What happens during a blepharoplasty procedure?

Eyelid surgery typically takes less than 2 hours and is an outpatient procedure. It can be done on the lower lids, the upper lids, or on both eyelids. Your eyelid area will be numbed and an incision will be made to tighten the muscles, and then excess fat and skin will be removed. Fine sutures will be used to close the incision.

Some patients have eyelid surgery along with other cosmetic procedures, such as a brow lift or a facelift.

What can blepharoplasty do for me?

As we get older, fat accumulates in the eye area, making the eyes look puffy, creating bags under the eyes, and making us look old and tired. Blepharoplasty can get rid of this fat and excess skin, tightening up the eye area and making you look younger and more alert. Blepharoplasty is also performed for medical reasons. It can remove excess skin around the eyes that can make it difficult to see properly and can cause functional problems with your eyelids.

What can I expect after the procedure?

Patients can usually return to work and regular activities within a few days, although you should avoid strenuous activity for at least a week (follow your doctor’s instructions). The eye area will be swollen and bruised, but ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication can help. You should sleep with your head elevated higher than your chest for a few days and avoid smoking and rubbing your eyes. You shouldn’t wear contact lenses for a couple of weeks, and when you go outside make sure to wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes from the wind and sun.

Blepharoplasty can help you to see better and look younger. If you are interested in eyelid surgery, contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, for a consultation. Call (203) 453-6635 today!

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Options for tired looking eyes

There are a few different options you have if you feel like your eyes aren’t as bright, alert, and beautiful as you would like them to be:

• Blepharoplasty, also known as “eyelid surgery.” In this procedure, excess tissue, skin, and fat are removed to tighten the skin and to reduce puffiness around the eyes. It can also get rid of those bags that appear under eyes and help with eyelids that are too droopy. It can also help remove wrinkles around the eyes.

• Brow lift. In a brow lift, the lines on the forehead and in between the eyes are erased – these lines can make you look perpetually angry and/or tired. If your brow sags, a brow lift can help, which makes eyes look younger and more alert.

• Latisse. Eyelashes are such a simple thing, but how they look can really affect how your eyes look. Latisse is a simple way to get long, thick, dark, and beautiful lashes to accentuate your gorgeous eyes. This is a treatment that is prescribed by your doctor and you apply each night.

• Injectables. Facial injectables are a great way to perk up eyes without the hassle and downtime of a surgical procedure. An injectable such as Botox can help to reduce crow’s feet and wrinkles around the eyes, while a dermal filler such as Juvéderm can help to smooth fine lines and add volume to the face.

Recovering from the holidays (and life in general) may have you feeling tired and run down, but no one has to know it, thanks to a procedure that can help your tired eyes. Contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price to see which procedure is right for you. Call the office in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, at (203) 453-6635 today!

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Here are five things you should know about eyelid surgery and what you should consider before going under the knife.

1. Eyelid surgery is usually performed on both upper eyelids and lower eyelids. On upper eyelids, surgery removes or repositions fat deposits, tightens muscles and removes excess skin. On lower eyelids, excess skin in the lower eyelid is removed while excess fat is removed or repositioned for desired results.
2. Eyelid surgery can improve vision. While surgery is most often done for cosmetic reasons, eyelid surgery can help improve vision by correctly sagging upper eyelids that hag over the eye, impairing vision.
3. Incisions can be easily hidden. The beauty of eyelid surgery is the fact that the incisions on the upper eyelid can be hidden by the natural crease in the lid, which means the resulting scar will fade and difficult to see once you’ve healed. On the lower eyelid, incisions are designed to be hidden as well as they are made at or just below the lower lash line.
4. You should see results right away, but it will take time to see full results after swelling and bruising subside. Full results may take a few months as you continue to heal.
5. There is little pain involved with this surgery. You can expect to experience some swelling and bruising and discomfort around your eyelids after surgery such as sensitivity to light or blurred vision from ointment. Use lubricating ointment, cold compresses and pain medication as instructed. It’s important that you follow the post-operative instructions closely to help with recovery and healing and to achieve optimal results.

