Eyelid Surgery Denver
Intense schedules, insomnia, age, and even genetics can wreak havoc on the delicate skin around your eyes, resulting in droopy lids, puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles that can age your entire face. If your eyes are causing you to look tired, sad, or even irritable, an eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, can help restore a bright, refreshed appearance to your eye area.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS, PCEO of BEAUTY by BUFORD can perform eyelid surgery to help restore the youthful, playful twinkle in your eye that makes you unique. Learn more about eyelid surgery below, or schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Buford today!
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Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the eyelids. It can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both. The surgery may involve removing excess skin, muscle, and fat to rejuvenate the surrounding area of your eyes.
At BEAUTY by BUFORD, we begin your blepharoplasty journey with a thorough consultation. Dr. Buford takes the time to discuss your aesthetic goals, examine the unique characteristics of your upper and lower eyelids, and assess your overall facial anatomy. During your consultation, he will evaluate whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both are appropriate to achieve your desired results. With a personalized and detail-oriented approach, Dr. Buford develops a treatment plan that aligns with your goals for a naturally refreshed appearance.
Before you meet with Dr. Buford for your consultation, consider filling out our face and skin self-assessment. By sharing how you see yourself, we can best evaluate your aesthetic goals and determine your appropriate treatment plan.
Dr. Buford offers both upper and lower eyelid lift procedures. During your consultation, he will work closely with you to determine which procedure or combination of procedures will best achieve your desired results.
If the skin of your upper eyelids is obscuring your eyelashes, sagging or wrinkled, or lacking contour, Dr. Buford can remove excess skin and restore a youthful appearance to the area. By removing extra skin and lifting the remaining skin of the upper eyelid, Dr. Buford can help your eyes look more open and alert.
For an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Buford will make an incision in the natural crease above your eye, which makes the scar as inconspicuous as possible after you have healed. Through this incision, he will remove excess skin and fat until the desired results are achieved. This may also require repositioning the surrounding muscles to fully support the lifted eyelid.
If your concerns lie in puffy or sagging skin underneath your eyes, you are likely experiencing herniated fat that has collected in the area. A lower eyelid lift can eliminate "bags" and, in some cases, tighten the underlying muscles to provide a natural, rejuvenated appearance.
Similarly to the upper eyelid lift, Dr. Buford will begin your lower blepharoplasty by making an incision either at the outer corner of the lower lid, right beneath the eyelashes, or just inside the eyelid.
Combining your eyelid lift with other procedures or nonsurgical treatments can enhance your results. Common combinations include:
Although droopy eyes can have a huge impact on your face, this area may not be your only concern. If you are concerned with wrinkles on your forehead and around your eyes or loss of volume in your lower face, cosmetic injectables like Botox and dermal fillers can help balance your eyelid lift results by subtly rejuvenating the rest of your face.
"Eye M Beautiful℠" is a noninvasive procedure that includes cosmetic injectables, dermal fillers, medical-grade skincare, and LATISSE® eyelash enhancement to fully rejuvenate the upper third of your face. When combined with an eyelid lift, this combination of procedures and treatments can dramatically reverse signs of aging around your eyes.
Blepharoplasty can be tailored to address any of several common concerns that contribute to an aged or tired appearance in the eye area:
At BEAUTY by BUFORD, Dr. Buford understands the impact that your eyes have on your overall facial aesthetics. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can have transformative effects on both your appearance and your self-confidence. With our expertise in eyelid surgery, we offer customized solutions to help you get a more youthful, refreshed, and rejuvenated look with the following benefits:
Eyelid surgery effectively targets and removes excess skin, fat deposits, and sagging muscles around your eyes, resulting in a smoother and more rejuvenated appearance. It can reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and puffiness so you look more well-rested and alert.
As we age, our eyelids can become droopy and hooded, giving a tired or sad appearance. Eyelid surgery can restore the natural contours of your upper and lower eyelids, opening your eyes and creating a more youthful and refreshed look.
Sagging or loose skin around your eyes can contribute to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. By removing the excess skin and tightening the underlying structures, eyelid surgery can smooth out wrinkles and restore your youthful appearance.
In some cases, sagging eyelid skin can obstruct your vision, causing discomfort and affecting daily activities. Eyelid surgery can address this issue by removing the excess skin, allowing for an improved field of vision and enhanced overall functionality.
Eyelid surgery may be the right choice if you:
Following the procedure, you'll be monitored in a recovery area before being cleared to return home with a friend or family member to drive you. As the anesthesia wears off, your eyelids might feel tight and sore, but discomfort can be managed with prescribed medication. Initially, swelling, bruising, and sensitivity to light are common.
In the initial days following surgery, gentle application of ice packs or cold compresses can significantly reduce swelling and bruising. It’s essential to keep your head elevated above your chest to minimize swelling; using extra pillows can help achieve this. Giving your eyes ample rest is crucial, so avoid straining them with activities like reading, watching TV, or using digital devices.
Patients who undergo blepharoplasty often see immediate improvements in the appearance of their eyes. The full results become apparent within a few weeks as swelling subsides. Eyelid surgery results are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying a youthful, refreshed look for many years. By removing excess skin and sculpting away fat deposits, blepharoplasty creates a smoother eyelid contour, reducing signs of aging around the eyes and enhancing your overall facial appearance.
Good candidates for blepharoplasty have droopy or sagging eyelids, bags under the eyes, excess eyelid skin affecting vision, or those who simply wish to improve their appearance. Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the surgery's outcomes.
The procedure typically involves making incisions along the natural lines of your eyelids, through which excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed or repositioned. The incisions will be closed with sutures or skin glue. The specific technique depends on your condition and the desired outcome.
Blepharoplasty usually takes about 1 to 3 hours, depending on whether both the upper and lower eyelids are being operated on and the complexity of the surgery.
Recovery varies by individual, but most people can return to normal activities within 10 to 14 days. Swelling and bruising are common but improve within a week or two. Complete recovery, with full results visible, may take several months.
Patients typically experience minimal pain during and after blepharoplasty. Any discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or prescriptions from Dr. Buford.
Like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty has risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, dry eyes, difficulty closing eyes, and, in rare cases, vision loss. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Buford and closely following pre- and post-operative instructions can help minimize these risks.
Scars from eyelid surgery are usually well concealed within the natural folds of the eyelid or along the lash line and typically fade significantly with time. The visibility of scars can vary based on individual healing processes.
The results of blepharoplasty are generally long-lasting. While the procedure can't stop your eyes from aging, most people are satisfied with their results for many years. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your skin from the sun can help extend the results.
Blepharoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. However, if the surgery is performed to improve obstructed vision, it may be partially or fully covered. It's essential to check with your insurance provider for details.
With decades of experience, Dr. Buford has honed his skills to deliver exceptional results. Whether you're seeking to refine or rejuvenate your naturally beautiful appearance, Dr. Buford's personalized approach ensures that your needs are met with world-class skill and precision. Schedule a consultation today to put Dr. Buford’s expertise to work for you.
