Atlanta
Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)

 

Eyelid Surgery FAQs

 

Upper Eyelid Surgery in Atlanta, GA with Dr. Miotto

Upper eyelid surgery, which is also referred to as an eyelid lift or an upper blepharoplasty, can be performed for medical or aesthetic reasons. This plastic surgery procedure is designed to lift a low-lying upper eyelid, opening the eyes wider to provide the patient with a refreshed, more youthful appearance. In addition, an upper blepharoplasty may be performed to raise an eyelid that is drooping due to a detached muscle (i.e., eyelid ptosis). Dr. Gabriele Miotto is an internationally recognized Plastic Surgeon who performs upper blepharoplasty procedures for men and women at ME Plastic Surgery in Atlanta.

What is Upper Eyelid Surgery?

An upper blepharoplasty is the perfect solution for individuals who would like their eyes to open wider so they appear more youthful and refreshed.

After this surgery, patients enjoy a more refreshed appearance. An upper blepharoplasty can also make an individual look more alert. Furthermore, when a patient has a drooping upper eyelid that is blocking part of his or her view, upper eyelid surgery in Atlanta can be performed to address this issue, thus, eliminating the visual challenges associated with this upper eyelid characteristic.

Who Should Consider Having Upper Eyelid Surgery at ME Plastic Surgery in Atlanta?

People who are experiencing fallen upper eyelids that are negatively affecting their vision as well as individuals who would like a more youthful and refreshed appearance may be good candidates for this procedure. Upper eyelid surgery in Atlanta is also ideal for those who would like to improve their confidence with more youthful-looking eyes.

Upper eyelid surgery improves an individual’s appearance; however, this procedure does not alter the structure of the face. Furthermore, when considering the final result, each patient has his or her own expectations, patients must realize that the end result may not look identical to what he or she anticipates.

At What Age Do Most People Choose to Have Blepharoplasty Procedures?

While most individuals who choose to have blepharoplasty procedures are at least 35 years of age, younger people whose family members have drooping upper eyelids may have inherited this characteristic: These individuals sometimes decide to have upper eyelid surgery before they reach the age of 35.

Dr. Miotto of ME Plastic Surgery in Atlanta recommends that before they have any elective plastic surgery procedures, patients think about what they would like to accomplish and then discuss these desires with her.

As an experienced upper blepharoplasty surgeon, Dr. Gabriele Miotto is aware of this procedure’s limitations. When the patient expresses his or her desires to Dr. Miotto during the initial consultation, she can determine if these desired results are possible with upper eyelid surgery or if to achieve the desired results the patient should be having a different procedure.

Potential upper blepharoplasty candidates are those who:

• are in good general health.
• are free of any serious eye conditions.
• feel positive about what their final result will be.
• understand the limitations of this procedure.
• do not have a condition that could impair the body’s ability to heal (e.g., anemia, diabetes, cancer, etc.).
• are nonsmokers or those who are willing to quit smoking, or using products that contain nicotine (e.g., nicotine gum, chewing tobacco) at least four weeks before and four weeks after their upper blepharoplasty.

What Are the Issues That Upper Eyelid Surgery in Atlanta Can Address?

This procedure addresses droopy, puffy upper eyelids as well as eyelid ptosis. When a patient has ptosis, his or her central vision (looking straight ahead) or peripheral vision (side vision while looking straight ahead) may be affected.

If only one eye has the droopy, puffy eyelid, the patient’s face appears imbalanced and if both eyes are affected, he or she may look worn out. In addition, this eyelid characteristic can add years to the face.

Upper eyelid surgery at ME Plastic Surgery in Atlanta is used to balance, refresh and rejuvenate the face as well as to address any visual blockages the drooping upper eyelid causes.

What Causes the Upper Eyelid to Droop?

The skin of the upper eyelid is extremely thin. As time passes, this skin tends to stretch. When the eyelid skin stretches too much, this excess skin causes the eyelid to droop.

What Causes Ptosis?

Ptosis can be inherited or acquired.

A person born with a droopy eyelid has congenital ptosis. A child with congenital ptosis may need to lift his or her eyebrows up or tilt the head back to see. A child with ptosis usually has difficulty focusing the eyes evenly, which negatively affects his or her ability to develop sharp vision. As such, the child may only be able to see clearly while wearing prescription eyeglasses.

Some neurological disorders affect the muscles and nerves of the eye, causing the eyelid to droop.

To properly address a droopy eyelid, the surgeon must be able to correctly determine its cause. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Miotto can correctly determine what is causing a patient’s eyelids to droop.

Can Upper Eyelid Surgery Always Correct a Drooping Upper Eyelid?

