Category: Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure that treats the eyes for excess skin and wrinkles, loose pockets of fat that cause puffy undereyes, and drooping lids. This impactful procedure requires very small, discreet incisions, resulting in fine, inconspicuous scars. This blog will discuss what readers can expect from the procedure and recovery, as well as how to minimize undue scarring.

5 Min Read:

What Can Eyelid Surgery Do?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a customized cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates the eyes by addressing the upper and/or lower eyelids. Patients may require treatment of the upper lids, lower lids, or both, as they exhibit aging in slightly different ways:

• Upper blepharoplasty primarily treats loose, crepey skin of the upper lid, including crow’s feet. It can also be used to restore drooping eyelids, improving the patient’s field of vision and the overall aesthetic of the upper lids.
• Lower blepharoplasty also treats loose skin and wrinkles, in addition to puffy bags underneath the eyes. Often mistaken for a symptom of fatigue or lack of sleep, undereye bags may be the result of loose muscles that cause fat displacement, ie, those pesky undereye bags.

After blepharoplasty, you will appear more rested, with smoother skin for a youthful appearance that brightens the face. This procedure is very straightforward, only taking around an hour to perform, with a short recovery time, but yields a stunning and impactful result.

How Does Eyelid Surgery Work?

Anytime an incision is made on the body, there is a possibility of scarring. Therefore, if you want to learn what you can expect from your plastic surgery procedure in terms of scarring, it’s best to understand the procedure steps and where those incisions will be.

Upper Eyelid Surgery Procedure Steps

During the upper blepharoplasty procedure, your surgeon will make an incision along or above where the eyelid creases as it opens and closes. Through the incision, your surgeon will remove or reposition fat deposits and remove excess skin. If necessary, lax muscles can be tightened to correct eyelid drooping.

Lower Eyelid Surgery Procedure Steps

The incision for lower blepharoplasty rests just below the lashline, making it easily disguised by makeup if necessary. Through the incision, the surgeon will remove or adjust fat deposits and loose skin, depending on the patient’s requested results.

What Do Blepharoplasty Scars Look Like?

Despite them being in a very visible location on the body, eyelid surgery scars tend to be very light in color and very thin—nearly imperceptible with proper healing. Upper blepharoplasty scars are easily hidden within the crease of the eyes, so when the patient’s eyes are open, they are impossible to see. Similarly, lower blepharoplasty scars are just beneath the lash line, making it very difficult to see.

Of course, everyone heals differently, and you do have to care for your incisions to ensure an ideal result. Some patients who are more susceptible to scarring or are more likely to have keloid scars may require more care to ensure a discreet result. Your surgeon can advise you on possible outcomes based on your personal medical history.

How to Help the Healing Process for Eyelid Surgery

As with any cosmetic procedure, the recovery process is key in determining the appearance of scars. The better you care for your eyes in recovery, the better you’ll heal. Luckily, blepharoplasty has a relatively quick and easy recovery process, which goes as follows:

Immediately after your procedure, you will experience some swelling, bruising, and irritation around the incisions and eyes. Over-the-counter pain medications, cold compresses, and soothing ointments may be used to help the early stages of recovery go a little smoother. However, most patients achieve functional recovery (meaning they can go back to work and resume normal activities) after about a week. Aesthetically, the eyes will start to look normal after only 10 to 14 days. Full recovery may take up to six months.

Blepharoplasty Recovery Tips

• The best thing you can do for your eyes as you recover from blepharoplasty is to rest. Rest allows your body to do one thing: focus on healing. It’ll be easy, as you should also avoid straining your eyes for at least a week. Most surgeons suggest avoiding reading or watching TV for an extended period of time…which is ok, as you’ll likely need to sleep.
• Keeping your eyes moist is also key, as they can easily dry out after surgery. Your surgeon can recommend a good saline solution and ointment to keep everything healthy and clean.
• Keep your head elevated immediately after surgery and sleep with extra pillows for a few days.
• Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup for at least two weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions concerning when you can use other cosmetics or face lotions.
• After surgery, and for the next six months to a year, wear sunglasses whenever you go outside to avoid straining your eyes and protect them from excessive sun exposure. Once your incisions have healed and you are cleared by your surgeon, you should also use a strong SPF around your eyes. Sun exposure is one of the most common reasons patients develop darker scars, so try to avoid it as much as possible.

