Eyelid Surgery

Your eyes look heavy and your friends and family continually ask about your well-being. You may feel the greatest you have ever felt: happy about life and full of energy. However, your eyes may be telling a different story. As individuals age, their skin and muscle tone become lax. The brows descend and the eyelids begin to droop. This can cause one to look weathered, tired, angry, and even worried. 

There is a solution to this undesired sign of aging. Dr. Joshua Korman, MD is a highly sought after, board-certified plastic surgeon serving the San Jose and Carmel-By-The-Sea communities. His impeccable skill and undeniable knowledge can help to raise the curtain on your appearance by treating your tired look with eyelid surgery. If you are looking to rejuvenate your eyes, look no further. Contact one of Dr. Korman’s convenient locations today to schedule your blepharoplasty consultation

ABOUT EYELID LIFT SURGERY

According to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, eyelid surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty, was one of the top five cosmetic plastic surgeries in 2018, touting over 206,000 procedures performed. 

Eyelid surgery can treat: 

  • loose or saggy skin that creates folds around the upper eyelid (Ptosis),
  • excess fatty deposits that make your eyelids appear puffy, 
  • bags under the eyes, 
  • drooping lower eyelids that show the white beneath the iris (Ectropion), and
  • excess skin and wrinkles around the eyes. 

Whether you require the surgery to aid with functional problems with the eyelid (upper or lower), or want to remove signs of aging such as wrinkles and sun damage, Blepharoplasty may be the ideal solution for you. 

Before and After Photos

BENEFITS OF BLEPHAROPLASTY

Patients who undergo eyelid surgery report enhanced confidence in their appearance. They also mention increased functionality of the eyelids and improved field of vision, in severe cases. Blepharoplasty can reduce excess skin and fat from around the eyes, providing patients with a more alert and awake appearance. 

Are you ready to experience the benefits of eyelid surgery for yourself? Fill out our short form and one of Dr. Korman’s team members will be glad to help you schedule a private blepharoplasty consultation!

BLEPHAROPLASTY CONSULTATION

During your private, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Korman, you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations of eyelid surgery. The doctor will inquire about your health and medical history, including any eye conditions you may have. He will explain the Blepharoplasty procedure, in detail, being sure to answer each of your questions. Dr. Korman will perform a physical examination of your eyes and eyelids. After this thorough assessment, he will determine your candidacy for Blepharoplasty.

Ready to learn more about eyelid lift surgery and how it can help you reach your goals? Contact us today to book your personal consultation. 

If you are interested in any of the procedures performed by Dr. Korman, you can learn more about them by reading our informative blog.

REASONS FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY

Ideal candidates for eyelid lift surgery are healthy individuals experiencing drooping of the upper and/or lower eyelids. They may also be exhibiting signs of aging around the eyes, including protruding pockets of fat, as well as lines and wrinkles. 

If you are a candidate for Blepharoplasty in the San Jose, Carmel-By-The-Sea, or Mountain View areas, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Korman’s office today for a consultation. 

PTOSIS

reasons for eyelid surgery

Ptosis is the technical term for a “drooping eyelid.” People of all ages may suffer from this condition — age or genes both act as contributing factors — and it may affect one or both eyes. Living with this condition, depending on the severity, may affect your lifestyle and quality of life as the eyelid droops into your field of vision and requires you to begin modifying your everyday practices. Reading for extended periods of time may become difficult and you may find yourself having to lift your chin in order to see in front of you. Aesthetically, you may find the drooping of your upper eyelid to make the appearance of your eyes and/or face less pleasing to you. Fortunately, it is treatable with minor surgery that lasts less than an hour for both eyes.

Causes

In simple terms, Ptosis is generally caused by the eyelid becoming separated from the muscle that allows you to raise your eyelid—the Levator muscle. This may occur due to an injury, old age, swelling of the upper eyelid, etc. The appearance of this is characterized by a larger skin crease and a thinned eyelid. Movement of the lid may continue as normal. However, with the increased drooping of the skin into the field of vision, your vision may be compromised.

Treatment

Blepharoplasty that includes tightening of the levator muscle is a fairly minimal surgical procedure. It is generally the most effective treatment to restore a full field of vision. Most of the time, all that is necessary is a small tuck of the levator muscle to allow for the appropriate raising of the lid. This occurs as an incision is made along the lash line, corner to corner. Then, once the levator muscle is tightened, the excess fat and tissue are removed allowing for the pre-determined reshaping of the eye. Once the eyes are reshaped, fine sutures are used to close the incision. This is an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia.