There are times when an upper blepharoplasty cannot correct a drooping eyelid, however, many patients can achieve the same result with a brow lift.

If Dr. Miotto determines that the droopy eyelid is being caused by relaxed skin on the patient’s brow, she will recommend a brow lift.

A Brow Lift

A brow lift can be used to address certain issues causing the eyelid to droop as well as the vertical lines that develop between the eyebrows. These lines are frequently referred to as the elevens. Once the eyebrows are lifted, the elevens are less visible and the upper eyelids are raised.

Eyelid Surgery Procedures Performed at ME Plastic Surgery in Atlanta

Dr. Gabriele Miotto performs upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery and brow lifts. Patients interested in having all three of these procedures can have them performed during the same surgical session.

What is the Difference Between an Upper Eyelid Lift and Eyelid Ptosis Surgery?

An upper eyelid lift is an aesthetic procedure that is performed to address the excess skin and fat located in the upper eyelid that is causing it to droop.

A patient with ptosis also has a droopy eyelid, the eyelid may cover a portion of his or her pupil, thus affecting the patient’s field of vision. Ptosis can be mild or severe. Eyelid ptosis surgery is used to address a fallen upper eyelid that is caused by a weak muscle as opposed to loose skin. During ptosis surgery, the upper eyelid muscle is tightened so as to lift the lid and improve the patient’s field of vision.

An Initial Consultation for Upper Eyelid Surgery in Atlanta

Patients are encouraged to bring a list of their medications with them on the day of their consultation. In addition, many patients find it helpful to create a list of questions and bring that list with them as well.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Miotto may ask:

• about the medications currently being taken. Patients who create a list should write down the reason for the medication and the length of time that he or she has been taking it.
• about previous surgical procedures and why the procedure was performed.
• what the patient wishes to accomplish with an upper blepharoplasty.

Patients should also expect Dr. Gabriele Miotto to:

• Examine his or her eyes. This examination helps the surgeon determine the reason for a drooping upper eyelid.
• Tear production might be checked.
• Measurements may be taken.
• The patient’s field of vision, including peripheral vision, may be evaluated.

Once these examinations are complete, Dr. Miotto will recommend the procedure or procedures that will provide the patient with the best results possible (e.g., upper eyelid surgery, a brow lift, etc.). She will also answer any questions the patient has.

If the patient is considering surgery, anesthesia options may also be discussed. At ME Plastic Surgery patients are offered general anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia.

Several photos might be taken. These photographs will be taken from various angles. These pictures are used while Dr. Gabriele Miotto creates the patient’s personalized surgical plan.

Additional procedures that can be performed with upper eyelid surgery include:

• A facelift.
• A brow lift.
• Lower eyelid surgery.
• Laser treatments.
• Chemical peels.

Patients who choose to have multiple procedures during the same surgical session may have additional photos taken. Dr. Miotto adds the other procedures to the patient’s custom-designed surgical plan.

Preparing for An Upper Blepharoplasty

Medications to Avoid

There are several medications that must be avoided before upper eyelid surgery.

Five Days Before Surgery DO NOT TAKE:

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

These Drugs Include:

• Motrin.
• Aleve.
• Ibuprofen.

Seven to 10 Days Before Surgery DO NOT TAKE:

• Aspirin.
• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
• Apixaban (Eliquis).
• Dabigatran (Pradaxa).
• Rivaroxaban (Xarelto).

Patients taking prescription medications should

NEVER STOP TAKING

these medication on their own. It is vital that the patient receive approval from his or her physician first.

Patients who need medication for aches or pains during the 10 days before surgery can take Acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Patients taking prescription medications that they are unsure about and those who take aspirin because it is recommended by their Primary Care Provider (PCP) or cardiologist should call ME Plastic Surgery.

Herbal Supplements and Vitamins to Avoid

There are also herbal supplements and vitamins that need to be avoided prior to upper eyelid surgery in Atlanta.

10 Days Before Surgery DO NOT TAKE:

• Vitamin E.
• Feverfew.
• Echinacea.
• Garlic.
• Fish Oils.
• Kava-Kava.
• Saw Palmetto.
• Valerian.
• Ginkgo Biloba.
• Ephedra/Phentermine (for weight loss).
• St. John’s Wort.
• Licorice.
• Goldenseal.

Preparing for Surgery: Lifestyle Changes

Since alcohol has been known to promote inflammation, patients should avoid alcoholic beverages for at least seven days before surgery.

Patients who smoke or use other products that contain nicotine must stop using these products at least four weeks before surgery and four weeks after. It is extremely important that patients stop using these products because nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means that it causes the vessels within the body to contract. Once contracted, the blood flow throughout the body slows, inhibiting the body’s ability to heal itself. This slow healing could result in the development of an infection or the premature death of living tissue (necrosis).