Results from eyelid surgery are long-lasting. If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for eyelid surgery, call (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Price.

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Eyelid surgery wakes up tired-looking eyes

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, has been a popular cosmetic treatment for years and for many reasons. Both men and women like the fact that the incisions are so small and placed in areas where the natural folds of the skin will hide the scar as it heals and fades. Recovery is not difficult, as there is minimal pain and fast healing. Visible bruising lasts 10-14 days.

Eyelid surgery can be done on upper eyelids and lower eyelids, depending on your concerns. This procedure treats the sagging, droopy skin of the upper eyelid that can impair vision. It removes excess fat that has accumulated in the eyelids, creating a puffy appearance. It also removes the bags under the eyes and improves the drooping and wrinkling in the area of the lower eyelids.

Botox softens and erases wrinkles

Botox is an effective wrinkle eraser that’s FDA-approved to improve the look of moderate-to-severe forehead lines, frown lines and laugh lines around the eyes. Botox tackles dynamic wrinkles on the upper third of the face caused by repeated facial expressions such as laughing, frowning or squinting. Botox temporarily blocks the nerve signal from reaching the facial muscle, which relaxes the wrinkle In the skin above.

Grow your eyelashes

Many women turn to false eyelashes, but the upkeep can be costly and damage their own real eyelashes over time. You can ditch false eyelashes for Latisse, which is the only FDA-approved treatment that is clinically proven to grow your lashes. Latisse is a once-nightly treatment available by prescription only. You swipe it across the base of your upper eyelashes at night, with results in about a month and full results in 16 weeks.

There is a variety of options to rejuvenate the appearance of your eyes and eye area. Call (203) 453-6635 to set up a consultation with Dr. Price.

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What happens during surgery

Eyelid surgery is also called an eye lift. During this procedure, Dr. Price will remove excess skin, fat or muscle from the areas around the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both.

Who benefits from surgery

The eyelids can age dramatically over time due to constant exposure to the sun and the environment. Most people over the age of 40 could benefit from eyelid surgery as it rejuvenates the eye areas to make you look younger.

The most common concerns with the eyelid area are the sagging, droopy skin of the upper eyelid that can impair vision, and excess fat that has accumulated in the eyelids, creating a puffy appearance. This surgery also addresses the bags that form under the eyes and improves the drooping of the lower eyelids and wrinkles under the eyes.

Aesthetic and medical benefits

There are aesthetic and functional benefits of eyelid surgery. First, improving the appearance of the eyes can make the rest of the face look younger and refreshed as well. This improves confidence and self-image. Second, eyelid surgery removes excess skin that droops over the eyes, which can improve vision and reduce headaches caused by excess skin.

Types of eyelid surgeries

There are two types of eyelid surgeries – lower eyelid blepharoplasty and upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The lower eyelid blepharoplasty modifies eye bags and smooths out the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes. An upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes fat deposits and excess skin from the upper eyelid. Many patients choose both procedures to address a multitude of concerns.

Hidden incisions

The small incisions are made so that the remaining scars will be easily hidden. For upper eyelid surgery, a small incision is made within the natural crease of the eyelid. For lower eyelid surgery, incisions are made behind the lower lash line.

To learn more about eyelid surgery and whether you would be a candidate for this popular procedure, call (203) 453-6635 today to set up a consultation.

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If you’re considering eyelid surgery, here are a few things you may not know:

1. Anyone over the age of 40 could benefit from eyelid surgery.

Constant exposure to the sun and various environmental factors can lead to the rapid aging of the eyelids. Eyelid surgery is a common cosmetic surgical procedure done on patients between the ages of 40 and 54.

2. Eyelid surgery can improve vision and reduce headaches.

Eyelid surgery goes beyond just an improved appearance. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin that droops over the eyes, and this excess skin can cause vision problems and headaches from overusing muscles that strain to lift sagging skin on the eyelids.

