Picture Your Results in 3D
At CC Plastic Surgery, we offer the state-of-the-art VECTRA® XT 3D imaging system to capture face, breast, and body images to help simulate your surgical outcomes during your consultation.
Crantford Costa Ulm Plastic Surgery
247 Calhoun St.
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 722-5904
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Skin Clinic hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The eyes are one of the first features noticed on the face. Unfortunately, they are also one of the first features that truly reflect our age. The delicate skin of the eyelids loosens and sags over time, giving rise to wrinkles, folds, heavy bags and a permanently fatigued appearance. Regardless of age or gender, these changes can take a serious toll on your self-image and confidence.
Blepharoplasty rejuvenates sagging, puffy or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids. The procedure may be performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision. Upper and lower eyelid surgery can be performed independently or together, depending on the patient’s needs, and are often performed in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a facelift.
Featured Blepharoplasty Before + After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
What Can Eyelid Surgery Accomplish?
In the hands of an experienced and artistic plastic surgeon, Charleston eyelid surgery patients can expect a complete transformation of the entire face. Blepharoplasty can restore a well-rested expression and take years off your appearance by:
- Removing excess fat from the eye area
- Tightening loose, sagging skin
- Enhancing the natural contour of the upper eyelids
- Reducing puffiness, bags and wrinkles under the eyes
- Minimizing signs of age, fatigue and stress
- Creating a more alert, open and approachable look
- Improving makeup application
- Complementing additional facial rejuvenation procedures
In addition to these cosmetic benefits, blepharoplasty can also help by:
- Improving peripheral vision
- Alleviating irritation caused by friction between excess folds of skin
- Relieving forehead discomfort from overused muscles
Who Is a Good Blepharoplasty Candidate?
Women and men who are in good health generally and do not have pre-existing eye conditions are usually good candidates for eyelid surgery. Although most people who undergo this procedure are older, younger adults also qualify if they have aged prematurely or they have enough excess skin to reduce their field of vision. Candidates of any age should ideally be nonsmokers and must have a reasonable understanding of the risks and benefits that accompany plastic surgery.
An in-person consultation is required to confirm that blepharoplasty is the right choice for you at this time. If your plastic surgeon concludes that you are not a good eyelid surgery candidate, he can suggest an alternative anti-aging plan involving other facial surgeries or nonsurgical treatments that can address your concerns safely and effectively.
Crantford, Costa, & UlmOur Expert Surgeons
Trust your beauty to the very best Charleston has to offer. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have the skill and experience to elevate your look from head to toe.
Dr. Crantford Dr. Costa Dr. Ulm
proudly accredited by The Joint Commission
At CC Plastics + Skin Clinic, we’re committed to providing the highest standard of care. Our operating rooms are proudly accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting organization. This accreditation ensures that our surgical facilities meet rigorous standards for patient safety, quality of care, and operational excellence.
What Happens During a Consultation?
During your blepharoplasty consultation, your surgeon will perform a comprehensive analysis of your eyes and face, designing a customized roadmap to a successful, age-defying outcome. This initial meeting is the perfect time to share your concerns and expectations for your procedure so that he may make adjustments accordingly. It can be helpful to bring pictures of your desired outcome to assist in communicating your goals. Once your surgeon understands what you hope to accomplish, he will outline a personalized treatment plan based on your concerns, bone structure, skin elasticity, medical history, risk factors and all other variables that could impact your procedure.
What Is Involved in a Blepharoplasty Procedure?
Blepharoplasty is usually performed in the CC Plastic Surgery office in as little as 45 minutes. Surgery may be done on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both areas at once to yield a dramatically younger-looking appearance.
During an upper lid procedure, an inconspicuous incision is made in the natural crease of the eyelid. The length and contour of the incision will be determined by the amount of skin that will be removed during the procedure. Through this incision, fat deposits are removed or repositioned and the underlying muscles are tightened to correct heaviness and drooping. Excess skin is trimmed away and the incision is closed. Upper blepharoplasty patients enjoy a more alert, rejuvenated appearance and, in some cases, improved vision and relief from discomfort. This is the most common type of eyelid surgery.
During a lower lid procedure, the incision is made along the lower lashes or on the inside of the eyelid. Unwanted fat deposits are removed and sagging skin is tightened for a smooth and refreshed look. There is no visible scar when the incision is inside the eyelid, but this technique is not suitable for all patients. Your surgeon will choose the optimal approach based on the goals you hope to accomplish.
Can Eyelid Surgery Be Combined With Another Procedure?
Although drooping eyes can have a significant impact on the aesthetics of your face, this area may not be your only concern. Blepharoplasty is often combined with other procedures or nonsurgical treatments to enhance the results. Eyelid surgery can be combined with a brow lift to rejuvenate your eyebrows and forehead or a facelift to resolve signs of aging in the middle and lower regions of your face. Eyelid surgery also pairs well with Botox treatments to raise the eyebrows or reduce the appearance of dark circles, wrinkles or crow’s feet under the eyes. Dermal fillers can help balance your blepharoplasty results by correcting deep lines, hollow tear troughs and contour deficiencies throughout your face.
What Is the Recovery Timeline for Eyelid Surgery?
Our Charleston blepharoplasty patients can return home on the same day as their surgery. Swelling and bruising are not uncommon initially, but overall, eyelid surgery recovery is relatively brief and does not involve significant discomfort. You will be provided with comprehensive aftercare instructions that will minimize side effects and set you up for a safe and relaxed recovery.
Avoid strenuous exercise and other activities that could cause swelling to linger. Keeping your head elevated and using cool compresses can further reduce swelling. Use eye drops if your vision is blurry or your eyes are dry. Wear dark sunglasses when going outdoors and do not use contact lenses until at least two weeks have passed. This is also when you can resume using skincare products and makeup around your eyes
Blepharoplasty patients, on average, are able to resume normal activities between seven to 10 days after surgery and may attend important social engagements in 10 days to two weeks. Your medical team will carefully monitor your healing progress as you visit CC Plastic Surgery for follow-up appointments.
What Results Can Blepharoplasty Achieve?
The full results of your blepharoplasty will not be apparent right away. As the swelling subsides, you will start to see the new contours of your eyelids emerge. Blepharoplasty can make the eye area — and by extension, the rest of your face — look five to 10 years younger. Your eyes will appear more youthful and awake, wrinkles and bags will be reduced, and any vision issues should be significantly improved. The incisions are placed within the natural contours of the lids, so they are virtually undetectable once healed.
The results of eyelid surgery last many years. Your skin will continue to age naturally and sagging may reappear over time, but it will be less extreme than it would have been without surgery. Upper eyelid surgery can be repeated in the future if necessary. Lower eyelid surgery is less likely to require a second procedure. To maintain your refreshed and youthful appearance, be diligent about daily sun protection, take care of your skin with professional treatments and products, and practice healthy lifestyle habits.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
Can I look at screens or TVs after eyelid surgery?
When can I wear makeup after eyelid surgery?
How long will I feel tightness in my eyes after blepharoplasty?
When can I wear contact lenses again after blepharoplasty?
Are blepharoplasty results permanent?
Can I wear glasses after eyelid surgery?
When will I see the final results of eyelid surgery?
When can I return to work after eyelid surgery?
Request Your Consultation
If you are frustrated with the effects of aging on your eyelids or functional issues that are diminishing your quality of life, eyelid surgery may be the solution you’re searching for. Trust one of South Carolina’s foremost plastic surgeons to restore a naturally youthful appearance that revitalizes your entire face. Request a consultation using our online form or call (843) 722-5904 for an appointment. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
