Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery in Virginia Beach

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For over 10 years, The Choe Center has been helping to restore a refreshed, awake appearance for patients with the blepharoplasty procedure. As Virginia Beach’s top facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Choe’s eyelid surgery can improve vision difficulties, lift drooping eyelids, smooth bags/dark circles under the eyes, make applying makeup easier, and take years off the appearance.

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The eyes are often referred to as the windows to the soul. Unfortunately, the delicate tissue around the eye is also one of the first areas to show signs of aging. As we reach middle age, the delicate skin can begin to stretch and sag, wrinkling and drooping downward. While these changes in skin texture are predominantly genetic, they can also result from sun damage, smoking, and illness. This sagging, wrinkled tissue can make the appearance look sad, sleepy, or uninterested. In the most extreme cases, the heavy upper lids can even impair vision.

Blepharoplasty at The Choe Center

An eyelid lift, also known as the blepharoplasty, is a specialized facial plastic surgery procedure created to eliminate lax, sagging skin of the upper and lower eyelid, as well as to smooth unsightly, bulging fat pads below the eyes. Although these changes are one of the first signs of early aging, with Dr. Choe’s eyelid lift, the eyes can look dramatically brighter and more awake.

An eyelid lift can improve:

Puffiness, due to excess fatty deposits, along the upper eyelids
Loose skin that sags over the natural contour of the lid
Excess tissue and fine wrinkles along the lower eyelid
Bags and bulging tissue under the eyes
Droopy lower eyelids.

Types of Eyelid Surgery in Virginia Beach

There are two types of blepharoplasty surgery that an eyelid surgery doctor can perform based on your goals. Each one is designed to appropriately address any areas of concern around your eyelids and will be discussed at your consultation.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty, which is also referred to as an eyelid lift, is performed by removing the excess skin and fat from your upper eyelids to give you a more youthful and alert look. An upper blepharoplasty in Virginia Beach reduces any droopiness on your upper eyelids and improves your peripheral vision. That makes daily activities like driving safer and more comfortable. This procedure is done under local or general anesthesia by making precise incisions along the natural creases of your upper eyelids. We remove the excess skin and sometimes the muscle to stop overhanging lids that make you look tired. Upper eyelid surgery is a great choice if you have noticed a heavy feeling in your eyelids or you have started to notice that your eyelids are obscuring your vision.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty surgery targets your under-eye area to address any bags, loose skin, or wrinkles that are giving you a perpetually tired look. This is done by removing or repositing fat and tightening your skin to reduce any under-eye bags and wrinkles. As a result, you get a more refreshed look. At The Choe Center, we use a tailored approach to our lower blepharoplasty procedure so you get results that respect your natural anatomy while meeting your surgery goals. The incisions are usually hidden just below your lashes or inside your eyelid, so you don’t have to worry about any visible scarring. This procedure is the perfect option if you’re looking to eliminate puffiness and get a smoother, more youthful under-eye contour.

Ideal Candidate for Blepharoplasty

Men and women frustrated with drooping eyelid tissue or bulging fat pads can make an excellent candidate for the blepharoplasty procedure. Potential patients should have healthy facial muscles, be a non-smoker, understand the eyelid lift procedure, and hold reasonable expectations for their final results. However, not all conditions can be improved with the blepharoplasty in Virginia Beach. To find out if the eyelid lift is the best technique for you, a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Choe can be scheduled at The Choe Center.

Blepharoplasty | Virginia Beach, VA

Why Choose Dr. Choe for Eyelid Surgery in Virginia Beach?

When you are thinking about getting eyelid surgery in Virginia Beach, Dr. Choe stands out as a top choice. Board certified and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Choe’s focus on facial aesthetics is backed by rigorous training at the prestigious New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and through a selective fellowship in upstate New York. He was named one of America’s Top Surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America and recognized for his expertise in procedures like blepharoplasty in Virginia Beach. Dr. Choe combines knowledge of facial anatomy with state-of-the-art techniques to deliver results. Choosing Dr. Choe and The Choe Center means getting a blepharoplasty surgeon who is not just skilled but also committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for each of his patients. When you choose an eyelid specialist doctor at The Choe Center, you get eyelid surgery in Virginia Beach that enhances both your appearance and quality of life.

