Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty or "eyelid lift" is a cosmetic procedure that aims to correct deformities or abnormalities of the eyelids.
Dr. Cat Begovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, California. She is a three-time winner of Best of Beverly Hills Award in the cosmetic surgeons category.
What Is an Eyelid Lift?
An eyelid lift is a plastic surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the eye area by altering the eyelids and the area under the eyes. An eyelid lift, in Beverly Hills, can involve the removal of excess eyelid skin or wrinkles and the reduction of puffiness or under-eye bags. The results will give the eye area a more youthful look, with firmer, tighter skin around the eye.
As people age, their skin loses elasticity due to decreased collagen and elastin production. This leads to drooping and sagging in the eye area, giving your eyes a tired, aged appearance. It can also create hanging skin over the eyelids, making it difficult to apply or wear makeup. Many of my female patients find eyeliner or eyeshadow transfers shortly after application due to excess skin on their eyelids.
Puffiness on the lower eyelids is another common concern for my patients who seek blepharoplasty. Due to either age or genetics, many patients coming to my office have developed bags under their eyes. This puffiness can create a sleepy or overall unwell look.
An eyelid Lift is designed to resolve excess eyelid skin and under-eye puffiness, giving the areas around your eyes a more vibrant and youthful appearance. As a leading provider of eyelid lifts in Beverly Hills, I have developed a specialized technique that results in shorter recovery times and undetectable scarring.
Eyelid Lift and Botox
Sometimes, my eyelid lift procedures are combined with an eyebrow lift or Botox to give the upper face a more appealing, younger-looking appearance. My goal is to give you the most natural, harmonious result possible.
When performed by inexperienced surgeons, procedures like this can give the eyes a very unnatural or “surprised” look. During a blepharoplasty, I take extra care and precaution to create a result that complements your facial features and makes you look like the best version of yourself.
Things You Should Know Before Your Eyelid Lift
During your consultation, I will explain the complete blepharoplasty process. This will begin with an exam of your eye area to determine whether blepharoplasty is the best treatment to meet your needs.
I will carefully assess your upper and lower eyelids as well as the skin in the area around your eyes. You will need to provide a thorough, detailed medical history for me to consider, as well. This is necessary for all plastic surgery consultations.
We will discuss your desired outcome to ensure that the results you want are possible. If blepharoplasty is not the best procedure for you, I will advise you on other cosmetic options.
If you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty in Beverly Hills, we will design a detailed treatment plan to move forward with your procedure. You will also receive complete care instructions and consent forms to fill out at this time.
What Happens During an Eyelid Lift in Beverly Hills
Before your procedure begins, we will once again discuss your desired outcome in the pre-operative area. I may mark your skin to show where your incisions will be.
What Kind of Anesthesia Is Used?
I work alongside a complete surgical team that goes above and beyond to give every patient the best result possible. We will do everything to ensure that your surgery is as smooth as possible. Part of my extended team includes a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Your blepharoplasty in Beverly Hills will be performed under general anesthesia to allow for optimal comfort. I will also administer a numbing solution so that you do not feel pain, even though you will be under anesthesia.
What Does an Eyelid Lift Do?
During your blepharoplasty, my team will be focused on keeping you relaxed and comfortable so that you wake up under the best possible conditions. I pay extra attention to detail during my procedures, while using a calm and gentle hand.
I perform eyelid lifts under a 3.5X microscopic examination to create the most precise and symmetric results. For your upper eyelid, I will make a small incision in the crease of the upper eyelid. Any excess skin will be removed through this incision. For your lower eyelid, I make a small incision along the lash line through which I can remove any excess skin. The lower lashes will hide this incision once it has healed.
I have developed a specialized technique for closing incisions, which involves the use of small sutures. If you have puffiness or bags under the eyes, I make a small incision on the inside of the lower eyelid. Through this incision, I remove the fat that is causing puffiness. During your blepharoplasty, the incisions I make will be virtually invisible once fully healed.
How Long Does an Eyelid Lift Procedure Last?
