Facial Rejuvenation

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

By removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids, blepharoplasty can rejuvenate puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes. It is typically a cosmetic procedure but can also improve vision by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient's field of vision. Blepharoplasty alone cannot be used to raise the eyebrows or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow's feet or dark circles under the eyes, but the procedure can be combined with others such as a facelift and BOTOX® treatments to achieve these results.

The procedure is usually performed in our office with local anesthesia plus sedation and lasts 45 minutes to two hours depending on how much work is done. Incisions are made along the eyelids in inconspicuous places (in the creases of the upper lids, and just below the lashes on the lower lids). Dr. Lipson removes excess tissue through these incisions and then stitches them closed with fine dissolving sutures. In some lower lids no skin needs to be removed; he will then perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, where the incision is made inside the lower eyelid and there are no visible scars.

After the inevitable swelling and bruising (but little or no pain), most people return to work in ten days. Contact lenses may not be worn for two weeks. Eyes can be sensitive to light and wind and may be slightly irritated for a short while; Dr. Lipson will recommend eye drops and cool compresses to prevent these discomforts.

Complications from the procedure are uncommon, and can include: infection, reaction to anesthesia, blurred vision for a few days, temporary swelling of the eyelids, tiny whiteheads, and difficulty closing the eyes when going to sleep. Uneven healing and scarring, and ectropion (pulling down of the lower lids) are very rare and may require surgical correction. Patients with thyroid problems, dry eyes, high blood pressure, diabetes, detached retina, glaucoma or other health problems should consult with an ophthalmologist about eligibility.

View our before and after photos of Blepharoplasty »

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

As we age, the effects of time, gravity, sun exposure and stress inevitably take their toll on our faces, producing wrinkles, folds, fat deposits and loose skin. A facelift is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed, designed to treat sagging and lax skin of the lower face and neck for a younger, more refreshed appearance.

Patients dissatisfied with the changing appearance of their face may seek relief through a facelift. This time-tested procedure targets the mid- to lower face, including the cheeks, mouth, chin and neck. Ideal candidates are usually those in their 40s, 50s or 60s looking to reverse signs of aging in the face, are generally healthy and have realistic expectations for surgery.

During the facelift procedure, an incision is made around the ear, sometimes extending into the scalp. There are several different techniques that may be used depending on each patient's facial structure and desired goals, but most include sculpting, lifting and repositioning the underlying fat, muscle and deep tissues, while also trimming and redraping the skin for dramatic yet natural-looking results.

In years past, a facelift was performed under general anesthesia, but now is typically done with a local anesthetic and sedation. The entire procedure usually takes two to four hours to perform on an outpatient basis.

After a facelift, patients may experience mild discomfort, bruising, swelling and fatigue for a few days. They can wash their hair after two days and can likely return to work within a week. It is recommended that patients avoid strenuous activity for two to four weeks after surgery until swelling has completely subsided.

The results of the facelift will often be immediately noticeable and should continue to improve several months, as swelling continues to fade. While results are not permanent and do not make patients immune to the effects of aging, they will continue to look younger than if they had not had the lift.

To learn more about the benefits of a facelift, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lipson.

View our before and after photos of Facelift »

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