Preparing for Upper Eyelid Surgery

Recommendation for patients having a laser treatment or chemical peel during their upper blepharoplasty:

Two weeks before their procedure, Dr. Miotto recommends that these patients begin using hydroquinone and tretinoin (retin-a). These products hasten the healing process and, for our patients’ convenience, we carry both of these products in our Spa.

Lab Tests

Dr. Gabriele Miotto may order labs. These labs frequently include blood work. In order to ensure that these test results arrive at ME Plastic Surgery before their upper blepharoplasty, patients need to have these tests done at least a week before their upper eyelid surgery in Atlanta.

Patients who neglect to have these tests performed in time may need to reschedule their procedure.

Find a Licensed Driver

Eyelid surgeries are outpatient procedures, which means the patient will return home following the surgery; however, after upper eyelid surgery, patients are unable to drive. As such, when patients arrive for their procedure, they must have a licensed driver with them to take them home afterwards.

For-Hire Transportation Following Surgery: Our Policy

ME Plastic Surgery does not permit patients to use any type of public or for-hire transportation methods (e.g., a taxi, Uber, etc.) following surgery. This policy is in place for the safety of our patients. Therefore, if a patient arrives for surgery without his or her driver, the procedure will need to be rescheduled.

An Adult Needs to Remain with the Patient for At Least 24 Hours

After surgery patients are required to have an adult remain with them for at least 24 hours. This adult must be capable of serving as a caregiver (e.g., to help the patient walk, use the washroom, etc.). Having a caregiver is especially important following surgery performed with general anesthesia because these medications directly affect the nervous system.

An Upper Blepharoplasty in Atlanta: The Procedure

When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, upper eyelid surgery can be completed within an hour or two.

1. Anesthesia is administered. Once the patient is comfortable, the upper blepharoplasty can begin.

2. Dr. Miotto creates an incision within the natural crease of the patient’s eyelid. This ensures the resulting scar remains well hidden.

3. The excess eyelid skin and fatty tissue are removed. Sometimes, the fatty tissue is just repositioned. She may also tighten the muscles.

4. Once the surgery is complete, Dr. Gabriele Miotto uses very fine sutures to close the incisions. These sutures are visible; however, they will be removed within five to seven days. Dr. Miotto recommends that patients wait at least two weeks before committing to attending social events.

After this procedure, the patient’s upper eyelid looks more defined and the eye opens wider, which makes the patient appear more youthful, refreshed and awake.

What to Expect Directly After Upper Eyelid Surgery in Atlanta

Patients remain in the recovery room until they are fully awake and Dr. Miotto is satisfied with the patient’s progression. Patients receive information to ensure they properly care for their eyes. This includes what the patient should and should not do throughout recovery. A follow-up appointment may also be scheduled at this time. The patient is released to his or her driver.

Temporary side effects following an upper blepharoplasty include:

• Discomfort or pain (medication may be prescribed).
• Watery eyes.
• Double vision.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Blurry vision.
• Numb, puffy-looking eyelids.
• Swelling and bruising (may look like a black eye). Generally, the swelling and bruising is gone within two weeks.
• Incision scars. These scars can take a few months to fade. Patients can reduce the visibility of their scars by avoiding sun exposure as they heal. Spending time in UV light before they heal can cause the scars to darken. This darkening may be permanent.
• Balance problems and impaired judgement directly after surgery, which is why patients must have a capable adult remain with them directly following surgery.

How to care for the eyes after upper eyelid surgery:

• Eye ointment should be applied as directed by Dr. Miotto or her staff.
• Wearing dark sunglasses can help protect the eyes from UV rays as well as reduce the eyes’ exposure to bright light.
• Dr. Miotto or her staff will instruct the patient on how to use eyedrops to clean the upper eyelids.

Ice Treatments to Reduce Inflammation Following an Upper Blepharoplasty

The night of the procedure patients should place ice packs wrapped in towels over their eyes. These treatments should be performed for 10 minutes every hour. Please remember to be gentle. The gel ice packs available at the local drugstore may be worth investing in. They are relatively inexpensive and can be used indefinitely. These packs allow for a more even distribution than a typical ice pack and they feel much softer. Nonetheless, gel packs also need to be wrapped in a cloth before placing them on the skin.

The day after their eyelid surgery patients can place ice packs wrapped in a cloth on their eyes every six hours. The ice should remain on the eyes for 10 minutes.

Upper Eyelid Surgery in Atlanta: The Recovery Process

Patients taking narcotics are unable to drive while they are taking this medication.

