Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Vancouver by Dr. Ritchie Younger
Blepharoplasty, or upper and lower eyelid surgery, can be a great way to restore a more youthful look to the eye area. Clients of all ages with excessive skin due to aging, lifestyle or genetic changes can benefit beautifully from this surgical procedure.
Blepharoplasty involves removing the excess fat, muscle, and skin from both upper and lower lids for a refreshed appearance with a younger firmer eye area. This procedure is often combined with other procedures such as a browlift to address issues like sagging eyebrows. Consultation with Dr. Younger can help you decide whether any additional complementary surgery would enhance the final result.
Pre-surgery – your eyelid surgery preliminary consultation and assessment
During your initial consultation, Dr. Younger will ask you questions about your vision, tear production, use of lenses, and your desires for surgery. Dr. Younger will explain what you can expect and answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the recommended surgery and outcome.
Dr. Younger will take a thorough medical history, as well as assess your mental and emotional attitudes toward the surgery. A realistic attitude is vital to success.
If you proceed, he will discuss your individual procedure in-depth.
Dr. Younger talks about Blepharoplasty surgery — what it is and what the benefits are.
Anatomy of the Eye and Eyelids
Understanding the anatomy of the eye and eyelids’ anatomy is crucial for appreciating eyelid surgery’s nuances. The eyelids are complex structures composed of several layers: the thin, delicate outer skin prone to wrinkles and sagging; the orbicularis oculi muscle responsible for closing the eyelids; the orbital septum, a thin membrane that holds back the fat in the eye socket; fat pads that provide cushioning for the eyeball but can bulge with age; and in the upper eyelid, the levator muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid.
As we age, several changes occur in the eye area. The skin loses elasticity and begins to sag. Fat pads can protrude, creating a puffy appearance. The orbicularis oculi muscle can weaken, contributing to wrinkles and the levator muscle can stretch, causing the upper eyelid to droop. These anatomical changes not only affect appearance but can also impact vision, especially when the upper eyelid droops significantly. Eyelid surgery addresses these issues by removing excess skin, repositioning fat and sometimes tightening muscles to restore a more youthful and functional eye area.
Eyelid Surgery Options
Eyelid surgery encompasses several techniques tailored to address specific concerns.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. Dr. Younger uses precise techniques to create a natural-looking crease and improve the eye’s overall appearance. The procedure typically involves marking the incision lines along the natural crease of the eyelid, administering local anesthesia, making the incision and carefully removing excess skin, repositioning or removing fat deposits as needed, tightening the levator muscle if necessary (for patients with significant drooping) and closing the incision with fine sutures.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, addresses under-eye bags, puffiness and excess skin. There are two main approaches: the transcutaneous approach, where an incision is made just below the lash line, excess skin is removed, fat pads are repositioned or partially removed and the incision is closed with fine sutures; and the transconjunctival approach, where an incision is made inside the lower eyelid (leaving no visible scar) and excess fat is removed or repositioned. This latter technique is ideal for patients with good skin elasticity who primarily need fat removal.
Combination
In some cases, Dr. Younger may combine these approaches or use additional techniques, such as fat grafting, to achieve optimal results.
What to Expect
The Consultation
Your consultation with Dr. Younger is a crucial step in your eyelid surgery journey. During this meeting, you can expect a thorough review of your medical history, including discussions about your overall health, previous surgeries and medications you’re taking. Be prepared to share information about conditions like dry eyes, glaucoma or allergies. A comprehensive eye examination will be conducted, including eyelid measurements to determine the amount of excess skin, muscle strength and function assessment and tear production and eye moisture evaluation.
Vision tests are also important to ensure eyelid modifications won’t negatively impact your vision. Dr. Younger will take detailed photographs of your eyes from various angles as a reference for surgical planning and before-and-after comparisons. You’ll have the opportunity to express what you hope to achieve with eyelid surgery and Dr. Younger will provide honest feedback about what’s realistically possible.
Based on his examination and your goals, he will recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both and potentially complementary procedures. Dr. Younger will explain the potential risks and expected benefits of the recommended procedures and you’ll receive information about the cost of your proposed treatment plan and available financing options.