Interested in Eyelid Surgery in Pasadena, CA?

Dr. Vincent Hung is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, holding unique qualifications in board certification in dermatology, internal medicine, and plastic surgery. This rare combination of fields of expertise positions him as a uniquely qualified surgeon who can provide truly unparalleled care for your eyelid surgery or other cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts and complex reconstructive cases. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hung, call his Pasadena, CA, office at (626) 623-7135 or fill out the online contact form.

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is generally considered a cosmetic procedure: people choose it to improve the appearance of wrinkled and aging eyes. But it can also improve the patient’s vision if they meet certain prerequisites. This blog discusses how upper blepharoplasty can improve vision, the steps of the procedure, and whether it is covered by insurance.

5 Min Read:

How Blepharoplasty Can Improve Your Vision

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that treats the upper or lower eyelids for sagging skin, puffiness, wrinkles, and drooping eyelids. This customized procedure is tailored to the patient’s unique needs and goals, with plastic surgeons offering treatment to the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

Blepharoplasty is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, meaning it is not medically necessary and is primarily used to enhance the appearance of a patient’s eyes. However, there may be some functional benefits to this procedure. In some cases of severe upper eyelid drooping, where the skin of the eyelid falls into the patient’s line of sight, an upper blepharoplasty can address this concern, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits, as it improves the patient’s field of vision.

The Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure

The eyes represent a significant part of our identity, as they convey our emotions and other nonverbal forms of communication to others. Thus, eyelid surgery is one of the most popular facial cosmetic procedures, as many patients are interested in maintaining their youth and aesthetics. Eyelid skin is very delicate and can show signs of aging quickly. As the skin and tissues lose elasticity with age, repetitive motion (rubbing), and external factors such as genetics or sun damage, the eyes can begin to look aged and worn.

Upper eyelid surgery can treat the following:

• Sagging or drooping skin
• Wrinkled eyelid skin
• Muscle and tissue laxity

During the upper blepharoplasty procedure, your plastic surgeon will make an incision within the natural eye crease. Depending on the goal of the procedure, they will remove or reposition fat deposits, tighten lax muscles, and remove excess skin.

Upper blepharoplasty results in smoother skin around the eyes, creating a brightening effect that makes the patient appear more youthful and alert. For some patients, this also means that redundant skin is removed, allowing them to see more clearly.

Can Other Facial Procedures Improve My Vision?

Some patients with more severe hooded eyes may also benefit from an additional procedure: a brow lift. If the skin obstructing the eyes includes the eyebrows, or an overly heavy brow makes it difficult for the patient to see without lifting their brows or tilting their chin back, then this may be an ideal solution.

A brow lift centers on the upper third of the face: the eyebrows and forehead. During a traditional brow lift, the surgeon makes an incision across the top of the forehead to lift sagging skin and tissues, removing any excess that can crowd the brows. An endoscopic brow lift is another popular option, which uses a small camera to provide the surgeon with greater visibility, reducing the need for large incisions.

In either case, the results of a brow lift include:

• Improved wrinkles and creases around the brows
• Lifted and tightened skin throughout the upper face
• Improved structure of the brows
• Improved field of vision if the brows crowd the eyes

Is Blepharoplasty Covered By Insurance?

Although blepharoplasty can provide some functional improvements to vision, it is still considered a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not covered by insurance in most cases. It should be noted that while blepharoplasty can widen the patient’s field of vision, it is not a replacement for glasses, corrective lenses, or LASIK surgery.

