Upper Eyelid Surgery

Serving Ashland, Medford, Grants Pass, Oregon and Northern California.

Aging is inevitable. The first signs of facial aging often show up around the eyes in the form of droopy eyelids. This is due to the combination of thin skin around the eyes along with strong muscles surrounding the eyes. Genetics, smoking, and sun damage can accelerate the aging process. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance and function of the eyes by removing, reshaping, or repositioning the structures around the eyelids. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

Our eyes provide us with more than just our vision. They often play an important role in first impressions since we’re taught to make eye contact when we are talking to another person. Our eyes can give a lot away – not just our age, but also our emotional state. Especially because the eyes are one of the first things people notice about us, many people can become self-conscious of their appearance. All of this helps to explain the popularity of blepharoplasty as a cosmetic option. Our eyes are a focal point, and no one wants droopy, wrinkled eyelids to be the first thing others see.

Look Alert and Refreshed with Upper Eyelid Surgery

Excess skin that hangs over the eyes can give a tired appearance or make you look older than you actually are. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can have a dramatic impact on rejuvenating your entire face. Years can be erased from the face when you rely on a skilled specialist for this procedure. Dr. Vivian Schiedler is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon who is an expert at giving people the natural, younger look they desire. It’s important to pick a skilled surgeon for any blepharoplasty procedure, as any mistake can leave you with a gaunt and aged appearance.

Dr. Schiedler has experience in eye microsurgery from her work doing cataract surgeries. This solidified her skill set and prepared her well for cosmetic eye surgery such as blepharoplasty. When blepharoplasty is performed well, it can highlight your eyes’ natural beauty and expressiveness.

Determining the answer to this question starts by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Schiedler. She will be able to recommend the perfect treatment after getting to know you and your goals. However, it is usually a great surgical option for individuals who suffer from loose or sagging eyelid skin that impairs vision. When vision impairment occurs, it becomes a medical reason that may be covered by insurance.

Upper eyelid surgery can also effectively treat:

A lost (hidden) natural eyelid crease/fold
Puffy pouches of fat in the eyelids that create a tired, aged appearance
Heavy tissues weighing down the eyelid that causes eye fatigue
Lashes that are covered by the excess skin folds

Good candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and lack any serious eye conditions that could be worsened by the surgery. Ideal candidates for upper eyelid surgery have realistic expectations of the procedure. Together, you and Dr. Schiedler will discuss treatment options and create a plan to reach your visual and aesthetic goals.

Upper Eyelid Before & After Photos

Upper Eyelid Surgery and Recovery

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

Upper eyelid surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis with light to moderate sedation. Healthy individuals may also be eligible for oral sedation as an office procedure. Dr. Schiedler will begin by placing a small incision in the natural crease of your upper eyelid. From there, excess loose skin is excised along with any extra fatty deposits. In cases where the patient’s eyelid is droopy (known as ptosis), Dr. Schiedler can raise the eyelid and alleviate this problem. Finally, extremely fine sutures will be placed to close the incision site. Dr. Schiedler prefers using non-dissolvable sutures in order to minimize redness and bumps that occur with dissolving sutures.

During blepharoplasty, exact placement and gentle handling of the tissue is crucial as this minimizes scars and avoids eyelash problems. Dr. Schiedler’s expertise in oculoplastic surgery, a branch of ophthalmology that uses microsurgery, allows her to fix problems from previous surgeries. When non-eyelid specialists attempt these surgeries, they can be overly aggressive, take too much skin, or cause problems like watery eyes, a rounded sad look, corneal exposure problems, or chronic eye pain.

At Oasis Eye Face and Skin, every eyelid surgery procedure is tailored to each patient. The exact procedure method, along with the extent of skin and fat removal, will depend on the patient’s skin and underlying tissue. Allowing proper healing is essential, as this helps preserve a youthful and healthy appearance. Optimal results depend largely on what’s causing the excess eyelid skin and droopiness. However, rest assured that you are in good hands if you decide to have Oasis Eye Face and Skin help you with your brow or forehead lift.

Blepharoplasty Recovery

Because the eyelid skin is so thin, incisions are placed in the natural eye crease to allow the minimal scarring to blend in. The outer part of the incision may be slightly noticeable, but all efforts are made to incorporate these scars into smile lines or crow’s feet.

Bruising and swelling can be minimized with cold compresses over the eyelids for the first few days following the surgery. Swelling can also be decreased if patients sleep with their head elevated, which can be accomplished with pillows or a recliner. Physical activity should be limited during the first-week post-surgery in order to prevent bleeding.

Bruising usually resolves in one to two weeks, and sutures are removed during this follow-up appointment. However, patients taking blood thinners or other medications will want to inform Dr. Schiedler as some medications can extend the bruising time.

Final results can take as little as three weeks, but some patients can take up to four months to achieve full results. It is important to adhere to pre- and post-operative instructions given by Dr. Schiedler to ensure you receive the best possible surgical outcome.