Cosmetic Procedures/Photos
- Eyelid Lift -
 
Click any image for a larger view.
Before After
Age: 47
Upper & Lower Eyelids lift
Before After
Age: 42
Upper & Lower Eyelids lift
Before After
Age: 52
Upper & Lower Eyelids lift
Before After
Age: 49
Lower Eyelids lift
Before After
Age: 66
Upper & Lower Eyelids lift
Before After
Age: 53
Upper & Lower Eyelids lift
Before After
Age: 49
Upper Eyelids lift & Browlift
Before After
Age: 39
Upper Eyelids lift
Before After
Age: 54
Upper & Lower Eyelids lift
Before After
Age: 51
Upper Eyelids lift
Before After
Upper & Lower Eyelids lift
Before After
Upper & Lower Eyelids lift
   

Description: Eyelid Lift

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of the eyelids.  Excessive skin, fat, and/or muscle are removed with the goal of more youthful and less tired-appearing eyes. In occasional patients with severe skin excess, upper eyelid surgery may improve vision.   Eyelid surgery will not remove "crow's feet" or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under the eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

Surgery may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.   Eyelid surgery is frequently performed in conjunction with facelift (as shown in the photo above), browlift, or nasal surgery.

Dr. Friedman performs eyelid surgery on an outpatient basis under sedation or general anesthesia.  Upper eyelid surgery takes about 1.5 hours.   Lower eyelid surgery takes about 2 hours.  The incisions are located in the lid crease (upper lid) or just beneath the eyelashes (lower lid).  Variable amounts of excessive skin, fat, and muscle are removed through the incisions.

Patients usually go home about 3 hours after surgery.  Pain is usually mild and well controlled with prescription pain medication.  Most patients return to light activities within 3 to 5 days.  Stitches are removed 1 week after surgery.  Bruising resolves in about 2 weeks.  Heavy straining should be avoided for about 4 weeks.  The scars are generally fine line and inconspicuous.

When you visit our office, Dr. Friedman will discuss your particular problems and concerns.  He will give you a realistic expectation of what you can expect from surgery.  We will also show you "before and after" photos of eyelid surgeries performed by Dr. Friedman.  If you wish to speak to other patients who have undergone eyelid surgery, we will provide you with phone numbers.

Pre- & Post-operative Instructions:

One week before surgery:

  1. Do not take aspirin-containing products, as these may increase your risk of bleeding. Use extra-strength Tylenol for any headaches or other minor pains.

  2. Please notify Dr. Friedman's staff if you become sick with a fever, significant cough, etc. If necessary, your surgery can be rescheduled to a time when you are feeling better.
  3. Do not smoke at all or use a nicotine patch for at least two weeks (and preferably 4 weeks) prior to surgery and 4 weeks after surgery. Smoking interferes with wound healing and increases your risk for anesthetic and surgical complications.

  4. Arrange to have a relative or friend drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the evening. You cannot drive yourself home.

The evening before surgery:

  1. Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time.

  2. Make some jello and/or soup for after surgery. Have some juice in your refrigerator.

  3. The anesthesiologist will contact you by phone to discuss your medical history and to answer any questions.

Day of surgery: before you leave home

  1. Remember not to eat, drink, or smoke. This includes no chewing gum, mints, etc.

  2. Make sure someone is available to drive you home. Put a pillow and blanket in the car.

  3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid heavy make-up, jewelry, or contact lenses. Please do not use any lotion, baby oil, perfume or powder. LEAVE ALL VALUABLES AT HOME!

Day of surgery: at the facility before surgery

  1. Dr. Friedman will talk to you before surgery to answer any last-minute questions. He will place drawings on your eyelids to help him accurately plan your surgery.

  2. You will meet the anesthesiologist and surgical nurses.

Day of surgery: at the facility after surgery

  1. You will be taken to the recovery area to wake up after surgery. Dr. Friedman will go to the waiting room to speak to your family/friends.

  2. Approximately 1 hour later, your family can visit you. Once you are feeling well enough, you may go home.

At home after surgery:

  1. Have someone stay with you for the first night. You may be weak and drowsy.

  2. Take the antibiotics (3 times daily), steroid medication (to decrease swelling), pain medication (as needed), and anti-nausea medicine (as needed) that Dr. Friedman has prescribed for you.

  3. Keep your head elevated at all times. Sleep on your back (not your stomach or side).

  4. Gently rinse your eyes with water as needed. Apply the antibiotic ointment prescribed by Dr. Friedman 2 to 3 times daily. Place the ointment in your eyes at night before going to bed. Do not use over-the-counter ointment, as it may burn your eyes.

  5. Keep an ice pack over your eyes as needed for the first 24 hours after surgery.

  6. Avoid lifting, pushing, pulling greater than 5 pounds. Avoid straining.

  7. You may wear glasses as needed. Avoid contact lenses for 10 days after surgery.

  8. If you experience a prolonged fever (oral temperature greater than 101), contact Dr. Friedman.

  9. Call Dr. Friedman's office to arrange your first follow-up visit. 10. Your vision may be slightly blurry, and you may have difficulty closing your eyes completely. If your vision becomes worse, contact Dr. Friedman immediately.


Your first follow-up visit (about 1 week after surgery):

  1. Dr. Friedman will examine the incisions. The stitches will be removed.

  2. Your eyelids may be swollen and bruised. This is normal and will gradually resolve.

  3. Avoid pulling on the incisions, heavy lifting, and straining for 2 weeks after surgery. Do NOT smoke.

  4. You may continue to have some slight blurring of vision and difficulty completely closing your eyes. If so, begin using natural tears (available over-the-counter) to keep your eyes moist.

  5. Avoid mascara or eye shadow for 10 days after surgery. You may use makeup elsewhere on the face as early as 3 days after surgery.

  6. The incisions may become increasingly firm and red for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. After this, they will gradually soften and fade. Final results are at about 1 year after surgery.

  7. You may not drive until you are off prescription pain medication and able to see clearly. Please feel free to ask Dr. Friedman or his staff about any additional questions or concerns.

Return to top

 

CURRENT ARTICLE:
"ABC News Seeks Dr. Ronald Friedman for Plastic Surgery Expertise"