In order for your upper eyelid surgery to be covered by insurance, your procedure must be deemed medically necessary, meaning your condition inhibits your ability to see or function normally, and it is not for cosmetic reasons. Frankly, this is a little difficult to achieve, although it is possible. You’ll need to provide proof (along with physician approval) that your eyelids are making it impossible to see properly. Your physician or optometrist will likely need to take pictures of your eyes to prove that the eyelid skin is hazardous to your daily life, inhibiting your ability to drive, read, or perform your job. You will also need to take a visual field test, which measures how far up, down, left, and right your eyes can see without moving your head—if your eyelid skin is obstructing your vision, you’ll likely struggle to see during the test.

Financing Your Blepharoplasty

If you’re a candidate for blepharoplasty, but your insurance won’t cover your procedure, you still have options. In fact, a majority of cosmetic surgery patients finance their procedures through third-party companies that specialize in cosmetic financing, like CareCredit®. Your plastic surgeon will discuss your options with you during your consultation.

Want to Learn More About Upper Blepharoplasty in Pasadena, CA?

Dr. Vincent Hung is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, nose, and eyes. Dr. Hung holds unique certifications in three areas of medicine: Plastic surgery, Internal medicine, and Dermatology, and uses this experience to provide truly comprehensive care for each of his patients. To determine if you’re a candidate for upper blepharoplasty to improve your vision and aesthetics, call Dr. Hung today at (626) 623-7135 or complete the online contact form to get started.

Blepharoplasty is a highly effective procedure that rejuvenates the eyes. After surgery, swelling is a natural part of the healing process. This blog discusses how to manage blepharoplasty swelling to ensure a smoother recovery and optimal results. 

4 Min Read:

Blepharoplasty Swelling Timeline

Swelling after blepharoplasty is completely normal and follows a mostly predictable timeline:

• Days One to Three: Swelling peaks during the first 72 hours after surgery. The eyelids may feel tight, and the area around the eyes might appear puffy and discolored.
• Days Four to Seven: Swelling begins to subside, and bruising typically becomes less intense. You may notice some itchiness or mild discomfort as the healing progresses.
• Week Two: Most patients experience a significant reduction in swelling and bruising. At this stage, the eyelids start to look more natural.
• Weeks Three to Four: Residual swelling diminishes further, and you may feel comfortable returning to social and professional activities.
• Months Two to Three: Some swelling can remain but is usually minimal and primarily noticeable only to you. Final results begin to develop.

Tips for Effective Healing

To recover efficiently, follow these healing tips:

• Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions: Your surgeon’s post-operative care guidelines are tailored to your specific needs. Adhering to them ensures proper healing.
• Use Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses during the first 48 hours will go a long way in helping you reduce swelling and pain. However, you should avoid placing the ice directly on the skin; use a soft cloth or gel pack instead.
• Keep Your Head Elevated: Sleep with your head elevated on two or three pillows. This helps minimize fluid accumulation and promotes blood circulation.
• Avoid Straining: Activities like bending over, lifting heavy objects, or intense exercise can increase pressure around the eyes. Take it easy for the first two weeks.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration aids your body’s natural healing processes. Aim for at least eight glasses of water every day.
• Limit Salt Intake: Sodium can cause fluid retention, which may worsen swelling. Stick to a low-sodium diet during recovery.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These can impair healing and increase swelling. Refrain from both before and after surgery as recommended by your surgeon.

How to Minimize Swelling and Bruising

Proactive measures can further reduce swelling and bruising after blepharoplasty:

• Apply Prescribed Medications or Ointments: Use any prescribed creams or medications to reduce swelling and prevent infection.
• Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from sun exposure, which can aggravate swelling. Sunglasses also shield your eyes from wind and dust.
• Avoid Heat: Steer clear of hot showers, saunas, and direct sunlight during the initial recovery phase.
• Gentle Cleansing: Clean your face carefully with the approved cleanser provided by your surgeon. Avoid rubbing the eyelids or applying pressure.
• Stick to Light Activities: Gradually ease back into daily tasks. Light walking is encouraged to boost circulation, but vigorous activities should be avoided.
• Be Patient: Healing takes time. Avoid rushing the process or comparing your progress to others.

