Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, performed by Dr. Manuel Lopez, addresses drooping eyelids and puffy bags under your eyes. An eyelid lift in San Antonio can rejuvenate your appearance by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle, improving vision, and restoring a youthful look.
Rejuvenate Your Upper
and/or Lower Eyelids
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, enhances the appearance of the eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. This procedure targets sagging upper eyelids and puffy under-eye bags. During the surgery, precise incisions are made along the natural creases of the eyelids to ensure minimal scarring. Excess tissue is carefully removed or repositioned to create a more youthful and alert appearance. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures, resulting in a smoother, rejuvenated look.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Treats:
- Drooping or sagging upper eyelids
- Puffiness and bags under the eyes
- Excess skin that obscures the natural fold of the upper eyelid
- Fine wrinkles and lines around the eyes
- Impaired vision caused by loose or sagging skin
- Tired or aged appearance of the eyes
- Bulging fat deposits in the eyelids
- Asymmetry between the eyes due to uneven eyelids
To find out if an eyelid lift in San Antonio is right for you, contact one of our convenient locations for a personalized consultation.
Types of Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery targets drooping or sagging upper eyelids that may impair vision and create a tired appearance. A precise incision is made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, allowing for the removal of excess skin and, if necessary, the adjustment or removal of underlying fat and muscle. This process helps lift and tighten the eyelid, resulting in a more youthful, alert appearance and improved vision where sagging skin had caused obstruction.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness, under-eye bags, and wrinkles under the eyes. An incision is typically made just below the lower lash line or on the inside of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach). Through this incision, excess fat is removed or repositioned, and loose skin is tightened. This procedure reduces under-eye bags, smooths wrinkles, and diminishes fine lines, restoring a more youthful and refreshed contour to the lower eyelids.
Eyelid Surgery + Brow Lift
Combining a brow lift with an eyelid lift in San Antonio can provide comprehensive rejuvenation for the upper face, addressing both sagging eyelids and drooping brows. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, targets excess skin, fat, and muscle around the eyes, creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Meanwhile, a brow lift elevates the eyebrows, reducing forehead wrinkles and correcting a tired or angry look. Together, these procedures can significantly enhance facial harmony for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty):
- Enhances overall facial appearance and symmetry
- Removes excess skin that can impair vision
- Reduces puffiness and bags under the eyes
- Smooths fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes
- Provides a more youthful and alert look
- Minimal scarring due to incisions placed along natural creases
- Quick recovery time with long-lasting results
- Can be combined with other facial procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation
- Improves functionality and comfort by eliminating droopy eyelids
Candidates for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty):
- Are in good overall health and free from serious eye conditions
- Have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes of eyelid surgery
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure
- Have drooping or sagging upper eyelids affecting their vision
- Want to reduce puffiness or bags under the eyes
- May have excess skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid
- Have wrinkles or fine lines around the eyes they wish to smooth out
- Can commit to following pre- and post-operative care instructions
- Want to achieve a more youthful, alert, and rested appearance
Your Blepharoplasty Surgery
During your surgery for eyelid lift in San Antonio, Dr. Lopez will begin by marking the natural creases of your eyelids to ensure that any incisions blend seamlessly with your skin. For upper eyelid surgery, a small incision is made within the fold of your upper eyelid. Through this incision, Dr. Lopez will remove or reposition excess skin, fat, and muscle to lift and tighten the eyelid. This rejuvenates your appearance and improves any vision obstruction caused by drooping skin.
For lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Lopez will make an incision just below your lower lash line or inside your lower eyelid. This allows for the removal or repositioning of fat deposits and the tightening of loose skin to reduce puffiness and wrinkles. After the adjustments are made, the incisions are carefully closed with fine sutures, minimizing visible scarring. The entire procedure typically takes one to three hours, depending on the complexity, and is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia for your comfort.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery & Aftercare
After your eyelid lift in San Antonio, Dr. Lopez will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Initially, you may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medication and cold compresses. It’s important to keep your head elevated and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days. Dr. Lopez will schedule follow-ups to monitor your healing process and remove any sutures, typically within a week.
As you continue to heal, you should notice a gradual reduction in swelling and bruising. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 10 to 14 days, but full recovery may take several weeks. Protecting your eyes from sun exposure and avoiding makeup around the surgical area will aid in optimal healing. The final results of your blepharoplasty will become more apparent as the swelling subsides, revealing a refreshed, youthful appearance.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
How long do the effects of blepharoplasty last?
Blepharoplasty results are long-lasting. While the natural aging process continues, most patients enjoy noticeable improvements for many years. The results of upper eyelid lift often last 10 to 15 years or longer, and the results of lower eyelid lift can be even more enduring.
Can I travel after my eyelid surgery?
Short-distance travel is usually fine within a few days, but it’s best to avoid long trips or flights for at least 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Traveling too soon may increase swelling and discomfort. Always follow your surgeon’s specific guidance.
What is the difference between an eyelid lift and ptosis repair?
An eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) removes excess skin and fat for cosmetic and sometimes functional improvement. Ptosis repair corrects a drooping eyelid caused by a weakened muscle, focusing primarily on restoring proper eyelid position.
How much does blepharoplasty cost?
The cost varies depending on whether upper, lower, or combined eyelids are treated, surgical complexity, and other factors. A personalized consultation is the best way to receive an accurate estimate.
Can blepharoplasty improve my vision?
Yes. If sagging upper eyelid skin is blocking part of your visual field, blepharoplasty can remove the obstruction and improve peripheral vision in addition to enhancing appearance.
Schedule Your Consultation
With Dr. Lopez
Dr. Manuel Lopez is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive training, including a residency at the University of Cincinnati and a fellowship at the University of Illinois in Chicago. His goal is to help you achieve natural-looking, rejuvenated results with the highest level of safety and precision. If you are considering an eyelid lift in San Antonio, now is the perfect time to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lopez and reclaim a youthful, vibrant appearance.
