Eyes are often the first thing people see when they meet you. That's why Dr. Keamy and her team are always ready and prepared to help each patient achieve their goal. Thanks to advanced technology, we offer in-office blepharoplasty to help you become more comfortable and confident in your skin.
To determine if blepharoplasty is right for you, check our most frequently asked questions below, or get in touch with us here.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure that improves the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. Dr. Keamy does this by tightening muscles and tissue or removing excess fat and skin. This procedure offers a younger, more refreshed look that reflects across the whole face.
To learn more about the blepharoplasty procedure you can view our Blepharoplasty overview informational video.
What are the Reasons for having Blepharoplasty?
Most people interested in having eyelid surgery have age-related or naturally baggy or droopy upper eyelids. The first signs of aging often appear around the eyes. Blepharoplasty rejuvenates the eyes, resulting in a refreshed and youthful look. This procedure can also benefit those with excess skin on the upper or lower eyelids that block their peripheral vision.
What Causes Droopy Eyelids?
The skin around the eyelids is typically thinner than the skin on the rest of the face, making it easier to reflect signs of damage. Droopy eyelids can often cause people to appear much older or tired than they are. Some common causes of droopiness in eyelids are:
- Aging
- Sun damage
- Smoking
- Stretching
- Obesity
What Are The Benefits of Upper Lid Blepharoplasty?
Because the eyes are a central part of the face, having blepharoplasty can often go beyond simply looking younger. It can correct the fatigued and sometimes unfriendly look that droopy eyes tend to give off, and it can change the overall appearance of your face. In some cases, sagging or dropping of the eyes can leave faces looking angry, influencing how people interact with you. Blepharoplasty patients are searching for eyelid correction to have more control over their facial expressions as they age. Aging eyes that don't correctly reflect your emotions can impact social and professional interactions. Correcting the appearance of hooded eyes allows you to look younger and impacts how you are perceived.
Who is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
The best candidates for the blepharoplasty procedure are patients in good overall health; they are non-smokers with have no severe eye conditions. You may have loose, sagging skin or noticeable bags around your eyes that you want to remove.
While this procedure can improve your face's overall appearance, patients must remain realistic about their expectations and results. Blepharoplasty focuses on the eyelids and won't alter your facial structure
What is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Like?
This procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia for nervous patients. Patients can choose this procedure on their upper, lower, or both parts of the eyelids. Depending on these choices, the procedure can take 30-90 minutes. If the patient chooses an upper eyelid procedure, an incision is made along the eyelid's natural crease. After making the incision, Dr. Keamy may reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles and tissue or remove excess skin to leave the eye looking younger and refreshed.
During the lower eyelid procedure, Dr. Keamy performs lid tightening with OPUS® COLIBRI. Dr. Keamy now uses Opus Colibri, one of the latest technologies in precise skin resurfacing, in addition to blepharoplasty procedures. Opus Colibri delivers microplasma to stimulate collagen in the skin. At the same time, its 0.7mm tip allows Dr. Keamy to correct areas around the eye with advanced, accurate precision. It targets hard-to-reach areas of the face with optimized results and fewer complications.
What Results Can Eyelid Surgery Achieve?
Blepharoplasty can correct several age-related problems that occur on the upper eyelids. Common improvements include:
- Enhanced eye shape
- Rested, youthful appearance
- A more friendly-looking face
- Improved vision for people whose upper eyelids have fallen over their eyelashes
- Reduced strain in forehead muscles caused by constantly lifting the eyebrows
Before & After Blepharoplasty
How Long Do The Results Of Blepharoplasty Last?
The fat or skin that is removed during an upper blepharoplasty is permanently eliminated. Most people who have this procedure never need to repeat it. However, the tissue around the eyes will continue to age, and, over time, slight sagging may occur.
Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?
Blepharoplasty is not painful, especially as our patients receive adequate anesthetic and sedation to prevent pain signals from the operative area. For the day or two after the anesthesia wears off, patients may rely on prescription or over-the-counter pain medication for comfort. To soothe discomfort and reduce swelling and bruising, patients can apply cold compresses to the eye area a few times daily. Dr. Keamy also recommends supplements arnica montana and bromelain to help with bruising.
What is the Recovery Process Like?
When it comes to recovering from Blepharoplasty in Salem, MA, Dr. Keamy may recommend applying lubricating ointment and cold compresses to aid the healing process and minimize side effects such as swelling, bruising irritation, or dry eyes. The eyes may be wrapped in gauze after the procedure as well.
Patients can usually return to work within a week but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Swelling and other side effects usually subside within two weeks after surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for your eyes are surgery.
Combining Procedures With Eyelid Surgery
Patients who visit our practice for Blepharoplasty in Salem, MA often inquire about combining their surgery with other procedures. Eyelid surgeries are commonly paired with browlifts. Browlifts can revitalize drooping or lined foreheads, helping you to look less angry, sad, or tired. Using either a traditional or minimally invasive, endoscopic, method, the muscles above the eyes are altered to smooth lines and raise the eyebrows for a more youthful appearance.
Is Blepharoplasty Safe?
Blepharoplasty is one of the leading plastic surgery procedures performed today. It is generally considered safe and effective. Patients interested in rejuvenating their eyes should consult with a board-certified surgeon who has demonstrated proven results within their practice. Dr. Keamy has completed extensive training in ophthalmology and cosmetic procedures. She performs blepharoplasty with great care to avoid complications.
One of the most significant concerns about blepharoplasty is the risk of removing too much tissue. In upper blepharoplasty, this can result in the inability to fully close the eyes. In lower blepharoplasty, it could result in the same problem or possibly in the eyelid pulling-away from the eyeball.
What Are The Risks Of Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is one of the safest procedures performed today. During the consultation for surgery, Dr. Keamy discusses potential risks, such as infection or poor wound healing. Most risks can be well managed by meticulous surgical technique and good aftercare at home. One of the unique risks of eyelid surgery is bleeding. Though this rarely occurs, bleeding can increase intraocular pressure, which could have serious effects on vision due to compression of the optic nerve. If bleeding occurs after eyelid surgery, patients should contact our office immediately or go to their nearest emergency room.
Schedule A Consultation
For more information on Eyelid Surgery or other services offered, please contact Dr. Keamy at 508.836.8733 today.
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