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Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery
BRIGHTER EYES, SUBTLY DONE

Blepharoplasty is one of Dr. Zelken’s top three favorite operations to perform, as it yields instant results, rewards perfectionism and meticulous technique. Optimal results should leave your friends wondering, did you have something done?

About Eyelid Surgery


This common procedure will enhance the eye area and give you a fresh faced appearance.

WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift can involve rejuvenation or reshaping of the upper, lower, or both eyelids. Many patients complain of puffy eyelids, looking tired all the time, or shadows on their faces. Blepharoplasty procedures range from straightforward to complex, and in many cases, can be performed in the Our clinic procedure suite under local anesthesia.

BLEPHAROPLASTY AT THE OUR CLINIC

Blepharoplasty for aging should preserve your appearance. Dr. Zelken believes eliminating shadows is the most important goal of blepharoplasty, not so much excision of tissue. For example, in lower lid blepharoplasty, many patients complain of bags or festoons. Rather than excising the fat that causes these festoons (which may not eliminate shadows), Dr. Zelken will consider repositioning that excess tissue to a more desirable location like your cheekbone to efface folds and enhance your cheeks.

Dr. Zelken prefers his Lumenis AcuPulse laser to assist his upper eyelid lifts, also known as blepharoplasty. In this video, he performs upper eyelid skin and fat resection, and lower eyelid skin, fat, and muscle resection and resuspension. The patient did very well with oral sedative pills and local numbing, but we also offer twilight sedation in our office by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Sutures come out at 1 week. Bruising can be avoided with discontinuation of aspirin and alcohol. Socially presentable by 2 weeks, at the very least with some cover-up.

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ASIAN AND ETHNIC BLEPHAROPLASTY

Ethnic blepharoplasty, including Asian eyelid surgery, should improve appearance without insulting ethnic identity. It is very possible to do this while establishing symmetrical folds, opening your eyes further, and effacing the epicanthal fold. Dr. Zelken has observed eyelid surgery in Taipei and Seoul and appreciates the meticulous technique used and subtlety in Asian outcomes after blepharoplasty.

I just had a Blepharoplasty and my ears done and now every time I look in the mirror it makes me want to cry from happiness!

– Lori M.

In this video, Angels hall-of-famer Chuck Finley describes why he chose Dr. Zelken and quadruple blepharoplasty to enhance (but not change) his look. He was back on his game in no time, thanks to wide awake surgery, meticulous technique, and compliance with postoperative instructions.

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BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

Before

Before

After

After

Individual results may vary

YOUR BLEPHAROPLASTY CONSULTATION AT THE OUR CLINIC

At the Our clinic we welcome patients from across the world and there is a Mandarin Chinese translator available. If you are interested in exploring this further, call (949) 432-4730 and press option 3 for our Chinese hotline to speak with a Mandarin-speaking physician and schedule your appointment.

Heavy lids? Taking blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) to the NEXT LEVEL with a single stitch browlift

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FAQ

CAN BLEPHAROPLASTY BE COMBINED WITH ANOTHER PROCEDURE?

In many cases, blepharoplasty is paired with injectable treatments to further enhance appearance and freshen up your look. Other topical, non-surgical options can also be used to enhance eyelash fullness and length.

DOES INSURANCE COVER A BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE?

If you are interested in eyelid surgery to improve your vision because of sagging brows and excessive upper lid skin your surgery might be covered by insurance and we can explore this further.

Blepharoplasty Expectations: The First 6 Days
Blepharoplasty before and after images

Day 0

Preoperative. Avoid ibuprofen and alcohol, and any other blood thinners
Blepharoplasty before and after images

Day 01

Night of surgery. The patient has marked swelling and is able to open her eyes part-way. She does not have visual complaints and has no need for pain medication
Blepharoplasty before and after images

Day 02

The next day, she reports a slight improvement of swelling, attributable to wearing off of the fluids used to numb the eye.
Blepharoplasty before and after images

Day 03

Postoperative day 2 and 3 are usually the worst in Asian eyelids as the fluid swelling is replaced by the body’s natural inflammatory responses.
Blepharoplasty before and after images

Day 04

The next day is more of the same, but avoidance of strenuous activity and use of the ointment prescribed facilitates quicker recovery. Bruising begins to fade
Blepharoplasty before and after images

Day 05

As swelling resolves the result begins to show, although we are months away from the final outcome. There are still bruises and asymmetries.
Blepharoplasty before and after images

Day 06

Stitches generally come out on postoperative day 6 or 7. The act of stitch removal usually stirs up a small amount of swelling, and can be somewhat uncomfortable, but without stitches there, the healing process speeds up and you can be red carpet ready within 2-3 weeks.