Blepharoplasty (Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery)

Procedures / Blepharoplasty (Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery)
Blepharoplasty (Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery)
Blepharoplasty (Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery)
Looking to rejuvenate your eyes and achieve a more youthful appearance? C.D. Bakala MD Inc. offers blepharoplasty services to help you achieve your desired look. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Bakala is committed to providing his patients with the highest quality of care and personalized attention. Whether you are looking for upper or lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of both, we can help you achieve a natural-looking result that enhances your overall facial appearance. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team, we are an ideal choice for anyone seeking exceptional blepharoplasty services in Kelowna.
Dr. C. Bakala might recommend planning a simultaneous forehead lift or temple lift to correct a drooping brow, smoothen the forehead, or combine skin resurfacing to improve the fine wrinkling in the eye area. If you are looking for effective blepharoplasty or eyelid cosmetic surgery in Kelowna and Okanagan, contact C.D. Bakala MD Inc. today.
Types Of Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty can be performed on your upper or lower eyelids. Consider C.D. Bakala MD Inc. for the following blepharoplasty surgeries in Kelowna:
- Upper blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure we offer at our clinic. It addresses common concerns such as droopy or sagging upper eyelids caused by excess skin and fat deposits, which may occur due to aging, genetics, or other factors. It helps restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance to the eyes, resulting in a smoother, more defined upper eyelid contour.
- Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to reduce puffiness and bags under the eyes by removing excess fat, and loose skin through an incision along the lower eyelid’s natural creases. It’s a more complicated procedure than upper blepharoplasty and requires specialized surgical techniques.
- Eyelid lifts are also known as ptosis repair surgery. The surgery is generally performed to repair the lifting muscle of your upper eyelid and provides an elevation to the upper eyelid.
In addition to blepharoplasty, you can contact us for a consultation on a variety of cosmetic services and products for the face and neck, including rhinoplasty and facelift surgery in Kelowna. Contact us for more information.
What To Expect After An Blepharoplasty Procedure?
Blepharoplasty doesn’t require you to be admitted to a hospital. You are allowed to leave after the surgery is completed. However, it is strongly recommended that you don’t drive after the procedure until your eyelids have fully recovered. Local anesthesia or IV sedation is typically administered to ensure you are asleep during the procedure for lower lid surgery. Dr. C. Bakala uses oral sedation and local freezing to make you comfortable for Upper lid Blepharoplasty. If you request aneasthesia or IV sedation for an upper lid surgery this can be arranged.
You can follow some basic guidelines after a blepharoplasty procedure:
- Avoid returning to work immediately. Rest and recover for 7 -10 days.
- Avoid all strenuous activities or exercise for at least two weeks.
- Keep your head elevated while resting to minimize swelling.
- Follow your cosmetic surgeon’s recommendations for best results.
- A follow up visit with your surgeon is recommended.
Though full recovery may take several months, most patients are comfortable resuming social activities after 7-10 days. Dr. C.D. Bakala has the expertise to consult with you and provide the information you require to make an informed and realistic decision. Have a look at our testimonials to read about our patients’ experiences with our blepharoplasty specialists.
How Does Blepharoplasty Take Place?
For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, excess skin is removed, and the fat bulges contoured. Dr. Bakala performs upper eyelid blepharoplasty in his office’s surgical/procedure suite, and the procedure typically takes around 1 hour. The patient is required to have a responsible adult drive them home and stay with them overnight.
Recovery is approximately 7 to 10 days before being socially acceptable with a little make-up. Patients can generally go back to work after this time period with little bruising or swelling remaining.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is done at a private accredited surgical suite, with anesthesia. Dr. C. Bakala will discuss the best surgical options for you. All the patients should have a responsible adult to stay with them during the process and drive them home.