Patients should expect to feel somewhat sluggish for several days following their upper eyelid surgery in Atlanta. This sluggishness frequently occurs following the use of anesthesia (especially general); however, this side effect dissipates as the medication is moved out of the body through natural processes.

Dr. Miotto recommends that patients who have facial procedures use two or three pillows to elevate their head.

The patient’s initial post-surgical appointment is scheduled by our Patient Care Coordinator. Since patients are unable to drive until 24 hours after their surgery, they need to ask someone the trust to drive them to this follow-up appointment. Also, patients who are taking narcotic medications are unable to drive until they no longer need them, therefore, these patients should make sure that they have transportation to and from all their follow-up appointments.

Bathing and Showering After Eyelid Surgery

Twenty-four hours after surgery, patients can shower. Do not scrub the incision sites, however, patients can run soapy water over these sites. In addition, patients should carefully clean the surgical incisions as directed by Dr. Gabriele Miotto or her staff.

Lotion can be used on any other areas of the body; however, lotion should not be applied to the surgical sites for at least two weeks.

Patients must avoid submerging themselves in a pool, hot tub or bathtub until all their upper eyelid surgery wounds have healed completely, which typically takes about three weeks.

What to expect during the follow-up visit:

• Dr. Gabriele Miotto examines the patient’s eyes to ensure they are healing as planned.
• Patients should feel free to ask questions during this visit.

Activity Following an Upper Blepharoplasty

Patients need to refrain from performing any physical activity that increases their blood pressure or heart rate for two weeks following their upper blepharoplasty. That said, patients should avoid bed rest and instead walk around frequently. Patients should walk at their normal pace.

Movement after surgery is very important, especially for those who had general anesthesia because resting in bed increases the likelihood of post-operative blood clot development.

Within a week or two of surgery, most patients can resume sexual activity.

After surgery, patients need to avoid:

• Using products that contain nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc.) and second-hand cigarette smoke.
• Strenuous activity (e.g., aerobics, jogging, etc.).
• Straining of any kind.
• Heavy lifting.
• Wearing contacts.
• Rubbing their eyes.

Patients need to seek medical attention if they experience any of the symptoms below:

• Shortness of breath.
• Bleeding.
• Chest pain.
• Vision problems.
• An irregular heart rate.
• The development of new eye pain that is sever

Diet

Directly after surgery patients should eat a bland diet that can be easily digested. Avoiding excess salt/sodium and sugar consumption is also recommended. Salt/Sodium consumption increases water retention, which can increase inflammation. Ideally, patients should consume healthy proteins, fruits, cooked vegetables and rice. These foods will provide the body with the nutrients it needs as it heals.

Healthy Proteins include – lean meats, nuts, eggs and beans, etc.
Cooked vegetables include – peppers, broccoli and sweet potatoes, etc.

Dr. Miotto recommends that patients take a few bites of food before they take their medications because pain medications have been known to cause nausea.

Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dr. Miotto also recommends protein shakes and low sugar sports drinks.

Heading Back to Work

Each patient is unique; therefore, recovery times vary. Most ME Plastic Surgery upper eyelid surgery patients can return within a week or two of their procedure.

About a week into recovery patients will have a good idea as to their specific limitations, which allows them to determine their comfort level in relation to daily workload and activities.

Upper Blepharoplasty Results: What to Expect

Following this procedure, the eyes are open wider, which provides the patient with a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

Some patients’ results last indefinitely, whereas others will need to have another eyelid lift at some point in the future.

Is Upper Eyelid Surgery Considered a Safe Procedure?

Yes, as long as the procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon an upper blepharoplasty is a very safe procedure. That said, just like every other procedure, potential complications must be discussed.

Potential upper blepharoplasty complications:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Loss of vision.
• A hematoma (blood that collects under the eyelid).
• Elevated pressure on the eyeball.
• A lid that closes slowly.
• Scarring.
• Pain.
• Double vision.
• Unequal creases in the eyelids.
• An eyelid that still droops.

What is the Cost of Upper Eyelid Surgery in Atlanta?

Since this procedure is custom-designed for each patient, the cost of an upper blepharoplasty varies. The only way to determine how much a procedure will cost is to examine the individual during an initial consultation.

If you are, or will be, in the Atlanta area and you are considering upper eyelid surgery, contact ME Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Gabriele Miotto is an internationally recognized plastic surgeon who is dedicated to providing each of her patients with custom-designed procedures to help them look and feel their very best. To schedule your appointment, contact ME Plastic Surgery at (404) 850-5851. ME Plastic Surgery, 3200 Downwood Circle, Northwest, Suite 640 in Atlanta.