Recovery

During your recovery, you may have a lubricating ointment and cold compresses applied to your eyes. In some cases, your eyes may be loosely covered with gauze. Before leaving, you will be given specific instructions on how to care for your eyes, what medication you may need to reduce the potential for infection, specific signs to look for, and a follow-up date with your surgeon (about three days after the surgery to allow for removal of the sutures). During the first week of post-operative recovery, you may experience bruising or swelling around the eyes. Lastly, it is important to use darkly tinted glasses and practice diligent sun protection until your eyes are fully healed.

ECTROPION

reasons for eyelid surgery

An Ectropion is the technical term for an outwardly turned and “sagging lower eyelid” that shows the white beneath the iris. The sagging lower eyelid exposes the eye and leaves it dry. This condition may lead to damage of the eye if left untreated. Generally, this condition affects older people as the tissue around the eye relaxes with age. However, it may also occur as a result of facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy), trauma, scarring, or other surgeries. Luckily, many times this condition may be treated with the minor surgical procedure of Blepharoplasty.

Causes

In many cases, this condition occurs with age as the tissues around the eye relax, causing the wet, inner, conjunctival surface (the red part of your bottom lid) to be exposed and visible. Aesthetically, for many, this may not be pleasing and may alone act as the reason that some seek surgical help. However, having the lower lid sag and protrude means that both eyelids may not be able to meet and close appropriately. This would inhibit the lids from protecting the eye and preventing tear evaporation. It may lead to irritation of the eye, excessive tearing, and redness of the lid and conjunctiva. If left untreated, the condition may lead to eye infections, increasing redness, pain, and sensitivity to light.

Treatment

Initial treatment of redness and irritation may be done with eye drops and ointments. However, Blepharoplasty may be required to functionally correct the drooping of the lid mostly associated with aging. To perform this surgery, an incision is typically made at the outside corner of the eyelid and then the lower eyelid is shortened, tightened, and then reattached. At this time, any extra skin or fat is removed to allow for the reshaping of the eye as desired by the patient. After reshaping the eye, fine sutures are used to close the incision. This is usually an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia.

Recovery

It is common to have eye pads or gauze on your eyes for anywhere from a couple of hours to overnight after surgery. You may experience bruising or swelling around the area for about a week. Dr. Korman will prescribe an antibiotic ointment that you will use for a week or so to help prevent infection. If you experience pain, a general painkiller, like Ibuprofen may be taken. Before you leave, you will be given a follow-up date for an appointment with your surgeon. Be sure to follow all instructions provided and take care when going out in the sun.

EYE WRINKLES

EYE WRINKLES

There are many types of eye wrinkles that affect the way that we view our face. Slight wrinkles along the side of the eyes (crows’ feet), fine lines, or puffiness created by excessive fat all lead to a sometimes unpleasant reflection in the mirror. Blepharoplasty may be the option that you have been seeking to help enliven and freshen the face that stares back at you. This simple, outpatient procedure may take years off your appearance and help bring that glimmer back to your eye. Schedule a consultation to discuss your best plan of action.

POTENTIAL COSTS FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY

Most health insurance companies do not cover the cost of cosmetic surgery. However, if your vision is obstructed by a drooping eyelid or excess fat and skin from the upper lid, Blepharoplasty may be covered. Dr. Korman does not want your dreams of brighter eyes to be unattainable because of cost. This is why he has partnered with several healthcare financing companies. Costs for Blepharoplasty may vary depending on the extent of the surgery required. All costs and payment plans will be discussed at the time of your initial consultation. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation and needs.

FAQ

HOW LONG DOES EYELID SURGERY LAST?

Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting! You can enjoy your results for years to come. Once Dr. Korman treats your sagging eyelids, you can expect your eyes to more accurately portray your positive feelings. Your natural aging process will continue. However, you can age more gracefully after an eyelid surgery from Dr. Korman.

HOW SAFE IS BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess tissue from around the eyes, allowing for improved eyesight, eye health, and appearance. To ensure your safety, it is imperative to seek out a board-certified surgeon to perform this procedure. Dr. Korman is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is skilled and experienced in the most up-to-date Blepharoplasty techniques.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

  1. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Blepharoplasty. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2020). Eyelid Surgery: Blepharoplasty. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery