BLEPHAROPLASTY

Eyelid Surgery

CLICK HERE TO VIEW BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

» Overview	» The Day of Surgery
» The Consultation	» After Surgery
» Preparing For Surgery	» Your Results
» The Procedure	» The Cost

Overview

Your eyes are one of the first places that will show signs of aging. Exposure to the sun, genetic predisposition, and the natural aging process may cause wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes. As you age, skin of the upper lid may begin to droop, lines may form around the bottom of your eyes, and bags may begin to form. Eyelid surgery can help by removing excess fat and tightening the skin of the eyelids to give a brighter, more rested appearance. If you feel that your eyes are making you look tired or older than you feel, eyelid surgery may be a good option for you.


The Consultation

Your consultation with the doctor is complimentary and there will never be any charges for office visits. During your initial consultation, you will be asked to give information about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal supplements, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. You also need to let the doctor know if you use any tobacco products, alcohol, steroids, or street drugs, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure. After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Nguyen will discuss your desired results, your concerns, and your priorities. He will then explain the options that are available to you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of those options. In the end, he will present a surgical plan to help you achieve the appearance you desire.

After your consultation with the doctor, your patient coordinator will provide you with a written quotation for the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. We understand how important this decision is to you and you will not be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.




Preparing For Surgery

On the day of your consultation, you will receive instructions on how to optimize your health before surgery. This will include what medications to stop and what testing will be required before surgery. If you will be undergoing general anesthesia and are 45 years of age or older -or- have any health problems, you will need to see your primary care physician to have bloodwork, an EKG, and obtain surgical clearance stating that there are no counterindications for you having surgery. You should not take aspirin containing products or smoke for two weeks before surgery. If you have health problems or a history of health problems, you may require additional testing or clearance.

For full details on our pre-operative requirements, Click Here To Download
"Optimizing Your Health Before Your Cosmetic Surgery."

If you do not have a primary care physician, we recommend Dr. Chi Phan, located at 4050 Barranca Pkwy Suite 210; Irvine, Ca 92604 Phone: 949-654-7833. Dr. Phan accepts most insurance. For those who do not have insurance, Dr. Phan charges approximately $120 for surgical clearance, including EKG & bloodwork.



The Procedure

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) involves the removal of excess skin and fat on the upper and/or lower lids, giving the eyes a more youthful and rested look. For the upper eyelid, the incision is made in the natural fold of the upper lid, from the inside corner to the outside corner, often extending just beyond the eye to the "crow's feet." The incision is used to allow removal of excess fat and skin. When healed, the incision is well concealed within the natural contour of the lid. For lower blepharoplasty, the incision is most often made just below the lashes of the lower lid. Again, the incision is used to allow removal of excess fat and skin. When healed, the incision is usually imperceptible. For individuals who need only removal of fat but not skin, the incision may be made inside the eyelid. This technique eliminates the need for an external incision but limits the results to fat reduction only. If environmental damage has caused fine lines around your eyes, you may consider adding a chemical peel to the procedure to help eliminate these lines and improve your overall results.

The Day of Surgery

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, which may be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. It may be performed alone in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as facelift. The surgery takes approximately forty-five minutes for each the upper and lower lids. After surgery, you will recover in the recovery room for a short time and then you will be released to go home.

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and be with you overnight. Your surgery will be performed in our outpatient surgery center at 11190 Warner Avenue, Suite 400; Fountain Valley, CA. If performed under local anesthesia, you may eat and drink like normal. If performed under general anesthesia, you will not be allowed to have anything to eat after 9pm the evening before surgery or drink after midnight the night before surgery. You should have clean, dry hair. Wear no makeup or moisturizers on your face. You should not bring jewelry, contact lenses, or valuables on the day of surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a shirt that buttons or zips in the front (we don't want to put anything on over your head when you get out of surgery). Arrive one hour prior to surgery for local anesthesia or two hours prior to surgery for general anesthesia.




After Surgery

You will be given prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics. There is usually very little pain with the eyelid surgery and most patients only take the pain medication for the first day or two. You should begin taking your antibiotics when you get home and should finish the entire prescription.

For the two to three days, you will rest much of the time with your head elevated (approximately 45 degree angle) using a cold compress on your eyes to reduce swelling and bruising. Frozen peas in a ziplock bag wrapped in a thin towel work well to contour to your face and provide adequate cooling. Diligent use of cold compresses during the first two to three days will significantly decrease your swelling and bruising and decrease healing time.

Upper eyelids will have sutures to be removed at approximately one week and there will be a small tape over the sutures to protect them during this time. Lower eyelids have internal, absorbable sutures so there are not sutures to remove. Besides some bruising and swelling, some patients may experience temporary blurred vision, tightness, or discomfort. You will be able to return to most of your normal activities within one week. Most patients return to work one or two weeks after the procedure. Most of the swelling will subside within a few weeks and you will be able to see your final results.

Your Results

You can expect to enjoy a revitalized and more youthful appearance. Most people will not be able to tell that you had surgery but they will notice that you look happier and more well-rested. Although you will continue the normal aging process, you will do so beginning with your new, more youthful appearance. The results are long-lasting and you will enjoy your new refreshed look for years to come.

You can expect to enjoy a revitalized and more youthful appearance. Most people will not be able to tell that you had surgery but they will notice that you look happier and more well-rested. Although you will continue the normal aging process, you will do so beginning with your new, more youthful appearance. The results are long-lasting and you will enjoy your new refreshed look for years to come.




The Cost

These fees are approximate and are only to give you an idea of what you can expect. Fees may change without notice. An official binding quote (valid for 30 days) will be given on the day of your consultation.

Upper Eyes $2,000
Lower Eyes $2,000
Upper & Lower Eyes $3,500