The goal of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is to rejuvenate the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids, restoring a more youthful, refreshed look. Because of the complexity of the eye and surrounding structures—as well as differences in aging patterns and ethnicity—treatment strategies are customized for each patient.
The most common signs of aging around the eyes include excess eyelid skin and thinning of the eyelid tissues, including skin, muscle, fascia, and fat. A well-performed blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and addressing tissue thinning to improve both function and appearance.
Blepharoplasty Procedure and Anesthesia
At McKinnon Plastic Surgery, blepharoplasty is performed in an accredited outpatient surgical center or hospital setting to ensure optimal safety and care. Most patients choose conscious sedation combined with local anesthesia, allowing them to remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Patients are awake but calm, experiencing minimal discomfort aside from a small initial injection. Preoperative medications may include a sedative, pain reliever, antibiotic, and anti-nausea medication to enhance comfort and reduce swelling. The procedure typically takes approximately one hour to complete.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
During upper eyelid surgery, the incision is carefully marked to follow the patient’s natural eyelid crease, ensuring a discreet and natural-looking result. The amount of excess skin is precisely measured and re-evaluated during surgery.
Bleeding is minimal and well controlled throughout the procedure. The incision is closed with removable sutures, which typically remain in place for about 7 days, as the upper eyelid plays a critical role in eyelid closure.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
For the lower eyelids, the incision is placed just below the lash line and may extend slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye. The eyelid skin and muscle (orbicularis orbita) are gently elevated to access the underlying tissues.
The surgeon evaluates the fascia and fat compartments, and in rare cases of true fat excess, conservative fat removal may be performed. More commonly, the focus is on repositioning and tightening tissues, rather than removing fat unnecessarily. As one ages, orbital fat diminishes naturally–surgical removal of fat may readily accelerate the aging process.
Excess skin and muscle are carefully measured and removed, and the eyelid is repositioned to restore a natural contour. The incision is then closed with fine sutures, and antibiotic ointment and cold compresses are applied. The procedure is repeated on the opposite eye for balanced results.
Addressing Complex Eyelid Concerns
In addition to skin excess and tissue thinning, aging eyelids may present with other concerns such as:
- Upper eyelid drooping (ptosis)
- Rounding of the eyelid corners
- Volume loss causing a sunken appearance
- Inward or outward turning of the lower eyelid
These conditions require careful evaluation and are typically discussed in detail during the initial consultation. When present, they can often be corrected in conjunction with blepharoplasty.
Safety, Technique, and Consultation
Blepharoplasty is considered a safe and reliable procedure when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, patients receive a thorough evaluation and discussion of goals, surgical approach, risks, and expected outcomes.
It is important to note that not all surgical techniques are appropriate for every patient. For example, so-called “hidden incision” or transconjunctival blepharoplasty, which removes fat from inside the lower eyelid, may not address the most common issues of skin excess and tissue thinning. Careful surgical judgment is essential to achieving optimal results.
At McKinnon Plastic Surgery, the focus is on delivering natural-looking eyelid rejuvenation with an emphasis on safety, precision, and individualized care.
Why Choose McKinnon Plastic Surgery For Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty requires precise surgical technique and a detailed understanding of the complex structures surrounding the eye. Dr. McKay McKinnon has decades of experience performing facial procedures that involve delicate anatomical structures.
His training includes work on the Harvard Surgical Service followed by a plastic surgery residency at the University of Miami, where he developed extensive experience in facial surgical planning and reconstructive techniques. This background supports a thoughtful and individualized approach to eyelid surgery.
Dr. McKinnon performs blepharoplasty with careful attention to eyelid function, natural appearance, and long-term surgical stability.
Blepharoplasty In Chicago, IL & Coral Gables, FL
Blepharoplasty can improve the appearance of aging eyelids while preserving natural eyelid function and expression. Patients in Chicago, IL, and Coral Gables, FL, interested in eyelid rejuvenation can contact McKinnon Plastic Surgery at (305) 753-1400 in Coral Gables to schedule a consultation.