An Eyelid Lift Consultation with Dr. Choe

The first step towards a blepharoplasty is a consultation appointment with Dr. Choe. At this time, he will perform an evaluation of the eyelids and facial tissues, review your medical history, and answer any initial questions. Dr. Choe will explain your treatment options, including the blepharoplasty process. Using before/after photographs of his recent eyelid lift patients, Dr. Choe will help you to visualize the potential results. Once it is determined that the eyelid lift is right for you, a personalized treatment plan will be created.

Blepharoplasty Procedure

The blepharoplasty procedure will take from one to two hours to complete, using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. Since it is an outpatient procedure, patients are home the same afternoon.

For an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, Dr. Choe will make an incision will along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. For a lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the incisions may be made below the lower lash line. A Transconjunctival approach (an incision inside of the lower eyelid) is often used for patients dealing primarily with bulging fat pads. Working through the incisions, Dr. Choe will then remove the unwanted, loose skin and fatty tissue. Once the desired level of correction has been obtained, sutures are then placed for proper healing.

Recovery and Results From the Blepharoplasty

The recovery from a blepharoplasty will take from one to two weeks. Most patients are healed and ready to return to work in seven to fourteen days. After the first week, patients can resume wearing eye makeup and contact lenses. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting can be slowly added after four to five weeks.

The bruising following a blepharoplasty may take several weeks to fade. A tight or sore feeling across the lids is normal. Dr. Choe will prescribe pain medications, as needed, for a comfortable healing process. The results from an eyelid lift are long lasting and will become more apparent as the swelling and bruising dissipate. As the skin continues to age, small changes may be noted in the eyelids, however, the results from a eyelid surgery can be enjoyed for years to come.

Potential Risks and Complications from an Eyelid Lift

The blepharoplasty is a tried and true cosmetic procedure that is considered extremely safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Choe. Common side effects from the procedure include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and a tight feeling across the lids or treatment area. More serious complications are rare, but can include bleeding, dry eyes, infection, ectropion (outward rolling of the eyelid), and changes in vision.

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Blepharoplasty Procedure in Virginia Beach

As one of the most trusted cosmetic surgeons in Virginia Beach, Dr. Choe brings patients more than a decade of surgical experience. Specializing in procedures of the face and neck, Dr. Choe is known for his consistently safe and effective results. If you have questions, or would like to schedule an eyelid surgery consultation with Dr. Choe, contact his Virginia Beach office at 757.389.5850.

Frequently asked questions about Blepharoplasty

A blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is a technique created to rejuvenate and brighten the eye area by removing excess skin and bulging fat pads. The procedure can dramatically refresh the appearance.

Anyone in generally good health, who is looking to improve sagging upper eyelids or puffy under-eye bags may make an excellent blepharoplasty candidate.

The eyelid surgery is performed using a general anesthesia or a local anesthetic with IV sedation.

Dr. Choe will begin the eyelid surgery by creating a small incision along the crease of the upper eyelid and either inside of the lower eyelid or below the lower eyelid lashes. Once the incisions are made, excess fat and skin are removed. The remaining tissues are lifted, and once the desired results have been obtained, dissolvable sutures are placed for healing.

Generally, Dr. Choe’s blepharoplasty takes from one to two hours.

Though the incisions made during blepharoplasty can scar, they are very well concealed. In an upper blepharoplasty, incisions are located in the crease of the upper lids. For a lower blepharoplasty, incisions are located either inside of the lower lids or just below the lower lash line.

Dr. Choe’s blepharoplasty is not a painful procedure. It is common to feel mildly sore and report tightness across the eyelids for several days following the procedure. Any discomfort will be well controlled by Dr. Choe through the use of prescription pain medications.

The eyelid surgery recovery process will take one to two weeks. After your eyelid lift, some bruising and swelling are normal, but will fade over the following several weeks. The lids may be tender and feel tight, as well. In one week, makeup and contact lenses can be worn.

Most people are feeling well enough to return to work seven to fourteen days after their blepharoplasty procedure.

Since the eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure, there is always a small chance for complications to occur. Side effects include swelling, bruising, a tight feeling, and tenderness. More serious risks, although rare, include bleeding, scarring, ectropion, permanent numbness, and blindness.

Related procedures: Brow Lift, Facelift, Facial Reshaping.