For both upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, it is recommended that patients:
- Remain sedentary for the first 24 to 48 hours
- Diligently follow their self-care instructions
- Protect their eyes from the sun
- Avoid stress on their eyes with reading books or watching TV
- Get plenty of rest in order to heal quickly
- Avoid strenuous activities or exercises for a minimum of 14 days
Lower Blepharoplasty In Kelowna, Bc
The lower eyelids usually require the removal or repositioning of the fat bulges. Different surgical techniques are used to address specific problems; Dr. C.D. Bakala and his team will discuss these with you during your consultation. You may be a candidate for a transconjunctival or standard transcutaneous blepharoplasty.
These approaches may be combined with procedures to tighten the lower eyelid. Sometimes lower eyelid blepharoplasty is combined with laser resurfacing to improve wrinkling.
Benefits Of Blepharoplasty Surgery
Blepharoplasty provides both functional as well as cosmetic benefits. Dr. C.D. Bakala employs advanced techniques to help you look as natural as possible – take a look at some of our patient’s before & after photos.
The key benefits of upper and lower eyelid surgery are:
- Reduced under-eye bags
- Improved vision if there has been vision impairment from droopy skin
- Enhanced eye shape appearance
- Reduced skin irritation from droopy skin
- Provides a youthful and rested appearance
- Improves lower eyelid hollowing
- Fewer fine lines on outer corners and lower eyelids
- Provides long-lasting results and a natural appearance
If you’d like to discuss your specific concerns, please contact us and book a consultation.
Suitable Candidates For Blepharoplasty In Kelowna
Dr. C. Bakala performs eyelid surgery on both men and women. Though there is no set age limit for upper or lower blepharoplasty, most patients are 30 years of age and older.
To undergo blepharoplasty surgery, it is recommended that patients are healthy, non-smokers, and do not suffer from the following health conditions as they could potentially create complications:
- Thyroid disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Graves’ disease
- High blood pressure
- Other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease or diabetes
Any patient with a detached retina or glaucoma must check with their ophthalmologist before opting for surgery.
FAQ
What Kind of Scars Can I Expect After Blepharoplasty?
Scarring after blepharoplasty is usually minimal, as the incisions are typically made in natural creases of the eyelid or beneath the lash line. However, there may still be some visible scarring, which can usually be hidden with makeup. Your surgeon can discuss scar prevention and management techniques with you.
How Should I Prepare for Blepharoplasty Surgery?
To prepare for blepharoplasty, your surgeon will provide detailed instructions for your case. Generally, you must avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, quit smoking, and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Will the Results of Blepharoplasty Be Permanent?
While blepharoplasty can provide long-lasting results, they are not entirely permanent. Aging, genetics, and other factors can still impact the appearance of your eyelids over time. However, many patients find that they continue to look refreshed and rejuvenated for years after the surgery, with some choosing to undergo touch-up procedures in the future. Your surgeon can discuss expected results and potential follow-up procedures with you.
Experienced Blepharoplasty In Kelowna, Bc
If you have puffy eyes, droopy eyelids, or bags under your eyes, we can help!
Post Operative Instructions (Eyelid)
Blepharoplasty- Eyelid Surgery
This surgical procedure removes the excessive skin and fat around the eyes making them appear larger, less puffy and youthful.
Discoloration
There may be more discoloration around the eyes the day after surgery. The whites of the eyes may show some redness, but this will disappear quickly. Large sunglasses may be worn to hide the discoloration. Please report any sudden increase in discoloration after the second day.
Swelling
Place an ice pack on the eyelids as frequently and for as long as possible during the first forty-eight hours. This minimizes the swelling. At the time of surgery, you MAY be given some ointment to be applied to the eyelid margin so that they can be readily opened in the morning. Dramatic improvement in the swelling is seen after two weeks. Occasionally the swelling will push the lower lid out, away from the eye. This is temporary and will subside quickly. There may be more swelling in one eye than the other; this usually evens out after two to four weeks.
