Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)

Upper eyelid surgery seeks to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes by addressing the excess skin and bulging fat that leads to a tired, aged appearance. When this procedure is done properly, the eyes appear more alert, rested, and youthful. This procedure is often combined with lower eyelid surgery. During upper blepharoplasty, fine incisions are made in an upper eyelid skin crease and remove excess loose skin is excised. Protruding fat is also addressed by either removal or repositioning to improve the eyelid contour. The eyelid skin is closed with a fine suture. The procedure is generally very well tolerated.

Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)

Lower eyelid surgery seeks to remove lower eyelid bags and tighten lower eyelid skin. The lower eyelid bags are usually caused by fat malposition under the eye that leads to tired-looking eyes. In this procedure, an incision is made on the inside surface of the eyelid and the protruding fat tissue under the eye is repositioned or excised to provide a more youthful, awake appearing contour. The skin of the lower eyelid can then be tightened with either a pinch excision or resurfacing with microneedling or fractionated CO2 laser. When combined with the upper lid procedure, this can lead to a great improvement in the patient’s tired or aged appearance.

Droopy Eyelid Repair (Ptosis Repair)

As the eyelid ages, the muscles which hold the eye open can stretch, leading to decreased natural eyelid opening and a sleepy appearance. Dr. Sand can perform a repair to help increase eyelid opening and improve the droopy upper eyelid appearance. This effect can be simulated with a topical medication and may be a part of your consultation with Dr. Sand.

Forehead/Browlift

Over time the forehead and brow are affected by persistent muscle activity, gravity, and sunlight that cause the skin to wrinkle and loosen. This leads to a ‘heaviness’ to the brow that contributes to an aged and tired look. A forehead or browlift is one option to reverse the effects of time in this area. This procedure involves making small incisions behind the hairline and with endoscopic assistance lifting these tissues to place them into a more youthful position. Some of the muscles that cause vertical brow wrinkles may be weakened to provide a smoother appearance to the central brow. This procedure is often combined with upper and lower eyelid procedures to provide complete eye rejuvenation. Dr. Sand can discuss the expected results with these procedures during your consultation.

Nonsurgical Eye Rejuvenation

Many patients have tired appearing eyes but are not interested in surgery to correct these concerns. With the advent of Botox® and dermal fillers like Restylane® there are many options to help reduce wrinkles, fill in hollows, or redistribute volume to provide an alert, awake, youthful appearance to the eye region. These types of treatments offer quick results with minimal to no downtime. Dr. Sand can discuss these options with you during your consultation.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Most patients find eyelid surgery recovery easier than expected. Bruising and swelling peak in the first few days and are typically much improved by the end of the first week, when any fine sutures are removed. Many patients feel comfortable returning to desk work and social activities within 7 to 10 days, often with the help of a little concealer. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated during the first days help reduce swelling, and results continue to refine over the following weeks as residual swelling settles.

Why Choose Dr. Sand for Eyelid Surgery

The eyelids are among the most delicate structures on the face, and results are measured in millimeters. Dr. Jordan Sand is double board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and operates exclusively on the face, scalp, and neck. He performs upper and lower eyelid surgery, droopy eyelid repair, and browlifts for patients across Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the Inland Northwest.

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