Blepharoplasty for Men Indianapolis

What Is an Eyelid Lift?

An eyelid lift, also known as a blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to correct, alter, or reshape the eyelid’s appearance. The procedure removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. As we age, the skin begins to sag, and sometimes the eyelids suffer the cost of gravity, creating a tired and geriatric-looking appearance in patients’ faces. The eyelid surgery will give you a more refreshed, rested, alert, firmer, and youthful appearance.

Significant improvements in facial aesthetics can be made with a relatively short operation that can be performed under intravenous sedation or entirely with local anesthesia.^[1] Successful blepharoplasty requires a full understanding of the eyelids’ anatomy, a meticulous preop evaluation, and precise attention to detail.^[2] Studies have shown that patients who underwent an eyelid lift experienced a measurable improvement in function and symptoms when operated; and are generally very satisfied with the result of the operation.^[3]

Cosmetic surgery is not and should not be limited to the female gender. Men can benefit just as much from getting work done as any woman can. It’s okay to want to look and feel good about your appearance. Being masculine encompasses so many aspects; aesthetics is one of many. That’s why Dr. Kimberly Short of the Gillian Institute welcomes anyone trying to better themselves with open arms.

With two convenient locations in Northside and Downtown, Dr. Short serves her Indiana community with precision and pride. To learn how you can benefit from an eyelid lift, contact us online or call now at (317) 913-3260 for our northside office or (317) 787-3260 to contact our downtown office.

Prospective patients should note that the blepharoplasty procedure will help define the eyelid crease, but it will not remove lines and wrinkles around the eyes, nor can it change the position of the brows.

Eyelid Procedures

In upper eyelid surgery, the incision is well concealed in the upper eyelid crease. During the preoperative markings, Dr. Short will use an outline to mark the upper lid crease to keep the scars as inconspicuous as possible along the natural folds. Once the incision is made, excess fat and muscle are removed along with loose skin. Very small, fine sutures are used to close the incisions and are removed within three days after surgery to minimize the appearance of the scar.

BROWPEXY

When the excess skin from the upper eyelids is removed, the brows tend to lower without the need to raise any longer (since the excess skin has been removed); a browpexy may be recommended to maintain the brow position by placing a permanent suture to the outer brow. A browpexy is performed to alleviate the need for a traditional browlift procedure, especially in a male patient. A brow lift procedure may not be optimal in male patients since it can result in more feminine-looking contours, and the incision is difficult to conceal in the hairline or scalp, especially with the loss of hair.

LOWER EYELID SURGERY

In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made along the lash line. With lower eyelid surgery, the incision could also be located inside the lower eyelid, referred to as a transconjunctival approach, eliminating the need for sutures. In many patients older than 40 years of age and depending on the lower eyelid muscle laxity, a transconjunctival approach may be recommended to prevent a complication referred to as ectropion, where the lower eyelid may turn outward after surgery. Lower eyelid massage following surgery is recommended for the first few weeks to allow the lower eyelids to heal properly by keeping the underlying connective tissue soft and supple to prevent scar tissue.

Reasons for an Eyelid Lift

Excess upper lid or lower lid skin and excess fatty tissue
Overhanging skin in the upper eyelids or lower eyelids
“Droopy” eyelids
Puffiness to the upper or lower eyelids
Tired appearance or “bags” to the lower eyelids

Benefits of an Eyelid Lift

A more refreshed, youthful appearance to the upper portion of the face
A more rested appearance to the eyelids
Remove excess skin, puffiness, and bags under the eyelids
Enhances ability to see in the peripheral field
Increased self-confidence

Candidates

The ideal candidate for an eyelid lift is any healthy, non-smoking male who wishes to treat their issues with sagging skin or fatty deposits on the upper or lower eyelids. Please note that an eyelid lift does not address dark circles under the eyes, crow’s feet, or sagging eyebrows. Prospective candidates will not be considered if they are prone to eye infections.

Personal Consultation

Your meeting allows Dr. Short the opportunity to understand your medical history, as well as your upcoming goals.

Communication is vital, so you will be encouraged to ask plenty of questions and discuss your options. It is important to address any concerns with Dr. Short at the time of your consultation. As with any surgical procedure, there is some element of risk. Dr. Short can explain the procedure and potential complications to you in full detail, and she can help you determine if a blepharoplasty is right for you.

