At Rizzuto Eye and Face in Providence, RI, under the direction of Dr. Philip Rizzuto, who is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, we offer eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to help you achieve a refreshed and youthful appearance.
It doesn’t matter if you want to correct drooping eyelids, reduce puffiness, or address sagging skin. Our expert team provides cosmetic surgery solutions – including eyelid surgery – to enhance your appearance and vision.
What Is a Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty restores a youthful appearance around the eyes, decreases the feeling of heavy eyelids, and can help improve vision in serious cases. This results in a natural-looking, more awake, more youthful appearance. Reasons for undergoing blepharoplasty may be cosmetic or functional (or both).
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty rejuvenates the upper eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. This procedure is often performed to correct drooping or sagging eyelids, which can impair vision and create a tired or aged appearance.
The surgery restores a youthful, alert look by tightening and contouring the upper eyelids. It also improves any functional issues related to vision obstruction.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty addresses signs of aging, puffiness, and sagging under the eyes. This surgery involves removing or repositioning excess fat, tightening loose skin, and smoothing wrinkles to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
The procedure enhances facial harmony by reducing under-eye bags and refining the contours of the lower eyelid.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are adults who are in overall good health and have drooping, sagging, or excess skin on their eyelids. This procedure can also benefit people with puffiness in the upper eyelid or eye bags.
If someone is interested in getting blepharoplasty to reduce the appearance of aging, they should be at least 35 or older. After this age, drooping in the eyes becomes more apparent, and the results from a blepharoplasty can be more noticeable.
What Are the Contraindications for Blepharoplasty?
Contraindications to blepharoplasty include patients with dry eye, diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, or glaucoma. Patients who suffer from inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may not be suitable candidates for this procedure.
How Do I Prepare for Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Preparing for your blepharoplasty can help make your procedure and recovery process more manageable. Before showing up to your appointment, it’s important to prepare with these steps:
- Consult your primary doctor about stopping certain medications that may interfere with this procedure.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medications.
- Avoid smoking two weeks before and after your procedure.
- Wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily to protect your skin from sun damage before your procedure.
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight before your surgery.
- Arrange transportation with a loved one and coordinate with them to stay with you for your first 24 hours of recovery.
Are There Any Risks With Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Just like any other surgery, blepharoplasty does come with several risks. These risks can include an allergic reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, blood clots, and cardiovascular complications such as deep vein thrombosis or a stroke. However, these risks can be easily avoided under the care of Dr. Rizzuto, who prioritizes patient safety and comfort with each procedure.
How Painful Is This Procedure?
Blepharoplasty is known to be one of the least painful cosmetic procedures. Any surgical procedure on the eyelids is usually painless. Although some discomfort may be felt on the day of your surgery, it may resemble a skin excision or paper cut and can disappear within a day.
What Is Recovery Like After a Blepharoplasty?
After the blepharoplasty procedure, patients may experience watery, dry, or itchy eyes. Increased light sensitivity may also occur. If your vision appears blurry over the course of the next few days, that is normal and will improve over time. Patients will be sent home with bandages and will likely notice swelling in the eyes decreasing. Within a week to ten days, most patients can return to their regular routines.
Will There Be Visible Scarring After Surgery?
Scarring from eyelid surgery is minimal and generally well-hidden within the natural creases of the eyelid. For upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Rizzuto places the incision in the eyelid fold. For lower blepharoplasty, he makes it below the lash line or inside the eyelid. These incisions heal well, and scars usually fade over time, becoming barely noticeable.
Can I Combine Blepharoplasty With Other Facial Procedures?
Yes, you can combine blepharoplasty with other facial procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, such as:
- Brow lifts
- BOTOX Cosmetic
- Dysport®
- Dermal fillers (such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane®)
Combining treatments allows for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. It can also help you achieve a balanced, refreshed appearance.
How Long Will the Results of Eyelid Surgery Last?
The results of eyelid surgery are long-lasting. Many patients enjoy the benefits for 5-7 years or longer. Keep in mind that the natural aging process will continue (although your eyelids will still look much more youthful than they would if you had never undergone surgery).
Factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and genetics can influence the longevity of the results. However, patients can still expect a significant improvement that lasts for many years.
How Can I Manage Swelling and Bruising After Surgery?
Swelling and bruising are common after blepharoplasty. However, you can manage them with proper care, including:
- Applying cold compresses
- Keeping your head elevated
- Avoiding strenuous activities
Dr. Rizzuto may also recommend medications or ointments to aid healing. Most swelling and bruising subside within two weeks. It may take longer for the final results to appear fully, though.
Why Choose Rizzuto Eye and Face?
At Rizzuto Eye and Face, Dr. Rizzuto offers unparalleled expertise in eyelid and facial rejuvenation.
As a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, he specializes in advanced eyelid surgery, as well as non-surgical treatments like BOTOX Cosmetic, Dysport, and dermal fillers. His deep understanding of the delicate facial structures and years of experience set him apart as a true expert in facial aesthetics.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Rizzuto has been teaching for over 20 years at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School. He takes the time to listen to each patient’s needs and is known for providing personalized, honest, and precise care.
Schedule a Consultation for Eyelid Surgery in RI
If you are interested in blepharoplasty or want to learn if this procedure is right for you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Rizzuto by clicking here. With convenient locations in Middletown and Providence, RI, our team is happy to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Call (401) 274-6622 to learn more.