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Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Facial Plastic Surgeon in New Orleans, LA and surrounding areas.

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Eyelid Surgery

In New Orleans

The thin, delicate skin of your eyelids may be the first place the signs of aging appear. Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, restores a youthful, refreshed appearance. It does so by removing or repositioning excess skin, fat and/or muscle from the upper and lower eyelids.

To learn more, please call the practice of Dr. Sean Weiss in the New Orleans area at (504) 814-3223. Dr. Weiss focuses extensively on facial plastic surgery. He is a mastery of facial anatomy and tailors the procedure to flatter you as an individual. He’ll help you decide if eyelid surgery can bring about the facial rejuvenation you want to see.

Eyelid Surgery Candidates

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If you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyelids, you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty. It’s possible your eyelids have always been saggy, but more often blepharoplasty candidates are unhappy with changes to their eyelids as they age.

As you age, the thin skin of your eyelids stretches and becomes thinner. The muscles of the eyelids naturally weaken with age. Sagging skin and droopy eyelids are unfortunate, but inevitable, side effects of growing older. Blepharoplasty surgery undoes these age-related changes. It can be performed on the upper or lower lids, or both. Dr. Weiss will help you decide what makes sense in your situation.

In general, you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty if you want to change any of the following:

  • Drooping upper eyelids
  • Puffy upper lids
  • Sagging upper eyelids, which may be blocking your vision
  • Excess upper eyelid skin
  • Excess lower eyelid skin
  • Under-eye bags or dark circles
  • Wrinkles on the lower eyelid

For such a small, delicate area on your face, the eyelids can have a profound effect on your overall appearance. You may feel like your eyelids are making your face look tired, frustrated, angry or generally unapproachable. People may ask you, “are you okay?” because of the way your eyelids affect the expressiveness of your face. Eyelid surgery restores a relaxed, youthful appearance.

Eye cosmetics are another area of concern for people with loose or sagging upper eyelids. It can be difficult applying eye shadow/eyeliner in a way that looks good to you when loose skin and fat obscure the natural contour and fold of your eyelid. Applying mascara may give you trouble too when eyelashes are partially covered by puffy skin. Blepharoplasty can restore your natural lid shape and contour and so you notice a remarkable difference in how your eye cosmetics look.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

Depending on your goals, blepharoplasty may adjust the upper or lower lids, or both. There are several techniques. Dr. Weiss chooses the one that will accomplish the changes you want to see. In general, eyelid surgery will remove fat and/or reposition fat, skin, and muscles of the eyelid.

Like most cosmetic procedures, eyelid surgery is performed with either local anesthesia or general anesthesia. In either circumstance, anesthetic medication is administered to help you feel relaxed and to numb the surgical area.

Once you are comfortable, Dr. Weiss makes incisions in the eyelid skin to remove and reposition the tissue. On the lower eyelids, he places the incision right below the lower lash line on the inner surface of the lower lid. The upper eyelid incisions go along the natural fold of the lid. Eyelid surgery incisions heal very well.

Bruising and swelling are to be expected around your eyes after eyelid surgery procedures. They dissipate during the post operative period over the next 1-2 weeks. Dr. Weiss and our office staff provide thorough aftercare instructions, including how to shower, how long to stay home from work, which exercise activities to avoid, and when to come back for your follow-up visits.

Eyelid Surgery Before and After

Choose an Experienced Facial Specialist

For a procedure tailored carefully for you, It makes sense that you should choose a surgeon with extensive knowledge of facial anatomy. Eyelid surgery is complex and must be tailored to your age, gender, ethnicity and facial shape so that the final results are flattering, attractive and natural. Your surgeon should also perform this procedure regularly, as part of their normal repertoire of procedures.

Dr. Weiss focuses on facial procedures extensively. He is double board certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). He is also fellowship-trained by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Otolaryngology, and the American College of Surgeons. He is particularly well-suited to perform blepharoplasty, and he makes sure your results look beautiful.

What Are the Potential Risks of Getting Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty has a safe track record. Of course, like any other surgical procedure, it carries some potential risks and complications. However, by visiting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in eyelid surgery, you can help ensure a good experience.

Temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort are the most common side effects. Some patients also experience watery eyes, double vision, and dry eyes during the recovery period. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Weiss to learn more about the potential risks of eyelid surgery.

How To Prepare for Eyelid Surgery

Getting ready for eyelid surgery doesn’t have to be difficult. Most of the steps are handled in the office. Our facial plastic surgeon will let you know if you need to do anything at home.

You can expect to have your eyes measured and photographed during a pre-operative exam. This information will be used to guide your procedure. You may also need visual field tests to determine how much, if any, of your vision is impaired by your eyelids.

You could be asked to take certain medications or adjust your current medications. For example, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements should generally be avoided, as they can increase bleeding. It is also necessary to stop smoking before surgery.

beautiful woman doctor sean weiss facial plastic surgery
beautiful woman doctor sean weiss facial plastic surgery

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

Blepharoplasty is one of the quickest plastic surgery procedures. It can take 30 minutes to an hour to treat the upper eyelids. Meanwhile, lower-lid surgery tends to take a bit longer, depending on the degree of correction needed and the techniques used.

How Painful Is Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty shouldn’t be overly painful. Numbing agents or general anesthesia are administered before eyelid surgery. After the procedure, discomfort can be controlled with pain medication and a cool compress.

Does Eyelid Surgery Cause Scarring?

Eyelid surgery does leave scars. Fortunately, these scars are almost impossible to see, thanks to careful incision placement. Incisions for upper blepharoplasty are located in the natural lid crease.

Incisions for lower blepharoplasty, on the other hand, are often made inside of the lower eyelid. Sometimes, an incision just below the lower lash line is more appropriate, particularly when excess skin needs to be removed.

Surgical scars gradually fade over time. Non-surgical treatments, such as lasers and chemical peels, can be used to lighten these marks even further.

Schedule your Blepharoplasty Consultation

In New Orleans, Louisiana

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If you are interested in rejuvenating your facial appearance, eyelid surgery may be right for you. The only way to know for sure is to arrange a consultation with experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon

Dr. Sean Weiss

. To schedule your visit at our Metairie practice, please call (504) 814-3223. You can also go to our contact us page and fill out an appointment request form.

Dr. Sean Weiss

Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Sean Weiss, MD, FACS is a specialized Facial Plastic Surgeon in Metairie, Louisiana. Dr. Weiss is fellowship trained under the guidance of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is double board certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Weiss performs facial plastic surgery in New Orleans, Louisiana at Hedgewood Surgical Center. Dr. Weiss performs facial plastic surgery in Metairie, Louisiana at Houma Outpatient Surgery Center.

Before & After PhotosView Gallery

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