Kyle S. Choe, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon, Virginia Beach, VA
Blepharoplasty Before and After Photos
The eyes – often called the “lamp” of the body are the most expressive part of the face. With aging or due to hereditary – often comes baggy eyelids, puffiness or even impaired vision due to the upper eyelids forming hoods. The facial expressions change and you may always look tired, fatigued, sad or even angry – even though you’re not! Today, because of the competitive workplace – and the tremendous interest in anti-aging – men and women alike are having eyelid surgery to remove those unwanted signs of aging – and rejuvenate that part of the face.
- Blepharoplasty corrects droopiness, puffiness and bags
- Blepharoplasty restores contour to the eye area
- Blepharoplasty removes “hoods” that impair vision
- Blepharoplasty can be combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures
- Blepharoplasty is one of the most common surgeries done today
- Blepharoplasty eliminates that tired, angry or sad look!
Dr. Choe uses only the most advanced techniques and technology to perform eyelid surgery. For the upper eyelid – an incision is made within the natural crease of the eyelid, which allows for repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles and tissue and/or removal of excess skin. This results in firmer skin and contour. For the lower lid – the incision in hidden inside the lower lid through which Dr. Choe will work to redistribute or remove fat, tighten saggy, loose muscles and restore firmness and contour to that area.
Will I feel any pain during surgery? No. You will be asleep and not hear, see or feel anything.
How long will my eyelid surgery take? The time varies with each patient since most patients decide to combine eyelid surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as skin resurfacing for wrinkles or a browlift to totally enhance that part of the face. It can also be combined with mid-face, mini-face or full facelifts and necklift's.
Is this a painful surgery? No. Most of our patients use the word “discomfort” more than pain. There is always some discomfort with any surgical procedure – but this is easily managed with oral pain medication and goes away a little more each day.
How long before I will be able to return to work or normal activities? Depending upon the extent of your surgery – you should be presentable to return to work within 5-7 days. If you have an endobrow lift or facelift also – plan on 2-3 weeks. You will not be allowed to do any strenuous activity for a few weeks until healing is complete. This includes lifting, straining etc.
Is there much swelling and bruising? There will be some – however we try to minimize this by having you take Arnica (a naturopathic herb that helps prevent bruising), by using cold packs and elevating the head.
Is Dr. Choe qualified to perform this surgery? Yes. Dr. Choe is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon with several years of experience.
- You must avoid taking aspirin, aspirin containing products, ibuprofen and herbal medicines for 2 weeks prior to your surgery.
- You must not use nicotine or nicotine products for 4 weeks prior to your surgery and for 10 days after your surgery.
- You must not use alcohol for 1 week prior to your surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
- You must have a responsible adult drive you to your surgery, drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after your surgery.
When your surgery is completed we will place iced saline eye pads over your eyes to help minimize the swelling and bruising. You can expect your vision to be a little blurred due to the eye drops that will be placed into your eyes. You may experience “dry eyes” also for a few days – these discomforts gradually diminish each day.
Please do the following when you get home:
- Continue to use cold packs on your eyes – changing them often for the first 24 hours.
- Use the ointment as directed by our staff.
- Sleep elevated using 2-3 pillows – for 2-3 weeks.
- Avoid all strenuous exercise such as lifting, bending, straining until Dr. Choe tells you otherwise.
- Care for your surgical site as directed by our staff.
- Take the prescribed medications as directed.
- Healing of your incisions will take 5-10 days – with swelling and bruising decreasing each day.
When considering any facial plastic surgical procedure – remember that Board Certified surgeons are the most skilled and qualified. Dr. Choe is a board certified facial plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
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