eyelidsurgery

The skin around our eyes is the thinnest skin on the body and is usually the area to show signs of aging first.  Sagging or loose skin around your eyes can make you look tired, sad, or stressed. As we age, every year we losing naturally-occurring fat from beneath our eyes as well as other areas of the face which can cause a hollowed appearance.  Some patients complain of a combination of loose skin and puffiness under the eyes, sometimes called “eye bags”.  Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) addresses these concerns by tightening the areas of loose skin, removing fat pads under the eyes, and restoring volume to this area.

Dr. Michael J. Brucker provides eyelid surgery to La Jolla patients as a way of rejuvenating their appearance, either as a standalone procedure or part of a more comprehensive treatment. Patients choose him for the personal approach he brings to their care as well as the amount of experience he offers. The techniques and attention to detail he uses during surgery help ensure a natural-looking result in which the eyes appear refreshed and alert.

The Purpose of Eyelid Surgery

Over time, upper eyelids can form excess skin and fat pads that give patients a heavy-lidded or tired look. Lower eyelids can create a hollowed appearance or develop bags beneath the eyes. Eyelid surgery reduces unnecessary skin and redistributes fat deposits to resolve these issues.

La Jolla patients who are considering eyelid surgery may choose to focus on only the upper eyelids, only on the lower eyelids, or both:

  • For the upper lids, Dr. Brucker uses the procedure to remove excess skin and give a natural lift.
  • For the lower lids, he eliminates excess fat pads and/or adds volume to hollow areas under the eyes. As a result, your eyes should look brighter and more open, and your skin should appear firmer refreshed.

Dr. Brucker has found that eyelid surgery offers La Jolla patients a high degree of satisfaction. The subtle techniques that he uses should provide a worthwhile rejuvenation without making it obvious to friends and family that you have had surgery.

How Dr. Brucker Performs Eyelid Surgery

During your initial visit to his La Jolla practice, Dr. Brucker will talk with you about your goals, conduct a comprehensive examination, and learn about the medical history of your eyes to ensure that you are a good candidate for treatment. The sagging skin around your eyelids and/or upper eyelid droop may actually be caused by a muscle issue, also known as “ptosis”,  in which case Dr. Brucker would refer you to a specialist for care.

If surgery can improve the aesthetics of your eyes, Dr. Brucker may recommend a procedure for the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both:

Upper eyelid lift surgery is relatively straightforward because the upper eyelid is structurally robust. Dr. Brucker will remove excess skin and fat to help your eyes look more open, alert, and focused.   The incision will be hidden in the natural fold of your upper eyelid and almost always heals imperceptibly.

Lower eyelids are a bit more complex because of their delicate nature. Dr. Brucker favors an external approach, known as a subciliary incision because it provides a more natural-looking result and forms smoother transitions between the eyes and the cheeks. If a patient has hollow eyes and puffiness beneath the lids, he can take volume from excess fat in the puffy area and fill in the troughs, creating a refreshed appearance.   Volume can also be restored with a hyaluronic acid based filler such as Juvederm, Volbella or Restylane.

Your Experience with Eyelid Surgery

Dr. Brucker conducts eyelid surgery for La Jolla patients in one of two AAAASF-certified operating rooms. You will receive IV sedation or light general anesthesia so that you can sleep comfortably through the process.

Your recovery experience will depend on the procedure Dr. Brucker performs. If you have upper eyelid surgery only:

  • You should be able to return to normal daily activities relatively quickly.
  • You can take the minimal amount of pain medication—or none at all if you choose. The majority of our patients report very little to no discomfort following this operation.
  • You may wish to wear dark glasses until after you have healed.
  • Dr. Brucker will remove the stitches approximately five days following the procedure.

If you have a surgery that includes the lower eyelids, expect a recovery of 1-3 weeks. The procedure may require a stitch that lifts up the lid, limiting your ability to open your eyes fully for a few days. Dr. Brucker and his team can discuss the full guidelines for recovery with you if you are a candidate for this procedure.

Once your eyelids have healed, you should notice a significant improvement in the aesthetics of your eyes and, potentially, the sentiment of your appearance. You should look more open, better rested, and more youthful, all based on a single, focused procedure.

Eyelid surgery is a well-established treatment that offers La Jolla patients a refreshed appearance. Learn more by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Brucker online or by phone.


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