As we age, the eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing bags below and droopy eyelids above.
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that can fix these problems by tightening up or removing excess skin and fat around the eyelid. Double eyelid surgery fixes both the upper and lower eyelids at the same time.
Dr. Maria Lombardo, a board-certified general surgeon and diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, performs all types of eyelid surgeries at Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery in Palm Springs.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Eyelid surgery requires anesthesia. Regardless of whether you have an upper or lower blepharoplasty, your incisions will be placed in areas where they will be naturally concealed and leave minimal scars.
For an upper eyelid lift, incisions are made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. For under-eye surgery, incisions can be made just below the lower lashes.
Excess fat, skin, and tissues can be removed, repositioned, or tightened through these incisions. Incisions are closed with sutures. Your eyelids will be covered with lubricating ointment, cold compresses, and gauze immediately after your eye lift surgery.
Ideal Candidates For Eyelid Surgery
Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are adults with healthy facial tissues and muscles in and around the eyelids. The procedure can correct:
- Drooping upper or lower eyelids
- Puffiness around the eyes
- Loose or sagging skin under and around the eyes
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the lower eye
- Under-eye bags
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
During your recovery, you will need to apply topical medications to the eyelids and use cold compresses to minimize swelling. It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising around the eye, but it will fade with time.
You might also have dry or irritated eyes for a few days after eye lift surgery. If this is troublesome, ask your surgeon if you can use lubricating eye drops to minimize discomfort. You will be given specific instructions for caring for your eyes and should be able to return to normal activities within 7-10 days.
As your eyes heal, you will need to protect them from the sun. Be extra diligent about wearing sunglasses during this time.
Eyelid Surgery Results and Recovery
Not only is recovery relatively easy, but you will see your results very quickly, usually in just a couple of days after your initial swelling resolves. From there, your eyes will continue to improve for the next several weeks, making your face appear roughly 10 years younger.
For the first week after your surgery with Dr. Lombardo, avoid the following:
- Elevating blood pressure to your face (this can create complications with bleeding and healing).
- Bending at the waist and lifting anything over around five pounds.
- Strenuous exercise.
Allow your eyelid incisions to heal with the least amount of stress possible. Remember that they don't take long. In just over a week, most of our patients feel mostly recovered.
Eyelid surgery is effective but subtle. People who don't know you had this surgery will notice that you look younger and more refreshed, but they'll have no clue why. This contrasts with more obvious procedures such as facelifts or breast augmentation.
Why Choose Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery?
Choosing Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery for eyelid surgery means trusting a true artist with your care. Dr. Maria Lombardo's foundation in fine arts, combined with her medical training, sets her apart in the field.
With degrees from DePaul University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, her artistic eye informs every procedure. After completing medical school and rigorous surgical training, she pursued a fellowship in cosmetic surgery to blend her passions.
Dr. Lombardo has practiced in the Palm Springs area since 2008. She is recognized for her skill, leadership, and thoughtful approach to creating natural-looking results.
FAQs
How Do I Know if I Need Upper Eyelid Surgery, Lower Eyelid Surgery, or Both?
The choice between upper, lower, or combined eyelid surgery depends on your specific concerns.
Upper eyelid surgery may be recommended if you notice drooping upper lids that make your eyes look tired or interfere with your vision. Lower eyelid surgery can address puffiness, under-eye bags, or loose skin below the eyes. Some patients also benefit from both procedures to refresh the entire eye area.
A consultation with Dr. Lombardo will involve a physical evaluation and a discussion of your goals to determine the most appropriate approach.
How Long Does an Eyelid Surgery Procedure Typically Take?
Eyelid surgery duration varies depending on whether you have upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both.
Surgery on the upper or lower eyelids alone generally takes 45 minutes to an hour. If the upper and lower eyelids are addressed during the same session, the procedure may take 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Your individual treatment plan and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously can influence the total surgical time. Most eyelid surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day.
Can Eyelid Surgery Help With Vision Problems Caused by Drooping Lids?
Yes, eyelid surgery can often improve vision problems caused by sagging or drooping upper eyelids.
When the skin of the upper eyelids becomes excessively loose, it can hang over the lash line and obstruct the visual field, particularly the upper and outer areas. Upper eyelid surgery removes the excess tissue, allowing for a clearer, unobstructed line of sight.
During your consultation, Dr. Lombardo may perform a visual field test to determine whether surgery could improve your eyesight.
How Do I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?
Preparing for eyelid surgery begins with following Dr. Lombardo's preoperative instructions carefully.
You may be asked to avoid certain medications, supplements, or activities that could increase bleeding or bruising risks. It's also important to stop smoking several weeks before surgery to ensure proper healing.
Arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you during the first day or two after surgery. Set up your recovery area with cold compresses, prescribed medications, and easy access to essentials.
Attending your preoperative appointments and communicating any health changes to Dr. Lombardo will support a smooth experience.
What Are the Risks of Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed every year because it delivers great results, and the risks are very low.
As with any surgery, potential risks include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Poor wound healing
- Reaction to anesthesia
Specific to this surgery, risks include injury to the eye muscles, difficulty closing your eyelids, and potential dry eye. These are all rare thanks to Dr. Lombardo's expertise, training, and experience as a board-certified surgeon.
Will Upper Blepharoplasty Change The Shape Of My Eye?
The shape of your eyes will not change. All that Dr. Lombardo changes is the laxity or sagginess of your eyelids and some of the surrounding skin.
Can I Combine Eyelid Surgery With Other Procedures?
Blepharoplasty can be combined with other procedures. For example, you could have liposuction performed on an area you've been seeking to contour.
While you wouldn't want to have any non-surgical treatments that approach the eye area, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, you could address your double chin with a KYBELLA® treatment. Restylane® Lyft injections can also mask the tendons and blood vessels that are becoming more pronounced on the backs of your hands.
Is Eyelid Surgery Very Painful?
Our patients are surprised at how easy their recovery is after this surgery with Dr. Lombardo. Making diligent use of the cold compresses we provide decreases the amount of swelling, bruising, and pain you experience.
Eyelid surgery recovery is easier than many other cosmetic surgeries.
Is Blepharoplasty Permanent?
The changes and rejuvenation made by Dr. Lombardo with eyelid surgery are permanent. The excess skin she removes is gone for good, and repositioned fat won't move back to its former location. If she tightens loose muscles that have allowed your eyelids to droop, those changes are forever as well.
You may have some new sagging as you continue to age, but your eyelids will do so from a much younger starting position. You'll enjoy your new eyes for the rest of your life.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery varies from person to person and is dependent on the specific procedures necessary to achieve the desired look. Dr. Lombardo offers a free in-office consultation and price quote after assessing your individual needs and goals. Allē Payment Plans, powered by Cherry, are also available.
What Are the Signs That I Might Need Revision Eyelid Surgery?
Dissatisfied with the results of an earlier eyelid surgery? You may want to consider a revision.
Revision eyelid surgery can be a good choice if:
- You experience unsatisfactory cosmetic results, asymmetry, continued drooping, visible scarring, or functional problems after your initial surgery.
- You have difficulty closing your eyes completely, persistent swelling, or changes that affect your vision or eye comfort.
- You notice healing issues or unforeseen changes in the tissues over time.
It's important to allow adequate time – usually several months – for initial swelling and healing before deciding on a revision. A consultation with Dr. Lombardo will help assess your concerns and recommend the appropriate next steps.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Want to learn more about eyelid surgery or find out if you're a good candidate?
Contact Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery, where we serve the greater Palm Springs & Palm Desert areas. Call 760-610-8990 today or reach out online for information on any of our services.
Call 760-610-8990 for information on any of our services.
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