Expected Recovery Results

Blepharoplasty results improve progressively over time. Here’s what you can expect:

• Early Stages: Initial results may be hidden by swelling and bruising. It’s important to be patient and focus on maintaining a positive mindset during this phase.
• Two to Four Weeks After Surgery: Your eyelids begin to look more refined, and the swelling will have mostly subsided. Any remaining discoloration can often be concealed with makeup.
• Three Months and Beyond: At this point, your eyelids will appear natural and rejuvenated. Scars will continue to fade over the next year.

Consistent communication with your surgeon during follow-up appointments is essential to monitor your progress. If you notice unusual swelling, severe pain, or other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgeon.

Interested in Blepharoplasty in Pasadena, CA?

Managing swelling after blepharoplasty is an essential step toward achieving your desired results. By following the tips outlined here and working closely with your surgeon, you can enjoy a smooth recovery and refreshed appearance.

If you’re considering blepharoplasty, Dr. Hung and his experienced team in Pasadena, CA, are here to help. Schedule your consultation today by calling us at 626-623-7135 or completing our online contact form.

4 Minute Read: 

Despite the name, facelift surgery does not address issues on the entire face. Instead, a facelift only helps to correct issues (such as tightening and smoothing skin) on the lower two-thirds of the face (from the cheeks to the neck). 

That still leaves the upper one-third of the face untreated. 

To address issues in the upper portion of the face (from above the cheeks to the hairline), either eyelid surgery or a brow lift must be performed. However, many patients do not quite understand the difference between these two procedures. 

While they are not interchangeable, both of these surgical procedures are extremely helpful in revitalizing a patient’s facial aesthetic. 

Below, we will explore these two procedures and discuss how each can help you achieve the facial look and feel you desire. 

What Is Eyelid Surgery, and How Can It Help You?

Eyelid surgery (known as blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure that helps to correct cosmetic issues within the upper and/or lower eyelids, including wrinkles, excess skin in the eyelids (sometimes to the point of impairing vision), and the presence of bags under the eyes. 

Blepharoplasty is one of the most common and rejuvenating facial procedures available, which is demonstrated by the 325,000 patients who underwent eyelid surgery in 2020. 

One of the reasons for this popularity is the fact that blepharoplasty helps to correct issues around the eyes. And since the eyes “are the windows to the soul,” eyelid surgery can help your soul shine through even more beautifully.

You can choose to have upper blepharoplasty (which corrects issues in the upper eyelids), lower blepharoplasty (to correct issues in the lower eyelids and the area below the eyes), or both. 

• For an upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made in the natural creases of your eyes. Dr. Hung then removes or repositions the muscles in and around the eyelids and then surgically removes any excess and drooping skin. 
• For a lower blepharoplasty, the incision is made just below your lower eyelashes. Then, Dr. Hung repositions or removes any troublesome fat deposits and/or skin. 

Blepharoplasty can give you a more naturally beautiful appearance to your whole face, especially the area around the eyes. 

No longer will you need to worry about puffiness or bags under the eyes that make you look older and more tired than you actually are. Instead, wrinkles (including dreaded crow’s feet) can be smoothed and your eyelid skin tightened to help you see better and look your best.

What Is a Brow Lift, and How Can It Help You?

While eyelid surgery is relegated to the eyelid skin and the area immediately beneath the eyes, a brow lift (also known as a forehead lift) helps to correct issues (such as sagging skin) in the eyebrows and forehead, including creases in the skin, heavy and drooping eyebrows, and the presence of frown lines. 

With this procedure, either local anesthesia or general anesthesia is used. Once the anesthesia has been administered, a small incision is made in the target area. 

Dr. Hung then uses an endoscope (a small tool with a camera at the end of it) to remove or reposition any subcutaneous tissue, including moving the muscle to a more natural position. Lastly, Dr. Hung tightens the forehead skin to give you a more natural appearance. 

