Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States.  Rightly so, since the appearance of your eyes can tell a lot about how you feel or at least appear to feel to other people.  Droopy upper eyelids can make you look older and when severe can impair vision. Lower eyelid surgery addresses the "puffiness" and "bags" under the eyes which can create a worn and tired appearance.  Though blepharoplasty can be performed as a single procedure, Dr. Kwak may also recommend a browlift, facelift, or skin resurfacing to achieve the best results.

Your consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Kwak will discuss the specific concerns you have regarding your face.  After a thorough discussion, Dr. Kwak will examine your facial structures and perform a comprehensive analysis of your face and eyes.  In addition to eyelid surgery, Dr. Kwak may recommend additional procedures such as a forehead lift to correct a drooping brow, skin resurfacing to remove the fine line wrinkling in the eye area, or a facelift to address the lower portion of your face. 

During this visit, Dr. Kwak will ask for you complete medical and eye history.  Patients with dry eyes, lower eyelid laxity, or other serious eye conditions will be referred to see their eye doctor prior to surgery.

Surgery expectation
Eyelid surgery, can be performed under local anesthesia with minor sedation or with general anesthesia.  Upper eyelid surgery addresses the redundant eyelid skin and fullness associated from fat in the central regions of the upper eyelid.  Sutures are placed and removed anywhere from 5-7 days after surgery.  In lower eyelid surgery, placement of the incision can vary depending on whether a patient requires removal of excess skin and muscle.  If skin and muscle are removed, an incision is places right beneath the lash line.  For younger patients who have fat herniation, a transconjunctival incision is often used.  Dr. Kwak will review the type of incision used at the time of consultation.

The recovery process usually takes about 7-10 days, with patients resume full exercise tolerance about one month after surgery.