Appear More Alert & Happy with Eyelid Surgery
Droopy eyelids can mask your appearance, making your face appear weighed down, sad and older. In fact, sometimes even smiling won’t help create the alert and happy expression you want to project. Eyelid surgery is offered by Dr. David Allison to help restore the gleam in your facial expression.
What Eyelid Surgery Can Correct
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is performed to:
- Reduce the appearance of bags under the eyes
- Raise droopy upper or lower eyelid skin
- Remove sagging eyelid skin
- Remove excess fat
Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Dr. Allison will have a board certified anesthesiologist administer either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation prior to eyelid surgery.
- The location of the incisions for eyelid surgery will depend on which eye area is to be treated. In upper eyelid surgery, the incisions will be made in the eyelid crease. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision will be made below the lower eyelashes. Any scarring is typically well-hidden in the eyes’ natural creases.
- The eyelid skin is then carefully separated from the underlying tissues so any extra skin, fat or muscle can be removed, repositioned and tightened. Dr. Allison has performed hundreds of eyelid surgeries and takes extreme care in removing precise amounts of skin and tissue to achieve a natural, rested and refreshed look.
- The incisions are closed with stitches.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
You should plan on taking time off work for approximately 2 weeks to recover from eyelid surgery. During this time your eyes will appear bruised and swollen. Your recovery will go more smoothly if you follow Dr. Allison’s post-op instructions and attend all of your scheduled post-op appointments.
- Apply cold compresses
- Apply prescribed lubricating ointment as directed
- Take prescribed pain or antibiotic medication if needed
- Wear sunglasses when outdoors
- Avoid sports and strenuous activities for 3 weeks
- Stop smoking for at least 2-4 weeks
Risks of Eyelid Surgery
All surgical procedures involve an element of risk and eyelid surgery is no exception. Dr. Allison is a board certified eyelid surgeon who has years of training and experience; by choosing him, you have a better chance for a smooth recovery. Eyelid surgery risks may include:
- Dry eyes
- Infection
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Vision loss
- Eyelid discoloration
- Eyelid dysfunction
Your eyes are one of the first physical traits others notice about you. Make sure you are putting your best eyes forward! If you are struggling with droopy eyelids, contact us to schedule a Cosmetic Consultation and find out if eyelid surgery in Northern Virginia is right for you.