Model
Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty) in Houston, TX
Women and men typically first show aging in the skin around the eyes. These characteristics are easily corrected with Eyelid Surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty. Eyelid surgery is a relatively small operation that can make a big impact with little amount of downtime. At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, patients of Dr. Sean Delaney and Dr. Russell Kridel often comment on the fact that friends tell them they look younger and refreshed, but often can’t put a finger on what is different. These subtle, yet dramatic results restore a softer, more vibrant appearance.
Model
What Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Eyelid surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids by removing excess skin and fat. When Upper Eyelid surgery is done in combination with Lower Eyelid surgery it is commonly called Quad Blepharoplasty.
In addition to the aging process, droopy, down-turned eyes, overhanging upper eyelids and bags under the eyes can also be hereditary.
Upper Eyelid surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)
During Upper Eyelid surgery an incision is made within the natural fold of the lid and extended outward. The incision will go out as wide as necessary so that additional skin folds on the outside of the upper eye can also be addressed. Once the incision is made, excess fat and skin are removed. The incision is closed with sutures and the scar remains hidden because of where it resides in the natural crease.
Lower Eyelid surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)
During Lower Eyelid surgery an incision is made along the bottom of the lash line. This allows the surgeon to remove excess fat and tissue. In patients who have puffy lower eyelids but good skin elasticity, an approach known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty can be performed. This technique puts the incision inside the lower eyelid rather than outside. For patients who have dark circles under their eyes due to a deficiency of fat in these areas, fat transfer or injectables can be used to help fill these soft-tissue deficiencies and improve the appearance of these circles.
Why should I select Dr. Delaney or Dr. Kridel
for my Eyelid surgery?
At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, Dr. Sean Delaney and Dr. Russell Kridel are recognized as leading Blepharoplasty surgeons in Houston for their natural results.
What sets them apart from other plastic surgeons can be described in the superior combination of their unparalleled training, advanced surgical techniques, attention to detail, artistic perspective, and devotion to the highest level of patient care throughout your aesthetic journey.
Dr. Russell Kridel is triple-board certified and is internationally recognized by other physicians as one of the best Facial Plastic surgeons in the country. He has been awarded the highest honors of surgical excellence by his peers, his specialty, and his patients. He has also published over 250 scientific papers and textbook chapters and presented as featured guest speaker at hundreds of plastic surgery conferences on advanced facial plastic surgery techniques including Blepharoplasty. Dr. Sean Delaney is double-board certified and has extensive Eyelid Surgery experience. He has published extensively on advanced facial plastic surgery techniques with Dr. Kridel. Dr. Delaney has been named a Texas Rising Star in plastic surgery.
The level of care our Eyelid Surgery patients receive at FPSA is unlike any other practice in Houston. Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel see their patients the morning after their surgery and every few days for the first two weeks following surgery. They see you at 1 month, 3 month, 6 month and 12 month timeframes as well, to follow your care. Our entire FPSA Team will be with you throughout your aesthetic journey.
Eyelid surgery a.k.a. Blepharoplasty Explained
Model
Am I a good candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Ideal candidates for Eyelid Surgery include those concerned with the following:
- Excess skin of the upper eyelids, which in some cases can block peripheral vision
- Excess skin on the lower eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
Patients for this procedure should also be healthy, positive thinking patients of every ethnicity without severe eye conditions that might be affected by a surgical eyelift. If you have a history of severe dry eye, glaucoma, and retinal detachment, this procedure may not be appropriate for you. Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel also do not operate on patients who smoke, chew tobacco, vape or take illicit drugs prior to or at the time of surgery, as these activities have a detrimental effect to the healing process.
What can I expect from a Blepharoplasty Consultation at FPSA?
Our Eyelid Surgery consultations are quite comprehensive, you can expect to be with us for an hour or so. When you first arrive, a Team FPSA member will take your photograph at multiple angles and will also review your medical history and patient information forms with you.
During your Eyelid Surgery consultation, Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel will also review your medical history and ask you what bothers you about your eyes and any other features. The surgeon will also ask you to share what you would like to see changed. Based on your discussion and agreed upon goal for surgery, we will digitally morph your photos so that you can visualize the potential results from surgery. Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel will review the imaged photos with you and revise if needed to make sure that you share the same aesthetic vision. Of course, every person heals differently and there is no such thing as perfection, but Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel take the imaged photos into surgery with them so that they can come as close as possible to your surgical goal. Very few plastic surgeons do this. You will have the opportunity to share all your questions and concerns with your surgeon during your consultation. In addition, one of our patient concierges will accompany you every step of the way as your guide throughout your consultation. Your concierge will review before and after photos, educational materials, and provide you with an estimate for your individualized treatment plan, and also answer questions you may have prior to booking your surgery.
Model
What can I expect right after Eyelid Surgery?
Our patients often comment that the discomfort is far less than they expected. Most patients feel very little pain immediately after surgery but may experience some discomfort later in the evening or the next day or so. We prescribe pain medications to help you feel more comfortable. However, we have found that most patients transition to Tylenol after 24-36 hours.
One of the first things you may notice when you wake up from your surgery is blurry vision. That’s nothing to worry about. It doesn’t mean that the operation was unsuccessful. To avoid dryness in the treated area, we apply an antibiotic ointment to the surgical site. This antibiotic should be used for one week after surgery, four times a day, on the inside of the eye and on the incisions.
You will be seen the very next day in our office for your first post-operative visit. You will need to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first several days to a week after surgery.
