New and Traditional Facial Eyelid Surgery Techniques

Our surgeon, Dr. J. Dayne Petersen, is committed to helping his patients get the most out of any procedure. We can help you plan the ideal eyelid surgery for your situation, whether it is a traditional procedure or one that utilizes new tools and techniques.

Traditional Blepharoplasty:

This procedure includes upper and lower eyelid surgery. An incision is made in the crease of the upper eyelid toward the temples. Once healed, it is not noticeable when the eye is open. On the lower eyelid, the incision is made along the lash line toward the temples, and is hidden by lashes once healed.

The Transconjunctival Approach:

This is the latest technique for lid blepharoplasty. It involves an incision inside the lower eyelid. This eyelid surgery can remove fat, but not excess skin.

Laser Resurfacing:

This laser blepharoplasty surgery is a non-surgical alternative that can postpone the need for a surgical eye lift. It results in significant tightening of the skin around the eyes, but will not affect the fat around the eyes and may accentuate it.

The Procedure

When we begin the eyelid surgery procedure, we first administer local anesthesia around the eyes. We also start an IV for sedation. During the procedure you will be awake but comfortable and relaxed. General anesthesia is rarely required.

We complete our eyelid surgeries on an outpatient basis at our Salt Lake City surgical center. Because of this, it is important to arrange for care after the surgery. You will need someone to drive you home as well as care for you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Blepharoplasty Surgery Recovery Time

The area surrounding the eye will remain swollen in the first few days following the surgery. It should begin to subside after the first day. Blurred vision is normal.

Stitches will be removed 4-5 days after surgery. Swelling and bruising will persist for about 10 days, but you can begin wearing makeup to help conceal bruising. You may expect to return to normal activity within 7-10 days, and start to enjoy your new, lifted look within 10-14 days. It may take up to 6 months for scars to lose their redness.

Complications are unlikely, but always possible. These may include bleeding and swelling, delayed wound healing, infection, drooping of upper or lower eyelid, asymmetry, double vision and dry eyes.

Wrinkling will recur later in life, but it is unlikely that “bags” will recur because these procedures remove fat around the eyes. Deeper wrinkles around the outer eye extending onto the temple are not greatly affected by eyelid lifts. These areas can always be treated with laser resurfacing.

If you’re in the Murray, Holladay or Salt Lake City area, you can learn more about blepharoplasty along with other types of lifts that we offer in our Salt Lake City office. Call to make an appointment for a consultation today at 801-261-5791.