Preparation / The Day of Surgery

Plan to take time off work so that you may properly heal. Take seven to ten days off work to allow for bruising and swelling to subside. Pain is minimal. You will need someone to care for you for the first 24-36 hours after the procedure. You may need a driver for your first post-operative appointment for three to four days if swelling is affecting your vision, so have a family member or a friend on-call to assist you.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, usually under light or general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 1.5-2 hours for an upper or lower blepharoplasty or 2.5-3 hours for both, depending on the incision placement.

After Surgery

Depending on the incision that was used, the sutures will be removed within 3-4 days after your surgery. Most of the swelling and bruising will subside seven days after your procedure. Dr. Short will prescribe an ointment (Puralube or Lacrilube) to prevent dryness to the eyes, used primarily at night. Blurred vision may be present for the first week until the swelling resolves. Lower lid massage will be recommended after 2-3 days to maintain softness and mobility of the lower eyelid.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Your body is more than just a collection of limbs and organs. It is a powerfully integrated machine as well as a work of art. Dr. Short and the Gillian Institute team take a holistic approach to enhancement, building you up wherever you desire a little extra attention.

COOLSCULPTING

CoolSculpting is a revolutionary fat reduction technology that utilizes ultra-cooled, controlled temperatures to kill the underlying fat cells without damaging the skin’s outermost layer. The procedure is FDA-approved and backed up by science.

BOTOX

Botox is the legendary injectable neuromodulator that creates a tighter, more youthful facial appearance by blocking the chemical responsible for tensing our muscles. Botox is not just for women. Many men enjoy the benefits of Botox’s patented facial rejuvenation, and the stigma surrounding it is, thankfully, beginning to die out. Give Botox a shot!

CHEMICAL PEEL

A chemical peel is a dermatological technique designed to exfoliate, enhance, and smooth out the facial skin texture. This procedure removes the skin’s outer layers through a chemical solution that creates a controlled injury to the epidermis. The healing process regenerates new skin tissue, with the dead skin peeling away. This new skin ends up smoother and less wrinkled.

We regularly update our blog in a continued effort to communicate with our Indiana friends and neighbors. Take a look and share your insights with Dr. Short and the Gillian Institute on social media. You can find them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube. We look forward to hearing from you.

More FAQs

WHAT IS AN EYELID LIFT?

An eyelid lift, also known as a blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to correct, alter, or reshape the eyelid’s appearance.

WHAT ISSUES DOES AN EYELID LIFT ADDRESS?

Excess skin on the upper or lower lid and excess fatty tissue
Overhanging skin in the upper or lower eyelids
“Droopy” eyelids
Puffiness to the upper and, or, lower eyelids
Tired appearance or “bags” to the lower eyelid

WHAT ARE “BAGS?”

“Bags” under the eyes are the result of the fat that supports our eyes becoming weaker with age, causing the lower lids to sag or push forward, creating a swollen and puffy look. Unfortunately, excess fluids can also gather below your eyes, creating additional puffiness. Causes of under-eye fluid retention can include smoking, allergies, genetics, and insomnia.“Bags” under the eyes are the result of the fat that supports our eyes becoming weaker with age, causing the lower lids to sag or push forward, creating a swollen and puffy look. Unfortunately, excess fluids can also gather below your eyes, creating additional puffiness. Causes of under-eye fluid retention can include smoking, allergies, genetics, and insomnia.

References

Drolet, Brian C. M.D.; Sullivan, Patrick K. M.D. Evidence-Based Medicine, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: May 2014 – Volume 133 – Issue 5 – p 1195-1205 doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000000087
Biesman, Brian S. “Blepharoplasty.” Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, vol. 18, no. 2, 31 May 1999, pp. 129–138., doi:10.1016/s1085-5629(99)80037-6. https://europepmc.org/article/med/10385281
Jacobsen, A. G., Brost, B., Vorum, H., & Hargitai, J. (2017). Functional benefits and patient satisfaction with upper blepharoplasty – evaluated by objective and subjective outcome measures. Acta Ophthalmologica, 95(8), 820-825. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.13385

Procedure

Eyelid Lift for Men