The duration of your eyelid lift in Beverly Hills can vary depending on your unique needs and surgical plan. Most procedures are anywhere from two to four hours. If you are having both your upper and lower eyelids worked on, your procedure will likely be on the longer side.
Blepharoplasty Recovery and Results: What To Expect
Eyelid Lift in Beverly Hills is an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to return home or to your hotel the same day as your surgery. You will not be able to drive, so you must arrange to have someone take you home and assist you for the first 24 hours.
I take an advanced approach to blepharoplasty that results in minimal pain. Patients report very little discomfort after their eyelid lift. Any discomfort you may experience can be managed with Tylenol.
The healing process for an eyelid lift is relatively easy and straightforward. I take great pride in creating natural-looking results with nearly invisible incisions where patients can truly enjoy their results looking in the mirror every single day. Most importantly, you will still look like yourself, just refreshed and more youthful.
How Long Does Eyelid Lift Recovery Last?
After your eyelid lift in Beverly Hills, there will be minor swelling and bruising that should subside in the first week. I will remove your sutures five to six days post-procedure. It will take about three to four months to see the final result.
Most patients can return to work and resume regular activity within the first week after surgery. After two weeks post-operation, you can resume moderate exercise, such as walking or using a stationary bike. Vigorous exercise, such as running or aerobics, can be resumed after four weeks.
Does an Eyelid Lift Leave Scars?
I have developed an innovative technique for blepharoplasty that results in undetectable scarring once fully healed. After your eyelid lift in Beverly Hills, you will have minimal scarring that will fade entirely about a year after surgery.
You will begin scar treatments with me just two weeks after your procedure to promote optimal healing. We will discuss your scar treatment in detail during your consultation, and after treatment, my team and I will provide you with scar medications. I recommend avoiding sun exposure in the first few months following your surgery, as a sunburn might irritate the surgical site.
About Dr. Cat
Dr. Cat Begovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon who provides blepharoplasty in Beverly Hills. She graduated from Harvard University with Honors in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Then, she received her medical degree from UCLA, where she completed two surgical residencies. Dr. Cat has been in private practice since June of 2010.
With a passion for plastic surgery and a desire to help women feel like the best version of themselves, Dr. Cat is a leading provider in the industry. She goes above and beyond, paying meticulous attention to detail and ensuring her patients have optimal outcomes.
How Obvious Will It Be That I’ve Had an Eyelid Lift?
One of my biggest priorities is ensuring that my patients have a natural-looking outcome to their cosmetic procedure. This is why I approach every blepharoplasty with a gentle touch and attention to detail. My specialized technique for incision closure ensures that you will not be left with noticeable scarring or suture lines.
Will Insurance Cover My Blepharoplasty in Beverly Hills?
Since blepharoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and not a medical necessity, most insurance companies will not provide coverage. However, if you think part of your surgery is medical or functional, we can review the possibilities during your next appointment.
Can I Have Botox Along with Blepharoplasty in Beverly Hills?
For patients with advanced signs of aging around their eyes, Botox can be used in conjunction with blepharoplasty. Botox will help smooth crow's feet, wrinkles, and fine lines around the eyes by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that create these age-related changes. When used in combination with blepharoplasty, the result is smoother skin and a more youthful-looking appearance around the eyes.
Will an Eyelid Lift Affect My Vision?
Blepharoplasty will not have a negative impact on your vision. Some patients actually report that their eyelid lift improved their vision. These are typically patients struggling with impaired vision due to excess skin on their upper eyelid. Excessive heavy skin on the upper eyelid can cause the patient to strain in order to keep their eye open, leading to visual difficulties. After blepharoplasty removes this excess skin, this strain no longer occurs.
Is Blepharoplasty Only for Older Patients?
While most patients who seek blepharoplasty in Beverly Hills are looking to resolve age-related changes, you can have an eyelid lift at any age. Some patients have excess upper eyelid skin due to genetics. Puffiness on the lower lid or under-eye bags can also have causes unrelated to aging. This can be due to a chronic lack of sleep or a genetic predisposition.
