Q-What is eyelid surgery?
A-Eyelid surgery, also referred to as Blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure which can correct droopy upper eyelids and puffiness beneath the eyes. The surgery may be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids.

Q-Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?
A-Eyelid surgery is commonly performed on men and women in their thirties and forties who are looking to improve upon early signs of aging around the eyes including droopy upper eyelids and puffiness beneath the eyes. If there is hooding over the outer eyes, Dr. Ahn will help you to decide if the brows also need to be elevated.

Q-What will happen during a consultation for eyelid surgery?
A-During a consultation for eyelid surgery, Dr. Ahn will discuss the available treatment options including the benefits, the expected outcomes and any alternatives. He will address any questions or concerns that you may have and take special care to educate you about the eyelid surgery procedure so that you can make a well-informed decision. Digital photography and computer imaging will be used to demonstrate the potential results. If hooding over the outer eyes is present, Dr. Ahn will help you to decide whether or not the eyebrows should be elevated as well.

Q-What sort of anesthesia is eyelid surgery performed with?
A-Under normal conditions, Dr. Ahn performs eyelid surgery with local anesthesia.

Q-How is eyelid surgery performed?
A-When treating the upper eyelids, Dr. Ahn first marks the natural eyelid crease and the excess skin which is going to be removed. He then makes an incision within the natural eyelid crease, through which he removes excess skin, muscle and fat. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures. There are two techniques which may be used for lower eyelid surgery. With the traditional approach, Dr. Ahn makes an incision below the eyelashes and then removes some of the fat pads located in the lower eyelids. With the newer transconjunctival approach, the fat pads are addressed through incisions made inside of the eyelids rather than on the outside of the skin. The appropriate technique will be determined at the time of consultation according to your individual needs.

Q-How long is the surgery time for eyelid surgery?
A-Under normal conditions, eyelids surgery takes between one and two hours to perform.

Q-Where are the incisions made for eyelid surgery?
A-For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is made within the natural eyelid crease. This allows the incision line and resulting scar to be as discreet as possible. There are two possible incision locations for lower eyelid surgery. With the traditional approach, the incision is made on the skin just below the eyelashes. With the newer transconjunctival approach, the incision is made inside of the eyelid rather than on the outside of the skin, allowing for no visible scarring.

Q-Does eyelid surgery result in scars?
A-The incisions made during the eyelid surgery will result in scars though they tend to be well-concealed. For upper eyelid surgery, the incision and resulting scar is made in a discreet location within the natural eyelid crease. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision may be located just below the eyelashes or on the inside of the eyelid. When made on the inside of the eyelid, there is no visible scarring.

Q-Do patients experience much pain after undergoing eyelid surgery?
A-Patients may experience some discomfort, including soreness and tightness of the eyelids, during the healing process after eyelid surgery. This can be controlled with prescription pain medication and also relieved with cold compresses.

Q-What sort of recovery accompanies eyelid surgery?
A-Patients can generally expect some degree of swelling and bruising. Applying cold compresses and keeping the head elevated when lying down can help to relieve discomfort and speed recovery. The eye area will need to be cleaned and ointment applied during the healing process. Patients are typically able to appear in public with little cover-up makeup after five to seven day and normal activities can usually be resumed within ten days. Though the new eye appearance will be visible after ten to fourteen days, redness along the incision can take up to six months to fully fade.