Blepharoplasty in Fulshear & Sugar Land, TX
The eyes serve as the focal point of the face, acting as the gateway to our emotions, expressions, and nonverbal communication. Yet, it’s remarkable how even the smallest details can transform someone’s entire appearance. Factors such as aging, gravity, skin quality, sun exposure, and genetics can dull the shine of our most expressive features, resulting in weary and tired eyes.
Blepharoplasty offers a refreshing solution to eyes that have lost their vitality. Dr. Hua uses a variety of techniques in this transformative procedure, restoring bright youthfulness to the eye area and rejuvenating the overall appearance of the face.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids and correct functional issues that may affect an individual’s vision.
Blepharoplasty has many benefits; among them are its ability to:
- Rejuvenate the tissues of the eye area
- Eliminate under-eye bags and puffiness in the lower eyelid
- Remove wrinkles on both the upper and lower eyelids
- Improve vision issues caused by ptosis, or sagging skin in the upper eyelids
- Impart a bright, fresh look to the eyes
What Is Double Eyelid Surgery?
Also called Asian blepharoplasty or ethnic blepharoplasty, double eyelid surgery is a highly-sought-after procedure that requires special attention to detail. This surgery aims to reshape the eyelids into the patient’s preferred aesthetic, enhancing the appearance of the eyes and framing them more attractively.
This procedure can also address structural issues that impact the eye’s function, such as eyelid skin obstructing the upper half of the iris or eyelashes causing irritation to the cornea.
Partial Incision vs. Full Incision
Depending on your goals and Dr. Hua’s recommendation, double eyelid surgery may involve a partial or full incision.
- A full incision addresses excess skin and fat in the upper eyelid, utilizing sutures to mimic the fibrous attachments present in double eyelids. Because this incision follows the length of the upper lid, it leaves a visible but cosmetic scar. It also provides the most permanent results.
- A partial incision is placed in the upper edge of the new eyelid crease and kept short. This incision technique is best for those with excess fat but minimal excess skin. The primary benefit of a partial incision is minimal scarring.
Am I a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
A good candidate for blepharoplasty is in overall good health, does not smoke, and does not have any serious eye conditions or uncontrolled thyroid problems.
A good candidate should also have realistic expectations. For example, this procedure can enhance your appearance and deliver stunning results, but it cannot drastically alter the structure of your face.
Call (832) 930-2678 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hua to discuss your goals, expectations, and candidacy.
How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia, intravenous sedation or even local anesthesia. It can involve the upper, lower, or both eyelids.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
During an upper blepharoplasty, incisions are made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin and fat tissue are removed or repositioned, muscles are tightened, and the incision is closed.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
A lower blepharoplasty incision can be located in the natural creases just below the lash line (subciliary) or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival). With either technique, excess fat can be repositioned or removed. Incisions are closed with sutures.
Often performed with lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Hua offers eyelid tightening and reshaping with the following techniques:
- Canthopexy: Known as fox-eye surgery, canthopexy is a less invasive way to tighten and gently lift the outer corner of the eye. In this procedure, muscles, ligaments, and tendons are repositioned and tightened. This can tighten a sagging eyelid, lift an eyelid tilt, change the eye shape, correct uneven eyelids.
- Canthoplasty: Also known as the cat-eye surgery, is a procedure where the muscles, ligaments, and tendons are repositioned and tightened. This can tighten a sagging eyelid, lift the corners of the eye, change the eye shape, and correct uneven eyelids.
- Tarsal Strip: Lower eyelid malposition, such as ectropion (lower eyelids that droop outwards) or entropion (lower eyelids that are inverted), can cause irritation and other health complications. The tarsal strip procedure corrects these issues, restoring the lower lid and tarsal plate to their proper position relative to the eye.
What Procedures Can Be Combined With Blepharoplasty?
Because blepharoplasty is a targeted procedure, some patients wish to combine it with other surgeries for a more transformative look and less downtime. Common procedures combined with blepharoplasty include:
- Brow Lift: This procedure can remove forehead wrinkles and lift the brows, resulting in a dramatically refreshed upper face.
- Facelift: This procedure is an excellent choice for smoothing, lifting, and recontouring the midface, lower face, and neck and can correct jowls, nasolabial folds, and sagging of the lower face.
- Rhinoplasty: This procedure can refine the shape and size of the nose, enhancing facial harmony and balance. It can address nasal asymmetry, improve the profile, and correct structural issues that may affect breathing, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and functional nose.
- Fat grafting: Microfat grafting can be used to enhance the overall appearance of the face and eyes.
What Is Blepharoplasty Recovery Like?
At the end of the surgery, antibiotic lubricating ointment and cold compresses or gauze may be applied to the eyes. Dr. Hua will give you specific instructions to follow at home as you heal.
During the initial recovery period, you may experience minimal pain, redness, swelling, bruising, temporary light sensitivity, blurred vision, or a feeling of tightness, but these symptoms are common and subside quickly. Resting the eyes with naps and avoiding drying activities (like reading, watching TV, or browsing on your phone, laptop, or tablet) can provide ease and relaxation.
After about 10 to 14 days, most patients are comfortable going out in public and returning to work.
What Results Can I Expect From Blepharoplasty?
Initial bruising and swelling may obstruct the appearance of results initially. As these common side effects gradually subside, your final results will become visible. By six weeks, most patients present refreshed, smoother eyes. After a few months, the healing process is typically complete.
Blepharoplasty can’t stop your eyes from aging, but the results of this procedure are generally long-lasting. Upper eyelid surgery can last anywhere from 5 years to a lifetime.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery varies depending on your goals, whether you desire upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both, and your starting point. Dr. Hua will provide you with an exact cost at the time of your consultation.
Interested in Blepharoplasty in Richmond, Katy, Fulshear, or Sugar Land, TX?
With his diverse surgical expertise and innovative techniques, Dr. Hua is dedicated to providing tailored results with compassion and safety. If you’re ready for rejuvenated eyes that dazzle, schedule a consultation using our online contact form or call us today at (832) 930-2678. We look forward to getting in touch with you.
