Eyelid lift (Blepharoplasty) and brow lift

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About the procedure

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is a plastic surgery procedure that is used to improve the appearance of the eyelids. As people age, there are characteristic changes that occur in eyelid appearance. In the upper eyelids, the skin tends to sag and droop, and the upper eyelid fat can bulge. The combination of skin drooping and fat bulging can give the appearance of being tired or sleepy. In the lower eyelid, there can be fat bulging and excess skin as well, which often causes deep bags to form under the eyes. Occasionally, there may even be discoloration of the lower eyelid skin.

For Los Angeles blepharoplasty patients who desire to correct the changes of aging and restore the eyelids to a more youthful appearance, Dr. Hirsch will perform a blepharoplasty procedure. The actual steps of the procedure are tailored to the specific needs of each patient. In the upper eyelid, Dr. Hirsch will first carefully measure the amount of skin that needs to be removed. Next, Dr. Hirsch will trim off the excess skin, and then either remove or reposition the fat from the upper lid to minimize the bulging. Occasionally, Dr. Hirsch will even add fat to the upper lid if it has a hollowed out, sunken appearance. The incision in the upper eyelid is made in the natural lid crease, so the scar is barely visible.

For existing patients, please download post operative instructions.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty



Similarly, during the lower eyelid lift procedure, Dr. Hirsch takes care to make sure that the treatment plan is tailored to the needs of each patient.  Dr. Hirsch will either make an incision inside the lower eyelid or in the skin of the lower eyelid, and remove fat and skin as necessary to improve the appearance.  If the incision is inside the lower eyelid, there is no visible scar from the blepharoplasty! 

During the recovery period after a upper blepharoplasty or lower blepharoplasty, it is normal to experience some swelling.  Patients should use ice for the first 24-48 hours in order to reduce the amount of bruising or swelling that can occur.  Typically, the swelling peaks in the first 1-2 days after surgery and then gradually improves.  The sutures that are used in a blepharoplasty procedure are usually removed after 1 week, and patients can go back to work.


Frequently asked questions about blepharoplasty and browlift:

Can my procedure be performed in the office?

Yes!  Your upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.  If you would like to discuss this option, please ask Dr. Hirsch about it at your blepharoplasty consultation at the Sherman Oaks office.

When can I start exercising again after blepharoplasty or browlift?


It is very important that you start walking the same night as your blepharoplasty or browlift! You should perform only light activity for the first 2 weeks after your blepharoplasty or browlift, and try to keep your head elevated as you sleep in order to minimize swelling. As long as your blepharoplasty incisions are healing well, Dr. Hirsch will usually clear you to begin light exercise (light treadmill or light bike riding) between 2-4 weeks after surgery and resume full exercise 6 weeks after surgery. It is important to wait for Dr. Hirsch to clear you to resume exercises at each post operative stage.

When can I go back to work after blepharoplasty?


It really depends on what type of work you do. If you work at a desk job, you might feel like going back to work after a week or so following your blepharoplasty or browlift. If you work at a job that requires heavy physical activity, you might need to be off work for a longer period of time.


Additional resources about eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) and brow lift


Feel free to browse the following links to learn more about eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty) and brow lifts:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/brow-lift

The eyelid and brow lift are just two of the many procedures Dr. Hirsch offers at his Los Angeles location. He is also an expert in breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast implant revision, rhinoplasty, facelift, and more.