Preparation
Proper preparation is vital to a successful eyelid surgery and smooth recovery. In the weeks leading up to your procedure, you should stop smoking and avoid all nicotine products, begin taking vitamin C supplements to promote healing (if approved by Dr. Younger), arrange time off work (typically 1-2 weeks) and organize help at home for the first few days after surgery. Two weeks before surgery, stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medications or supplements (with Dr. Younger’s approval) and arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
One week before surgery, fill any prescriptions Dr. Younger has provided, prepare your recovery area at home with essentials like ice packs, gauze and artificial tears, purchase button-up shirts to avoid pulling clothes over your head and confirm your ride to and from the surgery center. The night before surgery, thoroughly wash your face and hair, do not eat or drink anything after midnight and get a good night’s sleep. Do not wear makeup, lotions or contact lenses on the morning of surgery. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and arrive at the surgical center at the designated time.
The Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and you can return home on the same day. On the day of your surgery, you’ll check in at the surgical center and change into a gown. The surgical team will review your medical information and answer any last-minute questions. Dr. Younger will make pre-operative markings on your eyelids.
Dr. Younger will discuss the best option for you during your consultation. A typical procedure involves making incisions according to the pre-operative markings, carefully removing excess skin, removing or repositioning fat as needed, tightening muscles if necessary and closing incisions with fine sutures.
The entire procedure usually takes 1-3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. Immediately after surgery, you’ll wait out the anesthesia in a quiet recovery area. Your eyes may be lubricated and covered with gauze. Once fully alert and comfortable, you can go home with your designated caregiver.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from eyelid surgery is generally straightforward, but it is essential to follow Dr. Younger’s instructions carefully for optimal healing. In the first 24 hours, rest only with your head elevated. Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling, use prescribed eye ointments or drops as directed and take pain medication if needed. For the first few days, continue using cold compresses. Expect mild discomfort, swelling and bruising. Avoid straining, bending and lifting and sleep with your head elevated.
At around days 4-11, stitches are usually removed (if non-dissolvable sutures were used), swelling and bruising begin to subside and you may be able to read or watch TV for short periods. Light activity can usually be resumed. By weeks 2-3, most swelling and bruising should be gone. You can likely return to work and daily activities and makeup can usually be worn to conceal any remaining bruising.
At 4-6 weeks post-surgery, incisions continue to fade, final results begin to emerge and you can usually resume more strenuous activities and exercise. Protecting your eyes from sun exposure during recovery is crucial, as is wearing dark sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors and using sunscreen on the eye area once the incisions have healed.
Results and Maintenance
Eyelid surgery can provide long-lasting rejuvenation, but it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand how to maintain your results. Initial results are visible once the swelling subsides (about 2-3 weeks), with final results typically settling in around 3-6 months post-surgery.
Results can last 5-7 years or more, depending on age, skin quality and lifestyle. Protect your eyes from sun damage with sunglasses and sunscreen and maintain a consistent skincare routine including gentle eye creams to maintain your results. Always strive to remain well hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants.
Remember, while eyelid surgery can dramatically rejuvenate your appearance, it doesn’t stop the aging process. Taking good care of your skin and overall health will help you enjoy your refreshed look for years to come.
What Does it Cost?
The cost of blepharoplasty can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the type of procedure, the location of the surgery, and a surgeon’s experience and qualifications.
Our Fair and Transparent Pricing
Upper Blephs – CAD$6,500
Lower Blephs – CAD$6,500
Both combined- CAD$12,000
Factors that Affect the Cost of Blepharoplasty
The cost of blepharoplasty can vary greatly depending on the type of procedure, the location of the procedure and the surgeon’s experience and qualifications.
Type of Procedure
When it comes to blepharoplasty, there are different options available depending on your needs. The two most common types of blepharoplasty are upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty, and some people choose to have both done together.
Upper blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid. This can help to improve the appearance of sagging or drooping eyelids, which can make you look older or more tired than you actually are.
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on the area beneath the eyes. The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower eyelid to help reduce puffiness or under-eye bags. This can help to give you a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
If you’re experiencing both sagging or drooping eyelids and under-eye bags, you may benefit from having both upper and lower blepharoplasty done at the same time. This can help to address both areas and give you a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Experience and Qualifications
Dr. Younger has many years of experience and advanced training to ensure the best results for your blepharoplasty surgery, which is also factored into your overall pricing. It’s important to weigh these factors carefully as you make your decision and to choose a surgeon who has the expertise to help you achieve the best possible results.
