Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgery that addresses puffy or drooping eyelids by removing excess tissue. Eyelid surgery tightens and firms the skin around your upper or lower eyelids making you look younger and more refreshed. Additionally, patients who suffer from impaired vision due to heavy, droopy upper lids enjoy dramatic improvements after the procedure.

Dr. Suresh Koneru is an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon providing reconstructive and plastic surgery services, including blepharoplasty. If you would like to learn more about how blepharoplasty can brighten your appearance and help you see more clearly, call Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery today at (726) 227-6847 or get in touch via our contact form.

To learn about the cosmetic treatments and procedures Dr. Koneru recommends for his patients, check out his blog.

Before and After Photos

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More About Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper or lower lids and can tighten lax muscles, creating a more youthful and alert look. The word “blepharoplasty” comes from the Greek word for eyelid, “blepharon,” and “plastikos,” which means moldable. And, this surgery has been performed since the 10th century! Having excess folds of eyelid skin is a condition called dermatochalasis. This area of the face is particularly delicate because our eyelids are the thinnest area of skin on our bodies. Over time, the constant muscle movement causes the eyelid skin and the tissues underneath it to loosen. ^[1] This surgery is often performed along with other rejuvenating procedures such as a brow lift, or facelift.

Because the surgery is done on such a delicate area, it is important to make sure you have a surgeon who is experienced in performing this type of procedure. Dr. Koneru understands that when it comes to blepharoplasty, every patient is unique. Plus, Dr. Koneru considers the patient’s skin condition and facial features to create a customized plan for the procedure. Over-treating or under-treating the eyelids can lead to an unnatural look, so it is important to choose a doctor who has experience in performing this type of surgery.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your aging eyelids and vision, call Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery today at (726) 227-6847 or get in touch via our contact form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Koneru. He will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for you.

What are the Benefits of Blepharoplasty?

The biggest benefit of blepharoplasty is that it can dramatically improve the appearance of your eyelids and face, making you look more youthful. There are other benefits as well, including:

With these many benefits, it’s no wonder that blepharoplasty is such a popular choice for those looking to improve the appearance of their face. In fact, it was the second most frequently performed plastic surgery procedure in 2020. ^[2]

If you would like to learn more about what this procedure can do to enhance your quality of life, contact us today!

Candidates for Blepharoplasty

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are in good health and have realistic expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy, and puffy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age. Younger patients who suffer from blepharochalasis can also benefit from eyelid surgery. Those who would not make good candidates are patients with:

It is important to check in with your ophthalmologist before scheduling your consultation with Dr. Koneru. It is also essential to quit smoking several weeks before and after blepharoplasty. Smoking can increase the risks of surgery, such as poor wound healing, infection, and other complications. ^[3] Quitting smoking for a few weeks before your procedure will help reduce these risks.

If you have any questions about the risks of this surgery, contact our office. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on how to ensure the best results from your procedure.

Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Koneru will review your medical history and discuss what you hope to achieve with eyelid surgery. He will also take photographs to use as a reference point during surgery and afterward to show how successful the treatment was.

Dr. Koneru listens carefully to his patients and helps them understand the risks and benefits of blepharoplasty. He will review your current health, skin laxity, and your unique facial anatomy before recommending the best treatment plan. Remember to provide any relevant information from your ophthalmologist or your most recent eye exam. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring them along.

Dr. Koneru will also discuss anesthesia options with you during your consultation. Depending on the extent of your procedure, local or general anesthesia can be used.

Preparing for Your Blepharoplasty in Texas

Once your treatment plan is finalized, Dr. Koneru will provide instructions to help you prepare for the procedure. We’ll let you know which medications to stop or start taking and other necessary steps for surgery prep.

Before your eyelid surgery, you’ll also need to:

Our staff will make sure you are completely prepared and have all the information you need before the day of your surgery.

What to Expect During Your Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is usually performed with local anesthesia, and patients can go home the same day. During the procedure, incisions are hidden along the natural lines and folds of the eyelids. There are different approaches to the upper and lower eyelids:

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Excess skin, fatty tissue, and muscle are removed from the upper eyelids to improve the appearance of droopy eyelids. The external incision lines are carefully placed in natural creases so that once they’ve healed, they are hidden. Dr. Koneru separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removes excess fat, and trims sagging skin and muscle. 

Lower Eyelid Surgery

The lower lids are typically corrected with an incision just below the lower eyelashes. Excess fat and skin are removed through this incision, reducing a puffy appearance.

If excess skin does not need to be removed from the lower eyelids, then Dr. Koneru will make an incision on the inside of the eyelid, called a transconjunctival incision. This allows him to remove the tiny fat deposits so that the area will be smoother and there will not be any visible scars.

The incisions are closed with very fine sutures. After surgery, Dr. Koneru may lubricate your eyes with ointment and apply a bandage.

Recovery from Blepharoplasty

Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you can control discomfort with the pain medication he will prescribe. You will be instructed to keep your head elevated and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.

The bruising generally lasts anywhere from two weeks to a month. You will be shown how to clean your eyes, which may be gummy for a week or so. For the first few weeks, you may also experience:

Any stitches will be taken out two days to a week after surgery. Once they’re out, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually improve, and you’ll start to look and feel much better. If you are comfortable, you may return to work within two weeks.

What are the Results of Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty can provide noticeable results that last for many years. In general, patients enjoy a younger-looking, refreshed appearance, and the area around the eyes will be smoother and more toned. The procedure also helps to reduce under-eye bags and hooding on the upper lids.

Patients may see a reduction in wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other signs of aging on the eyelids after blepharoplasty too; this can also help patients look younger and improve their vision. With Dr. Koneru’s expertise, you can expect natural-looking results that will leave you looking and feeling your best.

What is the Cost of Blepharoplasty in San Antonio, TX?

The cost of blepharoplasty depends on the severity of the patient’s condition, their treatment plan, and the desired outcomes. We offer several financing options that may be available to help you afford your procedure. If you are thinking about eyelid surgery, call our office today at (726) 227-6847 to schedule a consultation and find out if blepharoplasty is right for you!

References

1. Bhattacharjee K, Misra D, Deori N. Updates on upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2017;65(7):551. doi:10.4103/ijo.ijo_540_17
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. PLASTIC SURGERY STATISTICS REPORT 2020.; 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2020.pdf
3. McDaniel JC, Browning KK. Smoking, Chronic Wound Healing, and Implications for Evidence-Based Practice. Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing. 2014;41(5):415-423. doi:10.1097/won.0000000000000057