blepharoplasty eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty & Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery encompasses the following procedures:

  • Blepharoplasty (upper & lower eyelid)
  • Ptosis Correction (upper eyelid)
  • Double Eyelid Surgery

Excess skin and fat naturally accumulate in the upper eyelid as we age. Commonly referred to as bagginess, patients are uniformly displeased with the aged and fatigued look that this extra tissue conveys. In extreme cases, the weight of eyelids becomes substantial and vision is partially obstructed, limiting the performance of everyday activities. Additionally, the thin muscle that controls upper eyelid elevation can stretch with time leading to an unopposed lowering of the eyelid. This also connotes a tired appearance and can obstruct the visual field when severe. All of these components are examined and addressed during your upper eyelid blepharoplasty consult and correctable during surgery. The goal is to restore a refreshed and natural appearance.

The transition between the lower eyelid and cheek is an important facial landmark and target for rejuvenation procedures. Even the slightest discordance between these areas connotes an aged appearance. Excess fat in the lower eyelid produces a visible bulge, or “bag,” causing patients to appear tired. Additionally, as we age, volume in the cheek diminishes, causing a visible recess or deepening around the eye. Light reflects off this area and creates a hollow, aged appearance that is displeasing to patients. Injectable filler placed in and around the tear trough region temporarily and often incompletely disguises this problem. Unfortunately, non-surgical methods cannot address the excess skin that accumulates in the lower eyelid.

Undoubtedly, a more resilient, long lasting improvement is achieved through surgery. Excess fat in lower eyelid is removed or repositioned, smoothing the transition with the cheek. Additionally, excess skin is addressed through a discrete incision hidden beneath the lower eyelashes. Lower eyelid sagging (also called lower eyelid malposition) is also corrected with re-suspension and tightening, restoring a youthful vitality. Lower eyelid surgery is frequently combined with a facelift procedure and/or chemical peel to synergistically rejuvenate the face.

Eyelid & Ptosis Correction Procedure

REFRESHED & NATURAL

The eyes convey age and emotion. Removing excess skin, repairing drooping eyelids and smoothing bags or tear trough depressions (dark circles) can have a profound and rejuvenating affect. Eyelid surgery is routinely combined with a facelift, browlift or chemical peel to synergistically rejuvenate the face.

What to Expect

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Consultation

The purpose of the consultation is to create a treatment plan that addresses your goals and fulfills your expectations. Surgical and non-surgical options for periorbital rejuvenation will be discussed, taking into consideration that each individual is unique and may require a combination of treatments or surgical techniques. At the end of the consultation, my hope is that you will have a thorough understanding of eyelid rejuvenation, how it restores a youthful appearance to the upper third of the face and what option(s) will best meet your individual needs.

Surgery

Surgery is performed at an accredited surgery center in Newport Beach, California, USA. Under the care of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, upper eyelid procedures are typically performed under sedation with local anesthesia. I find that patients are very comfortable with this type of anesthesia, which allows them to breathe on their own while remaining pain-free and comfortable. On the other hand, general anesthesia (fully asleep) is used during lower eyelid blepharoplasty in order to ensure maximal comfort and safety. Lower eyelid procedures are often a bit more involved and stimulating, thus requiring a deeper level of anesthesia.

The incisions for both upper and lower eyelid procedures are placed in the natural eyelid creases, rendering them imperceptible during daily conversation.

PRE-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

1. Stop all Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Fish Oil, Supplements with Omega 3, Ginger, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba and Turmeric – as these will thin the blood and complicate the surgery. You may take Tylenol as needed.
2. Medications – please notify us of any medications or supplements that you take regularly so that we may advise you appropriately.
3. Please fill all prescriptions prior to surgery so that they may be started immediately upon returning home.
4. Please no recreational drug use or smoking 4 weeks prior to and after the surgery.
5. Please have lab work completed 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.
6. Contact us immediately if you have any change in your health between your pre-operative visit and the surgery date.
7. Arrange for a driver to pick you up from the surgery center. Uber or Lyft are not acceptable. The driver does not have to remain onsite during surgery. they will be called when you are ready to be discharged from the recovery unit.
8. Make sure you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery – this is for your safety.
9. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY.

Visualizing the volumetric breast change on your own body can be invaluable to the surgical planning process! The Mentor™ 3D Breast Simulator app will facilitate the creation of a “wish picture” prior to your pre-operative visit and works best for augmentation and/or lift procedures. Simply take three pictures as instructed and begin simulating the desired look of your new breasts. When finished, you can securely send your photos to us at info@donaldmowldsmd.com.

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1. Take a shower using anti-bacterial soap – No lotions, hair products, powders, perfumes or makeup.
2. Wear loose comfortable clothing to the surgery center. We recommend wearing zip-up or button-up shirts and loose, comfortable pants.
3. Female patients will be given a urine pregnancy test at the surgery center.