Financing
If you’re interested in booking a blepharoplasty following your initial consultation, our office staff will discuss your final expected fees and financing options with you. Please expect that you’re responsible for all financing decisions.
A downpayment of 60% is required when booking surgery with Dr. Younger. The final 40% is required to complete a Paid In Full status a minimum of four weeks before your surgery date. If your surgery is booked within four weeks of the procedure date, your full payment is expected upon booking.
*Disclaimer: Please note that we trust all clients to make an informed decision about their choice of financing themselves and that we can only inform what options are available on the market, but give no recommendations or considerations to any one company over another. We work independently from all financial companies, and no commission is involved for any of our staff. Recently, many of our clients have set up their financing with the local company Beautifi which is one option.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
If you have drooping eyelids, under-eye puffiness or other problems that negatively impact your appearance, this procedure may be right for you. Blepharoplasty can be tailored to address a number of concerns, so Dr. Younger will develop a surgical plan based on your specific needs or goals. Some common reasons people consider eyelid surgery include:
- Drooping eyelids
- Under-eye bags or puffiness
- Vision problems caused by sagging eyelids
- Dark circles beneath the eyes
- Prominent tear troughs
- Epicanthal folds
- No crease in the upper eyelid (monolids)
- Difficulty applying makeup
Most people who undergo eyelid surgery are over 35, but this procedure can be done at almost any age as long as you’re healthy enough for surgery. Blepharoplasty can also be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both, depending on your areas of concern. Combining upper and lower eyelid surgery will provide the most comprehensive results with the benefit of a single recovery period, but Dr. Younger will recommend the best approach during your consultation.
Can Blepharoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Upper and lower eyelid surgery may be combined with other procedures for a dramatic transformation. If you have loose skin, wrinkles or sagging in the face, neck or eyebrows, you can combine blepharoplasty with a facelift, neck lift or brow lift for seamless results that rejuvenate your whole face. Eyelid surgery can also be combined with nonsurgical procedures like dermal fillers to plump up the cheeks or tear troughs. For many people, lost volume in this area casts a shadow that leaves dark circles or hollows beneath the eyes, but dermal fillers can increase under-eye fullness to give you a healthier, more refreshed look.
Am I Too Young / Old for Eyelid Surgery?
Like most cosmetic procedures, there’s not necessarily a “right” age to go under the knife. Many patients consider plastic surgery once the signs of aging become apparent, but others are born with certain flaws or features they’d like to address earlier in life.
Most people who undergo eyelid surgery are over 35 because that’s when the effects of loose skin and volume loss become more noticeable, causing the eyelids to droop or sag. The muscles in the upper eyelid also begin to stretch and weaken over time, further contributing to an aged appearance. In the lower eyelids, hollow cheeks, fat pockets and wrinkles can cause bags or shadows to develop, making the eyes look puffy or tired. These concerns become more prominent with age, but blepharoplasty can rejuvenate the delicate tissues around the eyes to give you a more alert, youthful and rested appearance.
In other cases, drooping eyelids or under-eye bags might be the result of illness, genetics or trauma. Since these issues can occur at any age, blepharoplasty can be performed on younger patients, but most doctors recommend this procedure for those who are 18 or older to ensure a good result. No matter what your age is, Dr. Younger can help determine if eyelid surgery is right for you during an initial consultation. He’ll discuss the risks and benefits of surgery to make sure you’re well-informed if you decide to move forward with treatment.
How Soon Can I Drive After Eyelid Surgery?
You won’t be able to safely drive immediately after an upper or lower blepharoplasty due to common side effects like blurred or double vision, swelling and light sensitivity. These issues can interfere with your eyesight, so you should refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery until cleared by your doctor. While your vision will likely return to normal within 48 hours, you may also be prescribed a lubricating ointment or pain medications that can further impair your ability to see or drive. Most patients are allowed to drive again after five to 10 days, but this may vary from person to person. Dr. Younger will advise you when it’s safe to resume driving at your initial follow-up appointment.