidden in the natural fold of your eyelid.
Eyelid Surgery: Is it Right for Me?
Not everyone in Seattle will be in a position to undergo blepharoplasty. Here are some considerations to be an ideal candidate for this procedure:
You are in good physical health, without any serious ophthalmological conditions
You have sagging or drooping eyelid skin and tissue that is impacting your vision
You have noticed cosmetic signs of aging around the eye area, including the development of wrinkles and fine lines, chronic puffiness or under eye circles, or hooded eyelids
If your eyelids are impacting your vision, or if the cosmetic appearance of your eyelids are contributing to negative self-esteem and social discomfort, an eyelid surgery may be recommended.
Seattle Plastic Surgeon with Proven Expertise
George G. Min, M.D.
Dr. Min has more than 20 years of experience as an expert in plastic & reconstructive surgery, including facial plastic surgery procedures. He truly cares about helping others and uses his natural talent for performing intricate, detailed surgeries to make a difference in the lives of his patients. He is dedicated to providing the natural-looking results that are the perfect blend of beauty and balance, so you age gracefully without looking overdone. He has been named a Seattle Magazine Top Doctor for several years.
He is a member of:
American Board of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
Our plastic surgery team will take care to perform any incisions along your natural eye creases, to properly conceal any scars as best as we can. Typically, Seattle patients can expect the eyelid surgery procedure to takes a couple of hours, and is administered with anesthesia and eye protection for your comfort.
The upper eyelid procedure and the lower eyelid procedure are very similar to each other, but mainly differ in treatment location. During the upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid to remove the excess skin and fat. In the lower blepharoplasty, the incision is made directly below the eyelashes.
In both cases, the fatty tissue and muscles around the eyes may be redistributed or altered to enhance the shape, firmness, and cosmetic appearance of the eyes. With your approval, we can also combine the surgical procedure with laser treatments or dermal fillers for further enhancement. Here are a few recommendations for our patients to help them comfortably plan their procedure:
Even though the procedure will only take a few hours, you should take the full day off from work and other commitments You will be required to stay at the clinic for a few hours following your procedure as we monitor your progress Ideally, you should have a trusted friend or relative drive you home, as the anesthesia may prohibit you from driving
Following these guidelines, along with personalized guidance for your recovery program, will help make your experience comfortable and effective.
Maintaining a Safe Recovery
Our Newvue medical team will thoroughly prep you on the post-operative directions and guidance you need to know to recover optimally from your Seattle eyelid surgery. For most patients, the total recovery time is two weeks. Here are some general guidelines and tips that we offer to our patients:
You will be given special cold compresses and medication to manage any discomfort You will also be given prescription eye drops, as well as instructions on how to use them You will be able to move around right away following your procedure Typically, you can resume light exercise after one week following your procedure In most cases, you will be able to return to work in five to ten days After two weeks, you can resume vigorous and strenuous physical activity, including going to the gym If you wear contact lenses, you may have to wait at least two weeks after your procedure before wearing them again
Following these guidelines, as well as individual guidance given to you for your recovery program, will help you achieve a smooth and hassle-free recovery.
Customizing Your Blepharoplasty
During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will discuss your treatment and cosmetic goals with you and learn what you are hoping to get out of this makeover. You can opt for an upper eyelid surgery, a lower eyelid surgery, combining both upper and lower eyelid surgeries in one procedure, or combining these procedures with a brow lift for a full facial rejuvenation.
Reawaken Your Appearance With Eyelid Surgery in Seattle Today
Eyelid surgery may be exactly what you need to reawaken and refresh your tired-looking eyes. If you are experiencing fine lines, wrinkles, under eye bags, puffiness, or hooded eyelids, we are your destination for safe and effective change.
At Newvue Medical, you can expect nothing but the very best. We are proudly staffed by a multidisciplinary team of plastic surgeons, aestheticians, and nurse practitioners who have a wealth of experience in cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine. Discover how eyelid surgery in Seattle may be right for you during a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Min – call us today to set one up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Would I be a candidate for eyelid surgery?
You might be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you are in good health, but aging has caused your eyelids to droop, or you have under-eye bags, puffiness or loose skin creating wrinkles around your eyes.
Does eyelid surgery normally leave scars?
Eyelid surgery can leave visible scars, but Dr. Min does all he can to create your incisions in locations that will camouflage the resulting scars, so they will be less noticeable when they heal.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Eyelid surgery can be uncomfortable while you are healing. You may experience swelling, soreness, or a tight feeling. Most patients report that the procedure itself is not painful because the anesthesia helps you stay comfortable.
How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?
The results of eyelid surgery can last for many years but it will depend on how well you take care of your skin, your genetics, and the natural aging process.
Can upper and lower eyelid surgery be done together?
Yes and these two surgeries are often done during the same surgery session. This can provide more dramatic results and eliminate the need for two separate recovery periods.
When will my final results be noticeable?
Many people see noticeable improvements once their swelling begins to decrease, but it can take a few months for your final results to be evident.
Can eyelid surgery correct dark circles?
Not normally. Eyelid surgery might help reduce shadows that are being caused by puffiness, but it does not normally eliminate undereye discoloration.