We are here to help you through your recovery. Please do not hesitate to call our office.

Recovery

Patients are discharged home the same day and generally experience very minimal discomfort and bruising, often returning to work in the days following surgery. Upper eyelid sutures are removed painlessly in the office one week following surgery. Absorbable sutures are used in the lower eyelid, disappearing within a week as the scar fades into the lower lash line.

POST-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

1. Prescriptions provided at your pre-operative appointment should be filled prior to surgery and started when you arrive home. Take the first antibiotic dose at dinner time.
2. Please take a daily stool softener (e.g. Colace) or laxative (e.g. Senokot) while taking the pain medication. Stop if stools become loose.
3. Do not take Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve or herbal medications as these interfere with your blood’s ability to clot.
4. Bruising is a normal part of surgery. Over-the-counter Arnica can help expedite its resolution.
5. You may temporarily have trouble closing your eyes while you sleep. Apply over the counter artificial tears before bed and as needed for irritation.
6. For the first 24 hours following surgery, apply ice cold compresses at 20-minute intervals.
7. Continue to remain hydrated following the surgery.
8. Resume your regular diet, there are no restrictions. If you become nauseous, carbonated beverages and crackers may help settle the stomach. Zofran (Ondansetron) will be prescribed and can be taken as well.
9. Make sure you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery – this is for your safety.
10. Sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first week to protect the incisions and improve swelling.
11. Ambulate throughout the day to prevent blood clots in your legs.
12. Do not lift anything heavier than a purse and no pushing, pulling, exercise or any activity that may raise your blood pressure until cleared.
13. It is ok to shower 24 hours following surgery. Do not rub or wash your eyes.
14. No smoking – this inhibits wound healing, causing undesirable complications.
15. Driving – Do not drive or perform any tasks that require coordination or judgement for at least 72 hours after general anesthesia or while taking narcotic pain medication. This is particularly important following eyelid surgery as swelling may affect the visual fields.
16. Please call the office if you experience fever, chills, increased pain, wound drainage or if you have any concerns. Our office hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-12pm. To reach me after hours, please call the office and follow the prompts.

Results

The results are intended to be long lasting; however, the process of aging cannot be stopped and may impact the robustness of the result over time. As such, excess skin may gradually re-accumulate. This is unavoidable, however easily addressed during a second procedure. Regardless, patients are uniformly pleased with the natural and refreshing look that this procedure provides.

FAQs

Although you will be pain-free, you will be swollen. I instruct my patients to ice their eyes and sleep upright for at least the first 24 hours. Your eyelids will feel tight, a sensation that will improve in the days following surgery as the swelling diminishes.
During the initial healing process, the upper eyelid incision may be visible, primarily when the eyes are closed. Upon full healing, the thin scar blends into the natural upper eyelid crease, rendering it imperceptible during normal conversation. The lower eyelid incision is placed beneath the lower lash line. With time, this thin scar becomes the natural crease beneath the eyelashes, rendering it invisible at a conversational distance.
Extreme care is taken during surgery to make sure downward tension is not placed on the lower eyelid, thereby preserving the shape of the eye.
Before & After

Stunning, natural results from patients.

Request Consultation

EYELID SURGERY

Receive an in-depth consultation where we will thoroughly review your goals to personalize a plan focused on a natural and aesthetic result. Dr. Donald S. Mowlds, MD is located in beautiful Newport Beach, CA but is also available via a virtual consultation for out-of-town patients.

Facial Procedures

Facial Procedures

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

A lower face and neck lift restores youthfulness through careful repositioning of your natural facial volume. Excess skin is removed in a balanced fashion to create a natural esthetic that avoids an overdone appearance.

Liposculpture uses various liposuction techniques to address the excess fat tissue of the neck, jowls and chin to provide an enhanced contour. The targeted approach that liposuction affords is unparalleled and results in customized contouring of the neck and jaw. Mild skin laxity is also improved during the healing process following liposuction.

A surgical as well as non-surgical rhinoplasty “nose job” should be performed in harmony with the patient’s existing facial contours and ethnicity, creating the most natural result. We will devise a comprehensive plan that balances the objectives with your natural facial features in order to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result.

The chin is the centerpiece of the lower face and as such conveys excess or deficiency in this area. A chin augmentation utilizes a small silicone implant placed through a discrete incision to create a more balanced profile and structure to the jaw and lower face.

Excess skin and fat naturally accumulate in the eyelid as we age. Commonly referred to as bagginess, patients are uniformly displeased with the aged and fatigued look that this extra tissue conveys.

Eyebrow lifts reposition the eyebrows to the ideal location, refreshing the upper eye region. Brow lift surgery is often combined with upper eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, to achieve a maximal rejuvenation in this area.

Ear rejuvenation aims to restore a natural, symmetric and aesthetic appearance to the ears. Abnormally shaped ears can be inherited at birth and cause distress throughout the adolescent years and beyond.

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Services & Procedures

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.