Eyelid Surgery in The Woodlands, TX

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a commonly performed procedure for improving the appearance of the upper, lower, or both eyelids. Dr. Rivela has performed eyelid surgery in The Woodlands for numerous patients. Voted “Best Plastic Surgeon” by Woodlands Online every year since 2010, he sees patients from all over the Greater Houston area and beyond.

What Can Eyelid Surgery Treat?
There are several treatable conditions that may be improved using upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty procedures, including:

• Removal of fatty deposits in the upper eyelids results in a puffy look.
• Removal of sagging skin that disturbs eye contour, sometimes impairing vision, of the upper eyelid.
• Removal of fine wrinkles and excess skin of the lower eyelid.
• Removal of “bags” under the eyes.
• Correction of lower eyelid droopiness which results in the white of the eye showing below the iris, or colored portion.

As the skin begins to age, it loses elasticity. Combined with gravity, this may cause excess skin to collect in the upper or lower eyelid. On the lower eyelid, this can cause bulges and wrinkles. On the upper eyelid, a fold of skin may form which hangs over the eye area and may actually obstruct vision. In addition, the thin, supporting membrane that holds the fat in place may weaken allowing the fat to protrude.

Eyelid surgery, also often called an eye lift or undereye bag surgery, is designed to remove excess skin, reduce the fat of the eye area, and, in some cases, tighten muscle creating a more youthful appearance. Of course, you will continue to age, but the results are usually very long-lasting. With upper eyelid surgery lasting anywhere from five to seven years to a lifetime, lower eyelid surgery most often needs to be performed only once.

Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation with Dr. Rivela
With your personal consultation providing an opportunity to interact with Dr. Rivela, this is the time to ask and answer questions. During this time, you will be thoroughly evaluated and assessed, providing Dr. Rivela the opportunity to develop a surgical procedure plan tailor-made for you.

Be ready to discuss:

• Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
• Expectations and desired outcome
• Available Options
• All medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs that you are currently taking or using
• Previous surgical history

Dr. Rivela may also:

• Evaluate your general health status including pre-existing conditions and risk factors
• Examine your face
• Take photographs for your medical records
• Discuss your options and recommend a surgical course of action
• Discuss likely outcomes, risks, and potential complications associated with your surgery

Your Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Eyelid surgery is often performed in conjunction with face lifts, brow lifts, or forehead lifts and is usually performed under general anesthesia, but sometimes under local anesthesia with sedation. Most often performed at a surgical center, it is usually on an outpatient basis. Typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, time will vary depending upon other procedures Dr. Rivela may be performing in conjunction with your eyelid surgery.

Good candidates for eyelid surgery are non-smoker adults in good physical health, with a positive outlook, specific surgical goals, and realistic expectations about outcomes. Many find that the change in appearance brings with it a renewed outlook on life and enhances day-to-day living. To develop realistic expectations, it is helpful to look over our eyelid surgery before and after photos.

Your Eyelid Surgery Recovery Notes
Discomfort: Mild. Anticipate 0-3 days of prescription pain medication or Tylenol. Many require no medication.

Bruising and Swelling after Surgery: Improves in 3-14 days depending on the extent of the surgery. Following skin removal only, expect 3-5 days. The following skin and fat removal with canthopexy, expect 7-14 days. You can reduce swelling through constant head elevation and frequent applications of ice.

Bandages: None. You will be instructed to place ice compresses on your eyes for 1-3 days.

Excess Teardrops: Expect that your eyes will temporarily be prone to excessive tearing, especially when you are outside on a windy day. This typically improves within several weeks.

Contact Lenses: May be worn in 7-10 days.

Work: You may feel capable of returning within 1-3 days but your appearance may be a limiting factor.

Presentable in public: 3-14 days with the help of makeup, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Sun Protection After Surgery: Protect the area for six months with SPF 15 or higher.

Exercise: May be resumed in two weeks.

Final Results: Will be seen in 2-6 weeks.

Consultations for procedures for the Body at Rivela Plastic Surgery are complimentary. Call our office today at (281) 724-3126.

Rivela Plastic Surgery

Visit Our Business Listing Visit Website