Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

The eyes are the most engaging and colorful attraction of the face – inviting eyes are essential to a youthful appearance…

Click here to see Eyelid Plastic Surgery Before and After Photos

Early signs of aging are revealed in the eyes, more than any other part of the body, due to squinting, sun damage and heredity.  The lower eyelids are one of the first areas of the face to show age-related changes.  Skin begins to slacken - muscles start to droop and tissues around the eyes weaken.  This creates shadowy hollows below the eyes as wrinkles, bags and excess fat become more prominent.  The upper eyelid skin loses its elasticity, resulting in a crepey appearance, as the lid may actually descend downward and rest on the eyelashes.  This descent high-lights dramatic aging while it also affects vision.   Dr. Gunnlaugsson recommends eyelid surgery to patients who want to effectively address these concerns – and restore a more youthful, vital appearance to the eyes.

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery:

• Eyelid surgery eliminates loose or sagging skin around the eyes
• Eyelid surgery restores the natural contour of the upper eyelid
• Eyelid surgery removes excess skin from the upper eyelid that impairs vision
• Eyelid surgery removes fatty deposits that cause puffiness in the upper lids
• Eyelid surgery corrects bags & droopiness of the lower eyelids
• Eyelid surgery removes excess skin from the lower eyelids
• Eyelid surgery de-ages and rejuvenates this area of the face
• Eyelid surgery commonly combined with other age-erasing procedures
• Dr. Gunnlaugsson has specialized training – and experience in the most advanced eyelid surgery techniques

Are You A Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
If you are concerned with any or all of the items listed above, you are in otherwise good health and you have realistic goals and expectations – you could be a perfect candidate for Dr. Gunnlaugsson’s eyelid surgery.  This will be determined during your personal consultation with him. 

First consults are critical for the patient and the surgeon – they should always be done face-to-face with the surgeon - and not delegated to other staff.

Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Surgery Overview:
Upper eyelid surgery is performed through an incision that he will make hidden within the crease of your upper eyelid.  Working through this incision he will reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles and tissue and remove excess skin if needed.  This will create a firmer upper eyelid contour.  The incision for the lower eyelid is hidden inside the lower eyelid.  Through this incision Dr. Gunnlaugsson will redistribute or remove excess fatty deposits and tighten sagging muscles.  When you wake up your eyes may be lubricated with ointment and covered with gauze dressing.  Cold compresses may be applied to help reduce swelling and minimize discomfort. 

There are some limitations to a Blepharoplasty – it will not correct fine wrinkles from Crow’s Feet – nor will it fix partially descended eyebrow s- many patients choose to combine their eyelid surgery with another age erasing procedure for optimal results.

Common Questions about Blepharoplasty Surgery

What Does Blepharoplasty surgery accomplish?
Dr. Gunnlaugsson recommends this surgery to remove excess fat, skin and muscle from the lower and upper eyelids.  This restores a more youthful, vital appearance to the eye area.  Eyelid surgery is also performed to improve vision for patients with excess drooping skin of the upper-eyelids when this interferes with vision.

Is anesthesia required for blepharoplasty surgery?
Yes. Local anesthesia with sedation is most commonly used.

Where will Dr. Gunnlaugsson  perform my Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Your surgery will be performed in a state-of-the-art surgery center, as an out-patient. This surgery center is certified and fully equipped with the most advanced technologies and is able to handle any out-patient surgery.

Will I have scars from my eyelid surgery?
Yes.  You will have scars, but they are well hidden since Dr. Gunnlaugsson makes the incisions within the normal creases and folds of the eyelids.

Will Blepharoplasty surgery take care of lines, wrinkles, sagging brows and more? No.  Eyelid surgery corrects the eyelids only.  A Browlift/Forehead lift is used to correct crow’s feet, sagging eyebrows, furrows and wrinkles. 

Can Eyelid surgery get rid of the dark circles under my eyes?
No.  You may notice slight improvement but Dr. Gunnlaugsson recommends laser resurfacing and/or chemical peels to correct dark circles. 

Will the results last forever?
Dr. Gunnlaugsson’s patients enjoy long-lasting, more youthful looking results.

Will insurance pay for this surgery?
If your surgery is performed to correct cosmetic problems – insurance does not cover it.  If your surgery is used to correct impaired vision caused by excess, droopy skin of the upper eyelids – your insurance may cover it.

How long will I be out of work after my eyelid surgery?
Bruising, swelling and mild discomfort are normal for a few days.  If you just have this procedure done – you should be presentable and able to return to work in about 7 days.  Any discoloration from bruising can be easily concealed with cosmetic, mineral make-up which actually aids in the healing process.  You will need to avoid rigorous, strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks or until Dr. Gunnlaugsson tells you otherwise.

When will Dr. Gunnlaugsson remove my stitches?
Typically within 3-5 days after your eyelid surgery.

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Eyelid Lift Before and After Photos

Upper Eyelid Lift

Upper Eyelid Lift