After your brow lift, you can look forward to a more youthful appearance. Many men and women in need of a brow lift tend to look angry and tired due to the lines and wrinkles on their forehead. However, you can expect to have a calmer and more settled quality to your entire facial aesthetic after your forehead lift procedure. 

How Can You Get the Most Out of Your Eyelid Surgery and Brow Lift?

While each of these procedures offers stunning and transformative results for your entire face, combining eyelid surgery and a brow lift is the best option for men and women looking for a complete adjustment to their upper face. 

And, for patients who are looking to transform their aging facial appearance, combining these procedures with a facelift can assure a brand new you!

Interested in Learning More? 

If you have questions about eyelid surgery, brow lift surgery, or any of the other procedures we offer in Southern California, please feel free to contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 (Pasadena) or 949-574-8292 (Newport Beach). 

3 Minute Read: 

There is no denying that one of the most frustrating parts of plastic surgery is the resulting scars. People choose cosmetic procedures to improve the way they feel about their physical appearance, so it seems contradictory that in order to do that, lasting marks must be made. Surgical scars are far from ideal, but when they are cared for properly they can fade and become less visible.

Plastic surgeons, like Dr. Hung, do everything they can to hide the incisions during the procedure so that the resulting scars are inconspicuous. Unfortunately, this is not always easy, especially when it comes to facial surgery. Your face is always on display, and since most people do not walk around wearing oversized sunglasses or large floppy hats every day, there is a chance that scarring will be noticeable. Even facelift scars that are initially hidden within the hairline can become visible later if the hairline recedes. It is important to start caring for your incisions as soon as you can to keep scars as minimal as possible.

Let the Incisions Rest

Regardless of whether you underwent a facelift, brow lift, blepharoplasty, or reconstructive nose surgery, there will be external incisions. The best way to start your scar minimization process is to leave them alone. The less trauma they experience, the better. Trauma does not only mean an injury; it can also be any excess movement or tension placed on the incision. During the initial stages of your recovery, you want the incisions to rest. Follow all of Dr. Hung’s post-operative instructions, such as when it is alright to wash your face or shower, and how often you should change your bandages. Proper care in the beginning will put you on the path to minimal scarring down the line.

Hide from the Sun

It can be hard to hide your face from the sun, especially during the summer months. Unfortunately, the sun is not good for a healing incision. Sun exposure on a scar that is not entirely healed can result in darker pigmentation that is more difficult to hide.

Invest in Silicone Strips or Gel

Silicone strips and silicone gel are designed to lessen the appearance of scars. They can be applied to the incision as soon as it is completely healed, usually after two or three weeks. Silicone strips are reusable adhesive bandages that are worn over the incision for the majority of the day. At night, you can remove the strip, wash it, and let it dry in preparation for the following day. Silicone gel is applied in the same way as a lotion or cream. When used correctly, silicone strips and gel can start to reduce the appearance of a scar after two or three months.

Be Patient

All scars look bad initially. They are bright red or pink, are often raised, and they stick out like a sore thumb. The appearance of fresh scars is enough to make some men and women regret their surgery. Fortunately, this state is short-lived. All scarring, no matter how bad it looks right after the procedure, will fade with time, sometimes to the point of disappearing altogether. There is no way to know the length of this process, as everyone heals at a different rate. However, you can take comfort in the fact that bright red scars will not stay that way.

For more information on how to take care of your scars or to start your plastic surgery journey, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form.

3 Min Read

Many men and women are interested in restoring a more youthful appearance to their eyes. 

The eyes are one of your most prominent facial features, responsible for your ability to express your emotions. Unfortunately, the eyes are also amongst the first to show the visible signs of age as the skin is thin and receives constant strain throughout the day in the way of blinking and facial expressions. 

Blepharoplasty is performed on the eyelids to reduce the visible signs of aging above and below the eyes.

The Procedure

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty addresses visible signs of aging on the upper eyelid. This can include eyelids that droop down and obstruct the range of vision (which makes everyday activities like driving or reading more difficult) as well as lines and wrinkles around the eyes. 