3. There are three kinds of eyelid surgery.

Upper eyelid surgery is often done on the elderly to help with loss of vision and treat sagging, droopy skin. Lower eyelid surgery is done to remove or modify eye bags and improve drooping and the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes. A double eyelid surgery is for patients without a natural eyelid fold, creating a crease in the upper eyelids to create double eyelids.

4. Pain is minimal, and healing is fast.

Visible bruising from eyelid surgery may last up to two weeks. Stitches are removed five days after surgery, and by this time you will notice a huge difference in your eyelids. Incision lines are concealed in natural folds and will be easy to hide until they fade. Final results can be seen after six months.

5. Eyelid surgery can yield results that last for years.

Compared to other cosmetic procedures, eyelid surgery doesn’t need to be repeated as frequently. Most patients won’t require additional eyelid surgeries.

Eyelid surgery is just one way Dr. Price can help you “turn back the clock.” For a comprehensive consultation to address your desired look, call (203) 453-6635 today.

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Although these surgeries are different, the recovery for them can be similar. Let’s take a closer look at a few things that you should never do after getting blepharoplasty.

Don’t Wear Contact Lenses

You may hate the look of yourself in glasses, but they are going to be your best friend for the first two weeks after blepharoplasty. Not only will you not want to touch your eyes while they’re healing after surgery, but you also don’t want to put anything in them. Wearing your glasses can help with the temptation. Wait at least two entire weeks or until Dr. Price gives you the go-ahead.

Don’t Sleep Flat

For the first few days after surgery, you should stay home and try to get as much rest as possible. Because your body will be healing, it’s essential that you give it all for the time that it needs. Although you may normally like to sleep flat on your back, that’s the ultimate no-no when recovery from blepharoplasty. Because you will have a lot of swelling around your eyes, it’s important that you sleep with your head elevated. By raising your head, you can help fluid drain and prevent the swelling from getting worse.

Don’t Exercise

Being big into fitness is good for your heart, lungs, blood sugar, and waistline, but it’s not ideal for you when you’re recovering from a surgery like a blepharoplasty. Working out may exacerbate the eyes and incisions and cause an infection. Additionally, your body needs as much downtime as possible. If you absolutely have to get up and get moving, try going on a short, slow walk around the block.

If you want to learn more about the do’s and don’ts of blepharoplasty, contact our Guildford office and call (203) 453-6635.

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As the seasons change and with the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider an eye lift!

The march of Father Time, genetics and exposure to the sun’s rays work to cause the lids of your eyes to droop and unsightly bags to form under your eyes.

Droopy eyelids and under eye bags are major reasons women and men alike are considering eye lift surgery or blepharoplasty. A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure which tightens and removes excess upper and lower eyelid skin, muscle and sometimes fat for a more alert and youthful appearance. Although it’s most commonly done as a cosmetic procedure, a blepharoplasty may correct the interference droopy eyelids can cause with your vision.

Your blepharoplasty will be done under general anesthesia, as an outpatient procedure, where Dr. Price will take every precaution for your safety and comfort.

During the procedure, small incisions are made in the natural creases of your upper eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed and the incisions are closed. For the lower lids, incisions are made under the lashes or inside your eye. These tiny incisions will be completely invisible once healed.

Consider a blepharoplasty if:

• You have excess skin which covers the natural fold of your eyelids
• You have puffy bags under your eyes
• You have loose skin which hangs down from your eyelids and covers your lashes

What about the recovery process?

• Expect your eyes to be swollen and bruised following surgery. This is normal and will subside.
• You may experience some pain and blurred vision.
• Applying ice packs can soothe the pain and control any inflammation.
• You should be able to return to work within two weeks.
• Walking is recommended in the early phase of your recovery…but take it easy!
• Heavy lifting and exercise is not recommended for several weeks after surgery. Avoid any exercise that requires you to bend over, such as yoga.
• The final results of your procedure will be visible within a month.

Want to know more? Call for a consultation with Dr. Price to discuss this life-changing procedure: (203) 453-6635.

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