Eyelid Lift Surgery With Dr. Frank J. Piro
Treating Bay Area and San Mateo Eyelid Lift Patients
As part of his quiver of facial rejuvenation tools, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Frank J. Piro offers blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift surgery. By offering patients in San Carlos, Hillsborough and Burlingame eyelid lift surgery, Dr. Piro helps them look more rested and refreshed throughout the eyes, giving them a younger appearance overall.
How Eyelid Lift Surgery Can Improve Your Appearance
San Mateo facial rejuvenation surgeon Dr. Piro often hears patients complain that they got a full night's rest, but they still have the appearance of "bags" under the eyes, which is typically caused by exhaustion. Other patients remark that their upper eyelids are sagging, making them look like they are squinting.
These individuals are not imagining things. As people age, the effects of gravity and the results of being constantly exposed to the sun and to pollution can lead to signs of aging around the eyes. Furthermore, over time, skin cells stop producing collagen, a protein essential for healthy skin, and fat becomes displaced. This can cause the skin of the eyelids to start drooping off the eyes. Finally, hereditary factors, especially for people of Asian descent, can cause the upper eyelids to hang too low, sometimes over the line of sight.
To improve the appearance of sagging upper or lower eyelids, Dr. Piro performs eyelid lift surgery. With blepharoplasty, patients look rested, rejuvenated —and happy — again.
View eyelid surgery before and after photos of Dr. Piro's patients.
I consulted with Dr. Piro to correct heaviness to my upper eyelids and laxity of skin in face, jowls, and neck. I underwent an upper blepharoplasty and facelift. I was very, very pleased with the result. Dr. Piro is not only a skilled surgeon. He has an artist’s eye. He knows what is going to look right and what will not. Dr. Piro’s staff was very courteous, efficient, and welcoming. I don’t look like a different person, I look like an improved version of myself. Trust me on this, as a practicing registered nurse, I know who the really good doctors are.
—W.O.
More About Eyelid Lift Surgery
Dr. Piro performs eyelid surgery on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. It takes him two hours or so to complete the procedure, depending on if the patient is having both the upper and lower eyelids treated as well as if the patient is undergoing adjunct cosmetic surgery procedures at the same time.
If the patient has elected to treat the upper eyelids, Dr. Piro addresses them first. He creates a miniscule incision in the upper eyelid crease. The San Mateo eyelid lift surgeon then eliminates any surplus fat, skin or other type of tissue from the targeted area. He closes the incisions with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape.
Next, Dr. Piro treats the lower eyelids if desired. He strategically places this incision either exactly inside the lower eyelid or directly underneath the lower eyelashes. Again, the facial rejuvenation surgeon removes any extra fat, skin and other tissue as necessary from the lower eyelid area before closing the incision with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape.
Any scarring from the incisions should fade, eventually becoming almost invisible as the eyelids heal.
Recovering From Eyelid Lift Surgery
Recovering blepharoplasty patients are released into the care of a responsible adult once the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. They must keep any bandages in place that they notice until Dr. Piro directs otherwise.
The treated eyelids may be swollen or bruised, but these symptoms are expected and should subside within approximately three weeks. Those who have undergone eyelid lift surgery may experience discomfort or mild soreness in the treated area. Applying ice packs and taking the oral pain medication recommended by Dr. Piro will help alleviate any discomfort.
Patients should plan to take one to two weeks off from work or their usual schedule. They should rest frequently, avoiding any strenuous activity. It is crucial that patients wear dark sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun until they are completely healed. Dr. Piro will provide full preoperative and postoperative care instructions.
Eyelid Lift Candidacy
Board-certified plastic surgeons such as Dr. Piro are the best judges of eyelid lift candidacy. That said, typically, suitable candidates for eyelid lift surgery include people who:
- Have a positive body image in general but are frustrated by sagging upper and / or lower eyelids
- Have adequate skin elasticity
- Desire an aesthetic improvement, not perfection in particular
- Have sound physical and mental wellbeing
- Do not smoke or are able to abstain from smoking for several months before and after the procedure
Most importantly, appropriate eyelid lift surgery candidates have sensible goals for surgery, and understand the risks as well as the rewards of the procedure. Additionally, suitable candidates have chosen to undergo eyelid lift surgery of their own volition.
Finally Wake Up Looking Rested!
If you are tired of appearing tired, even after a good night's sleep, or if you are frustrated by your perpetually sad or perplexed appearance, your eyelids might be the culprit. You can finally wake up looking rested (and perhaps younger)! Simply contact Dr. Piro to learn more about your eyelid lift surgery options.
To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Piro to find out more about eyelid lift surgery, please contact his practice by calling (650) 652-8230 today.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
Are nonsurgical treatments included in blepharoplasty?
Typically, to treat excess skin in the upper eyelids, only blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is used to excise the surplus skin. There are no nonsurgical treatments used in this procedure. Injection fillers can sometimes be used to mask slight "bags" under the eyes.
What is the recovery after an eyelid lift like?
Typically, eyelid lift surgery requires seven to 10 days of postoperative recovery. The first week after surgery usually requires isolation from social contact due to bruising and swelling. From days 7 to 10, patients may be able to transition back to work or their normal routine, depending on the degree of resolution of any residual bruising. Most patients are able to return to work within seven to 14 days after surgery.
What are the potential risks and complications of blepharoplasty?
All surgery carries some degree of risk. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the specific risks and complications associated with your blepharoplasty procedure. Because there are certain factors which can increase your risk of complications, inform your doctor of the following: any medical conditions that you have, if you smoke, if you are on any medications and if you have had any previous surgeries near the site to be treated. By choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and carefully following instructions before and after surgery, you can greatly reduce your risks.
To learn more about our Plastic Surgery Services, please contact us at (650) 652-8230 today to schedule an appointment.