Bandaging and Sutures
Tape is often applied under your eyes to support the incision lines. The day following surgery start applying polysporin ointment 3 times daily to the steristrips. The steristrips will loosen and come off gradually. Once the steristrips are off continue with the ointment 3 times daily, use 3% Hydrogen peroxide to remove any dry blood that maybe present.
Both Polysporin and hydrogen peroxide can be purchased at your pharmacy without a prescription. This cleaning facilitates removal of the sutures.
Discomfort
There may be some burning of the eyes, but very little pain. The eyelid will often feel tight and be hard to close completely but this disappears within a month. A prescription for Tylenol with Codeine will be given at the time of surgery, to be used if necessary.
Washing your face
You are permitted to wash your face but avoid your incisions. Wash with mild soap and warm water.
Contact Lenses
These can be worn as soon as they feel comfortable, usually in about seven days. Be careful not to put any downward tension on the incision line of the lower eyelid when inserting or removing the lens.
Visual Disturbance
Very slight blurring of vision occasionally occurs for a day or so as a result of the selling or the ointment present in the eye. Please report any other visual problems and gross blurring of vision.
Reading
Because of the swelling, it is advisable to limit your television viewing and reading for the first week or two in order to avoid eyestrain and headaches.
Make-up
Make-up is to be avoided in the first post-operative week. However, in the second week, careful use of make-up to cover the discoloration can be used. Avoid putting make-up on the incision line until forty-eight hours after removal of sutures and until the crusting falls off completely.
White Pimples
Very occasionally white pimples called ‘milia’ may appear along the incision line several weeks after surgery. As these are usually self-limiting, no treatment is necessary. If they cause undue worry, treatment can clear these up quickly.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted 1 month prior to surgery and 1 month post operative to surgery. Smoke can cause infection and pigmentation in the colour of the skin.
Physical exercise
No physical movements should be done for 24 hours where your head goes below your heart. You must remain sedate and calm. Typical gym work outs or other strenuous exercise which increases your heart rate can usually continue around 21 days. Please discuss this with Dr. C. Bakala first, as each person heals differently.
Considerations
During the recovery period your eyelid area will be swollen and red where the incision was made. As you heal the red incision will slowly return to your normal pigment colour. The incision may remain red and bumpy for approximately 1-6 months post operatively. This redness can be easily camouflaged with make up.
After surgery some patients can suffer bouts of depression. If you feel you are depressed please advise your doctor and family members.
Post operative advice and restrictons for patients who have received general aneasthesia or intravenous sedation.
To be read carefully by patient, parent, and/or guardian.
Following general aneasthesia or intravenous sedation, 24 to 36 hours are required for the full effects of the drugs to wear off. During this period, it is essential that you follow these instructions:
- On leaving the office, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who may either drive you home or accompany you home in a taxi. They must stay with you overnight.
- On arrival home, it is common to feel sleepy. You are advised to rest quietly at home for the balance of the day. Sleep in a semi upright position.
- You are advised to lie flat if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- You are encouraged to drink lots of non-citric juice or non – diet soft drinks for the first 4-6 hours. Light meals are recommended following your operation (i.e. soup, jellos, and ice cream). Milk is to be avoided for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol in any form for 48 hours.
- Avoid any drugs, which may affect the nervous system for 24 hours.(verify with doctor)
- You MUST NOT operate motor vehicles, boats, power tools or machinery for 24 hours.
- You must not operate an aircraft for a least four days following general anesthesia.
- You must not sign or enter into a legal contract for 24 hours.
- You may experience some muscular aches in your back or neck area. As well, you may develop a sore throat or stuffy nose following a general anesthetic. These symptoms are not serious and will disappear in a short time.
- You must have a responsible adult with the patient for the rest of the day and night. If you have any questions or problems regarding post-operative signs or symptoms, or any associated concerns please call our office, 250-868-8056 or alternate provided. If this was surgery performed at KGH please call the ENT surgeon on call.
- If unable to reach the surgeon and it is an emergency please go to the emergency department at KGH.
This information is intended for surgical Patients of Dr. C. Bakala.