Eyelid Surgery

Hooded, baggy eyelids can make you look tired and aged. With blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, it can rejuvenate your appearance, making your eyes appear fresh and youthful. At the offices of Stephen M. Chen, MD, in Midlothian and Richmond, Virginia, the accomplished plastic surgeon performs eyelid surgery to reduce sagging skin and brighten your expression. Call today or schedule an appointment online to find out how eyelid surgery can transform your look.

What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from around your eyes. Dr. Chen performs upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both, to reduce the look of sagging, puffiness, and drooping in your expression.

Upper eyelid surgery 

For upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Chen makes an incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid to remove excess skin and reposition the remaining fat, muscle, and skin. 

Lower eyelid surgery

Lower eyelid surgery corrects puffy bags or sagging skin below your eyes. Dr. Chen makes an incision in the lower lash line and then removes fat and excess skin. 

Dr. Chen helps you determine if you’d benefit most from upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both, to help you look noticeably younger and more refreshed.

What conditions can eyelid surgery treat?

Eyelid surgery may be a solution for:

• Loose skin that covers the fold of your upper eyelids
• Lax skin that droops along the sides of your upper eyelids
• Excess wrinkles and skin on your lower eyelids
• Bags and dark circles under your eyes
• Impaired vision due to drooping skin

During your consultation with Dr. Chen, he’ll review your aesthetic concerns and goals and help you understand how eyelid surgery or other procedures can help. 

What is recovery from eyelid surgery like?

Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure. As soon as you come out of the anesthesia, you go home the same day to recover. Your entire surgery takes just about an hour. However, you’ll need someone to drive you home.

Cold compresses soothe any bruising or swelling following surgery. Some patients experience temporary tearing or dry eyes for a few days. Dr. Chen advises you to sleep in a sitting position for the first few nights to help minimize swelling. 

After 4-7 days, you return to Dr. Chen’s office to have the stitches removed and evaluate healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage post-op pain. You’ll need to refrain from wearing eye makeup for about one week and avoid vigorous physical activity for about six weeks. 

If you’re ready to revitalize your look with eyelid surgery, call one of the offices of Stephen M. Chen, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.