EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY) – AN EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE IN MIAMI, FL
If you have ever had a few consecutive sleepless nights, you were probably shocked at how much older your reflection looked in the mirror. Temporary venous pooling – dark circles and puffiness under eyes – and droopy upper lids add years to your look because such symptoms develop naturally over time. When those conditions are persistent due to aging or heredity, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at The Nathan Clinic in Miami, FL restores a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER EYELID SURGERY
Depending on your personal physiology, skin aging may begin as early as your 20s. The body gradually begins to lose efficiency, producing less collagen and elastin. Skin gets thinner, dryer, and lax, appearing to stretch into sags and wrinkles. These changes are especially apparent in delicate skin around the eyes. Meanwhile, muscles supporting eye structures weaken and lose mass. Natural fat deposits in some areas of the face, such as temples and cheeks, diminish. That adds to the downward pull on skin on the upper third of the face. Yet fat pads above and below eyelids are stubborn, and now tend to be more noticeable.
Genetics plays a big role, as well, in whether and when you develop sagging skin, discoloration, and puffiness around the eyes.
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that can have important functional benefits. When upper eyelids droop, they may impair vision. When lower lids draw downward and outward, a condition called ectropion, they can trigger significant discomfort – irritation, gritty feeling, redness, watering, and discharge of mucous. While an eye lift procedure enhances facial appearance, it also improves eye health.
As a Board-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training in craniofacial surgery, Dr. Nirmal Nathan is uniquely qualified to determine if an eyelid procedure is right for you.
HE WILL CONSIDER WHETHER YOU ARE TROUBLED BY:
- Baggy upper eyelids
- Interference with peripheral vision from excess skin on upper lids
- Loose skin on lower lids
- Bags under the eyes
In Dr. Nathan’s experienced hands, this is an extremely versatile procedure. It can be performed on upper lids only, just the lower eyelids, or both. In addition, eyelid surgery may be performed simultaneously with brow lift or facelift surgery, or in conjunction with nonsurgical rejuvenation techniques such as laser therapies or injectable neuromodulators (Botox) and dermal fillers.
THE EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY) PROCEDURE IN MIAMI, FL
If you wish to proceed with eyelid surgery, Dr. Nathan may suggest a physical examination by an ophthalmologist, and can provide referral to a trusted associate if necessary. This level of integrated care helps to reduce risk of past or current eye problems such as glaucoma or chronic dry eyes interfering with the outcome of cosmetic surgery. Results of the vision test, including peripheral vision, are also helpful in supporting an insurance claim for medical need.
Dr. Nathan conducts a thorough evaluation of your health, medical status, and lifestyle to determine if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty. It is important to present full information on diabetes, allergies, circulatory problems, thyroid conditions, and any other health issues you are managing. Tell the doctor about medications, vitamins, and supplements you currently take. Be frank about use of tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
HE HELPS YOU ARRIVE AT REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS FOR OUTCOME FROM THE PROCEDURE, AND EXPLAINS POTENTIAL RISKS (AS EXIST WITH ANY SURGERY), INCLUDING:
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Blurred vision – which is temporary
- Eye dryness or irritation
- Impaired eyelid movement
- Loss of eyesight – which is rare
- Muscle injury
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Scarring or skin discoloration
- Secondary infection
In preparation for eyelid surgery, Dr. Nathan tests tear production and takes eyelid measurements. In addition, he photographs eyes from different angles to plan the procedure.
You must also take steps to ensure the safest procedure possible, with uneventful recovery. Medications and supplements that may cause increased bleeding or interfere with clotting should be stopped for some period of time before surgery. Dr. Nathan will talk with you about which medications to continue, and he may consult with your physician.
Smoking impairs the body’s ability to heal from surgery. Plan to stop smoking for at least two weeks before the procedure, and for two weeks after to avoid complications. Ask Dr. Nathan or your family physician for information about smoking cessation programs.
SURGERY AND RECOVERY
Blepharoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis in the sterile surgical suites at The Nathan Clinic in Miami. However, you will be groggy from sedatives. It is essential to have someone drive you to your appointment, remain at our offices during the procedure, and get you home safely. We also recommend having someone stay with you through the first night.
When you arrive for surgery, a member of our team gets you settled comfortably. An intravenous line is placed so sedative can be administered, monitored, and adjusted as needed to keep you relaxed. Local anesthetic is injected in the treatment area.
Once eyelids are thoroughly numbed, surgery begins. Upper lids are generally done first. This involves a precise incision along the fold so excess skin and fat may be removed, and muscles tightened. Blepharoplasty may include ptosis, a special technique that supports eyebrow muscles, for patients whose lids droop close to pupils. Then the incision is sutured.
If you are also having lower lids enhanced, Dr. Nathan makes a fine cut inside the lower lid, or in the natural crease just below lashes. Again, fat is removed or redistributed, and sagging skin and muscles are addressed before the site is closed.
You remain in our comfortable recovery room, with your condition carefully monitored, as long as necessary. Most patients return home to recuperate within a few hours.
The Nathan Clinic surgical team provides thorough home care instructions. You may call the office at any time if you have concerns or unusual discomfort. Calls are answered 24/7, and the doctor will get back to you promptly.
Dr. Nirmal Nathan is a skilled plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. He received his medical degree through the Honors Program in Medicine at the University of Miami. Dr. Nathan is among the most sought after plastic surgeons in Miami due to his expansive knowledge, skill and method of treating patients. In his practice, The Nathan Clinic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, he provides the excellence that comes from experience.
RESULTS
It is normal to have some swelling, bruising, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and watering eyes right after surgery. With good compliance (taking medications as directed and following aftercare instructions), those side effects generally resolve within two weeks. At this point, improvement is noticeable, and surgical scars continue to refine and fade for several months.
With low risk of complications and speedy recovery, the patient satisfaction rate for eyelid surgery is very high. While we cannot stop the aging process entirely, you can count on enjoying the confidence of a well-rested, youthful appearance for many years.
Eyelid surgery is a worthy investment in you, whether considering functional or cosmetic benefits. Call The Nathan Clinic in Miami, FL at (305) 530-8880 to schedule a blepharoplasty consultation.
Related Procedures