Eyelid Surgery Utah | Blepharoplasty in Ogden, Utah

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to alter the shape of the eyelids, either to reduce their weight, or to correct excess skin, bagginess, fine lines and wrinkles of the lower lid, or other problems, in order to give them a more appealing and youthful appearance.

What is eyelid surgery? Is it right for me?

Surgery of the eyelids is commonly performed to rejuvenate one’s appearance. Loose skin and excessive puffiness from fat can both be treated depending upon the problem. These changes can occur in both the upper and lower eyelids or in either individually. Sagging and a lower position of the eyebrows are typically associated with these changes in the eyelids.

Eyelid surgery with brow lift

Eyelid surgery alone will not improve this altered position of the eyebrows. A procedure designed specifically to elevate the eyebrows, a brow lift, may be recommended and would certainly enhance the results of your eyelid surgery if it is needed. Likewise, the presence of crowfeet and dark circles under the eyes are not improved with this procedure, but other means of improvement are available.

Combining treatments

Because changes in the eyelids are often accompanied with changes in other areas of the face, you may want to consider whether you are interested in treating these areas as well. Injection of BOTOX®, a filler agent such as Juvéderm®, and other surgical procedures such as a facelift or laser skin resurfacing are frequently combined with eyelid surgery.

What is the recovery time after eyelid surgery?

Usually, you will feel quite good following the procedure and narcotic pain medication will be available to you for discomfort.

Keep your head elevated and avoiding vigorous activities for the first 72 hours will minimize the bruising and swelling. Applying ice packs (frozen peas work great!) will assist in limiting this as well. Although the bruising and swelling will subside on their own, you may use cover-up makeup after the first week to help disguise things until then.
Some temporary blurring of your vision is common after surgery as a result of lubrication ointment used, but any progressive reduction in vision is an emergent problem and should be brought to Dr. Brzowski’s attention immediately. Failure to treat a serious problem could lead to blindness if ignored.

Risks of eyelid surgery

As with any operation, there are risks of bleeding, poor healing, infection, dissatisfaction with the results, and complications from the anesthetic such as blood clots. Certain behaviors around the time of your surgery can influence your risks of problems such as smoking and failing to follow instructions regarding wound care and activities. Specifically, smokers are required to discontinue smoking a minimum of 3 weeks prior to surgery and not resume smoking until proper healing has been verified.

Side effects of eyelid surgery

Problems with excessive tearing or dryness of the eyes can occur and are more likely in patients who have had problems prior to surgery. Unfavorable scarring or excessive skin removal can lead to difficulty closing the eyes or possibly even an ectropion. This is a condition in which the lower eyelid is retracted downward and exposes more of the white portion of the eye.

Fortunately, this is an uncommon occurrence and is typically temporary. Concern over these risks is what prompts Dr. Brzowski to err on the side of leaving a little extra skin during the removal of the excess.