Eyelid Lift in La Mesa, CA

The eyes are a beautiful component of the face that deserve to be shown; however, an abundance of skin above or under the eyes can create an aged look. Dr. Scott Sessions offers blepharoplasty (also known as eyelid surgery) to remove excess skin around the upper or lower eyelid, creating a younger and more awakened facial appearance. Men and women undergo eyelid surgery at AAAASF-accredited Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre to reduce puffy bulges or sagging skin, leading to improved function and appearance. Upper and lower eyelid surgery creates a fresh, youthful appearance and can produce subtle yet striking improvements. If you're interested in rejuvenating your eyes with an eye lift to remove excess skin, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sessions at his surgical center in La Mesa, CA.

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic plastic surgery that is sought out by both men and women. It can improve the firmness in the area surrounding the eyes, allowing you to look more rested and alert. In most cases, ideal eyelid surgery candidates experience:

• Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or hides the natural contour of the upper eyelid
• Excess skin that hangs down from the upper eyelid
• Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids
• Bags under the eyes
• Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

These conditions can sometimes cause vision impairment that can hinder daily life. If you have drooping skin on the upper eyelid or bulges and puffiness under the eyes, blepharoplasty can correct this to give you a younger appearance and address blocked vision. As with all surgeries, good candidates need to be in overall good health and should not smoke cigarettes.

Depending on the complexity of your blepharoplasty, you will be given general anesthesia or IV sedation. This cosmetic procedure may be done on the upper eyelid alone, the bottom eyelid alone, or a combination of both. It can last up to two hours, depending on whether you are having both the upper and lower lids treated.

• Upper
  Upper blepharoplasty assists in diminishing the hanging skin that droops over the eye to create a more appealing, refreshed appearance. An incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid allows access to remove excess skin, muscle, and underlying fatty tissue. 
• Lower
  Lower eyelid surgery is performed to reduce puffy or sagging skin under the eye. Using an incision inside the lower eyelid, fat is removed or redistributed, and muscle can be modified to correct a baggy lower eyelid. An incision just below the lower lash line is made to remove excess skin. Laser resurfacing may be used to smooth lower lid skin.

After the procedure, you need to take a few days to rest and avoid strenuous activities. You will be given lubricating ointment to use, as well as instructions about using cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Most patients can usually get around independently by the second day. With the use of sunglasses, you may feel comfortable going to the store by days 3 – 4, and with makeup, could return to work by days 5 – 7. Your bruises should subside in about 10 days, and your swelling will abate in 2 – 4 weeks.

You will see some improvement in the appearance of the incision lines in this time, but they will continue to refine and fade for about one year. The results from eyelid surgery can last years, but the aging process does not stop. To maintain your surgical outcomes, life-long sun protection is key. Also, facial rejuvenation treatments at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre, such as laser skin resurfacing and dermal fillers, can be paired to maintain a fresh appearance.

How much does eyelid surgery cost?
The cost for cosmetic eyelid surgery depends on whether you are having an upper or lower eyelid lift or both. As soon as your treatment plan has been developed, Dr. Sessions can then discuss your estimated costs. As with any surgery, it is vital that you focus on finding a trusted, experienced surgeon rather than the cheapest option. To make it easy for you to afford a great eyelid lift, Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre accepts many payment methods, and we can help you find low-interest financing.

How long do I have to avoid exercise?
This varies a bit from patient to patient, but typically, aerobic exercise and other vigorous activities are not allowed during the first two weeks after surgery. This is to avoid the risk of bleeding, extra swelling, and extra bruising. Weight lifting and contact sports are usually not allowed for one month. However, Dr. Sessions does recommend that most surgery patients begin a slow walking routine on the second day after surgery.

What are some other benefits of an eyelid lift?
An eyelid lift can do more than refresh your appearance; it can also improve other aspects of your life. You may find your field of vision expands when hanging skin from your upper eyelid is removed. It can also be easier to apply eye makeup when your upper eyelid is smooth. Many patients report that eliminating their fine lines, "crepey" skin, puffy bags, and dark circles allowed "freedom" from always wearing cosmetics.

Will an eyelid lift fix wrinkles and Crow's feet?
Forehead wrinkles and Crow's feet may be better addressed with a facelift or brow lift since the results of the eyelid surgery are confined to the eyelids only. Eyelid surgery can be combined with a nonsurgical procedure, such as BOTOX, which combats wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. An injectable filler can also be helpful by adding volume to hollow areas for a fuller appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Sessions will create your custom treatment plan based on your goals.

What about nonsurgical treatments instead of eye surgery?
Injectable treatments (such as Juvéderm and BOTOX) and skin tightening without surgery can provide some improvements. However, if you have moderate to severe sagging skin or want long-lasting results, an eyelid lift would be better than a nonsurgical treatment. When you have talked to Dr. Sessions about your concerns and goals for your eyes, he can explain his recommendations for your nonsurgical or surgical treatment plan. He may also suggest both surgical and nonsurgical procedures for your best results.

Droopy, excess eyelid skin or puffy under-eye "pillows" can cause men and women to feel self-conscious and even wish to hide their eyes behind unneeded glasses. These problems can also impair vision if the eyelid skin droops too low. If you feel like the condition of your eyelids is holding you back or impacting your daily life, blepharoplasty could be your solution. We invite you to contact Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre in La Mesa, CA to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sessions.