After a couple of days, you should be able to take a bath or a shower. However, make sure that your eyes stay dry. Be sure to keep the shower head below your face. It is best to wash your hair in the sink, ideally with someone’s help. There’s no problem if your eyes are sprinkled with small amounts of water. You may use artificial tear drops to prevent your eyes from drying out. Ice packs or a cold compress may be used after the procedure. Sleeping in a sitting position would be best to help reduce swelling and avoid the accumulation of fluid.
A few days up to a week later, you may begin to wash your eye area gently with mild cleanser. Avoid picking scabs because they will fall off when they’re ready. Scabs are part of the natural process of healing. Sutures are removed a week after the operation.
After two weeks, you can start wearing light makeup and contact lenses again. To protect your eyes from harsh sunlight or wind, sunglasses should be worn outside. By this time, you should be back to your usual self and seeing visible results from the surgery with full recovery within two months. Your eyes will start to look younger, rejuvenated, and refreshed. The results of your procedure will last for several years, and in some cases, an entire lifetime!
How long is the recovery time for Eyelid Surgery?
Our surgical techniques and pre-operative and post-operative care are designed to minimize bruising and help the healing process. However, swelling, along with some bruising, will take place.
Recovery time from eyelid surgery can vary from person to person and can differ based on the techniques used during your procedure, but typically your eyes may be swollen and bruised for 1-3 weeks after surgery. You will need to stay home from work and limit your activities for several days and avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks. Getting rest applies to your body as well as your eyes. In fact, getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to accelerate your recovery. Most patients feel comfortable going out in public after 10 days or so. But it can take a few months to heal completely.
Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel will be with you every step of the way during your journey. We will see you multiple times over the first two weeks, and also at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Our high standard of patient care, including follow-up care, is unparalleled in Houston.
Can I combine Eyelid Surgery with other procedures?
Absolutely! Patients like to take advantage of the opportunity to have just one recovery period. It is common to combine eyelid surgery with a Browlift, also known as a Forehead Lift, to improve the height and maintain the contour of the upper eyebrow. Some patients also combine eyelid surgery with Facelift surgery or laser resurfacing for a more complete facial transformation.
Before Surgery
What do I need to do before surgery?
If you elect to have Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty) or Quad Bleph surgery, Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel will ask that you obtain medical eye clearance from an Ophthalmologist to make sure your eyes are in good health. With any surgical procedure, it is necessary to avoid any medications or supplements that may thin the blood two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery. Our clinical staff will review instructions relating to medications and supplements at your pre-operative appointment.
Dr. Delaney and Dr. Kridel do not operate on patients who smoke, chew tobacco, vape or take illicit drugs prior to or at the time of surgery, as these activities have a detrimental effect to the healing process.
We recommend that patients avoid alcohol for two weeks prior to and after your surgery. You should maintain a healthy diet and avoid salt, fatty foods and processed sugar. Some patients eat pineapple for the anti-inflammatory effect of its naturally occurring Bromelain. We recommend taking Arnica, Bromelain, and Vitamin C supplements 5 days before the surgery and 1 week following surgery. It is also very important to avoid significant sun exposure.
Model
Surgery
What happens on the day of surgery?
Eyelid Surgery is an out-patient procedure performed under IV Sedation in our AAAHC accredited operating room and takes 1.5 to 3 hours to complete depending on whether you have both Upper and Lower Eyelid surgery. You should have nothing to eat or drink (not even water, candy, or gum) after midnight the night before your procedure. Patients should arrive approximately 1.5 hours prior to the start time on the day of surgery. You should wear a button-up top or loose-fitting clothing to allow you to change easily without placing unnecessary pressure or stress on the nasal area. You will need an adult driver on the day of your surgery to bring you to our office and to pick you up following surgery.
Model
When is my pre-operative appointment?
Your pre-op appointment will take place two to three weeks before your surgery. We strive to make this appointment as stress free as possible. At this appointment, you will receive pre-operative and post-operative instructions, review and sign consents, take pre-operative photos, and make final payment. You will also receive the list of your prescriptions. Most of our patients find that using our Capsule Pharmacy service in advance of the pre-op is quite convenient because all prescriptions will be delivered to our office and ready for you at the pre-op appointment.
At this appointment, patients also like to select skincare products appropriate for pre-operative and post-operative skin health and optimal healing.
Does insurance cover surgery?
Insurance does not cover cosmetic Eyelid Surgery because it is an elective, cosmetic procedure. Some Upper Eyelid patients have severe hooding that affects their vision which may be covered by insurance. Dr. Kridel and Dr. Delaney do not accept insurance and are considered out-of-network providers. We are happy to provide our patients with appropriate information they may need to file directly with their insurance carrier.
Fully Accredited
On-Site Surgical Facility
Dr, Sean Delaney, Dr. Russell Kridel and Team FPSA provide patients with an exceptional surgical experience at our AAAHC accredited on-site operating facility. Our patients enjoy the comfort, ease and convenience of having surgical and medical aesthetic procedures in our beautiful practice environment. Facial Plastic Surgery Associates’ operating room has been certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation by this highly regarded, independent organization ensures that our in-office operating room meets the highest quality of standards and safety. This accreditation is similar to the process completed for out-patient surgical facilities associated with hospital systems.
Schedule a Consultation
Let's Get Social
Connect with Us on Our Social Channels
Stay connected with us on social media and witness the impact Facial Plastic Surgery Associates has on the lives of our patients.
