Blepharoplasty

Pioneering work conducted at UT Southwestern Medical Center provides our ear, nose, and throat surgeons with insight on facial aging and effective cosmetic procedures. 

Our innovative surgical techniques include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lifts, and other minimally invasive treatments to eliminate droopy eyelids, sagging skin, and bags beneath the eyes. We combine approaches to achieve a natural, refreshed look and give patients the results they want.

New Concepts in Eye Rejuvenation

The advances our team continues to introduce offer significant advantages over some conventional methods, which can sometimes result in a pulled, “windswept” look.

Recent advances include a five-step lower-eyelid rejuvenation process we pioneered to improve results and reduce the complexities of eye rejuvenation. This type of procedure might be considered challenging at other surgical centers, but UT Southwestern simplified the surgical process to achieve a natural, more youthful look after the procedure.

UT Southwestern’s research has shown that the separations between the fat compartments in the face become more apparent as people age and lose volume in their faces. With eyelid surgery, we address the skin and underlying muscles while restoring any volume loss that has taken place.

Eyelid Surgery: The Five-Step Process

UT Southwestern’s five-step approach to blepharoplasty for lower eyelid rejuvenation combines nonsurgical and surgical options:

• Our surgeons use small incisions, following the natural lines of the upper eyelid creases and the lash lines of the lower lids, to surgically repair the eyelid.
• We preserve the eyelid muscle to maintain the natural eye shape and contour – to both provide safety and keep the eye from becoming dry as the patient ages.
• The malar fat compartment is also restored to smooth the transition zone between the eye and cheek.
• A filler substance, which can be the patient’s own stem cell-laden fat, can be used to augment the deep malar fat compartment in the cheek.
• If needed, the outer part of the eye is also restored to create a more natural look.

Repositioning the Upper Eyelid

In addition to blepharoplasty, our surgeons offer a new technique for repositioning the upper eyelid, called ptosis repair, to give a more rejuvenated look or improved visual field.

Brow Lift and Forehead Reshaping

Our plastic surgeons can also perform a forehead or brow lift to address low or sagging eyebrows, usually a result of aging. A brow lift is often combined with cosmetic eyelid surgery or nonsurgical alternatives.

We use advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic incisions hidden in the scalp or within the hairline. By using state-of- the art endoscopic procedures, which allow for very small incisions, we’re able to minimize postoperative discomfort and recovery times. 

Eyelid Surgery: What to Expect

After eyelid surgery, temporary swelling, bruising, and some pain can occur. Most patients can return to activities, including work, in about a week. Patients should allow two to three weeks before starting strenuous activity, and four weeks for most of the swelling to go away. It might be 10 to 14 days before patients can wear contact lenses again.

Patients should see a noticeable difference in the shape of their eyelids soon after surgery. The results of eyelid surgery are long term, lasting about 10 years.