Upper blepharoplasty is performed either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. To perform upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Hung will make an incision along the crease of the upper eyelid. By making the incision here, the resulting scar will be invisible when the eyes are open. Pockets of fat in the upper eyelid are either removed or repositioned so that the area will lay flatter. The excess skin that is hooding the eye is trimmed away, and the incision is closed to reveal a smoother and tauter upper eyelid. 

This incision can extend past the crease toward the temple for patients who are hoping to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty addresses the bags and dark circles beneath the eye. The incision for lower blepharoplasty runs just below the lower lash line. Excess pockets of fat are removed to reveal a flatter and smoother eye contour, and skin is trimmed and tightened. Once the incision has healed, patients can cover the scar with makeup; all scars will lose their redness and fade with time.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is an alternative approach to this procedure. This technique makes an incision on the inside of the lash line (so that there will be no visible scar), and it is through this incision that the fat pockets are removed. This technique is not appropriate for everyone, however, as it can only remove fat and cannot address other cosmetic issues.

Are You A Candidate?

Candidates for blepharoplasty are healthy adults who are interested in improving the appearance of their upper eyelids, their lower eyelids, or both. There is no age limit for this procedure, and many consider it once their aging has become visible to others or sagging skin obstructs their range of vision. Candidates should be non-smokers in good health. 

What Can You Expect for Your Recovery?

After undergoing blepharoplasty, most patients experience mild to moderate soreness and tightness of the eyes. The skin around the eyes will bruise and swell, and some patients’ eyes are swollen shut for a short period. Patients should rest comfortably for the first day or two with their head upright at all times, even when sleeping. Keeping your head elevated will promote healing by stimulating blood flow and circulation. Most patients can return to normal activities after one week and more strenuous activities after two or three weeks. 

Blepharoplasty will address aesthetic concerns that are present at the time of the procedure. This surgery will not halt the progression of aging, and patients will develop additional lines and wrinkles. However, it is unlikely that the puffiness of the eyes will return, as the pockets of fat are removed. Patients can prolong their results by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing sunglasses or hats whenever they are outdoors. 

If you are interested in learning more about blepharoplasty, or to set up a consultation, contact Dr. Hung by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form.

The thin skin around the eyes often causes them to be at the forefront of premature facial aging. And as your eyes are responsible for expressing your emotions, visible aging affects the youthful appearance of your entire face. Aging of the eyes is the result of several factors. The constant movement of the eyelids, caused by blinking and facial expressions, sun damage, and gravity all weaken the tissues around the eyes, which creates the formation of fine lines, heavy upper eyelids, and puffy bags beneath the eyes. Blepharoplasty is performed to counteract these signs of aging by removing excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids. It can be performed on patients as young as 40 years of age. This process restores youthfulness while tightening and smoothing the eye region. While blepharoplasty can provide noticeable and substantial results, performing this surgery at different stages of facial aging will give different benefits.

Mild Signs of Aging

Some patients choose to undergo blepharoplasty as soon as they begin to notice the effects of time and sun damage. Patients at this stage are usually in their 40s and want to stop visible aging before it sets in too deeply. Blepharoplasty for mild signs of aging tends to postpone the onset of sagging eyelids and puffy bags.

Moderate Signs of Aging

Patients with moderate signs of eyelid aging often experience skin laxity on the upper and lower eyelids that limit their ability to express their emotions. When laxity is present, patients often look tired, stressed, or angry. Blepharoplasty at this stage reduces the puffy bags and drooping skin so that patients are once again able to control the facial emotions their eyes are expressing.

Severe Signs of Aging

When patients experience severe aging on the eyelids, they also often experience a decrease in their range of vision, which can cause certain activities, such as driving, to be dangerous. For patients with severe signs of aging, excess skin is removed from the upper and lower eyelids, and underlying fat is lifted to allow for a broader range of vision.

For more information about blepharoplasty, or to set up a consultation with Dr. Hung, contact us today by calling (626) 432-5032 or by filling out our online contact form.