Blepharoplasty Q&A with Dr. Gilardino
Correct your hooded eyelids with a blepharoplasty.
There’s a common saying that “the eyes are the window of the soul” and it’s universally known that bright gazing eyes attract attention. Unfortunately, aging results in excess skin and visibly fat in the upper and lower eyelid areas resulting in a tired look. These changes can have a negative impact on the perception of facial aging with common complaints being a constant look of fatigue or sadness, despite an overall normally aging face. To reverse these signs of aging, upper or lower eyelid surgery (known as “blepharoplasty”) is beneficial, and results in a more youthful and rested appearance around the eyes.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that targets the upper and lower eyelids. It can either be performed alone or in combination with other facial rejuvenations procedures such as a face lift, neck lift, facial revolumization with grafting and/or laser resurfacing to maximize the benefits. When performed alone, eyelid surgery is commonly done under local anesthesia. During the surgery, Dr. Gilardino will address visible fat or loose skin using nearly-imperceptible incisions. Blepharoplasties usually require two weeks of convalescence.
Am I a good candidate ?
Anyone can get a blepharoplasty surgery but older patients are ideal candidates if they experience loss of elasticity in the upper eyelid area, have deep wrinkles or fat in the lower eyelid area and wish for a more lifted and youthful appearance.
A younger patient might get this surgery if they show signs of premature aging or fatigue around the eyes.
What are the advantages of a blepharoplasty ?
The principal advantages of getting a blepharoplasty surgery is to lift the skin to enhance the shape of the eyes and give an overall refreshed appearance.
Blepharoplasty procedure
Wanting a refreshed look? Getting a blepharoplasty surgery is straightforward. First, a 45 minutes consultation with Dr. Gilardino will be conducted to discuss goals and expectations. Second, his surgical coordinator will go over pricing and options. Since there is a large demand for his expertise, book your consultation early to maximize the chance surgery can be done during your desired time frame. The surgery itself takes an hour or two depending on the procedure and recovery time is roughly two weeks.
1. Eyelid surgery consultation
Dr. Gilardino’s consultations are 45 minutes. This is the time to ask him all your questions regarding the surgery. He will be able to answer you and talk about your expectations, the convalescence as well as give you an overall idea of what can be improved.
2. The day of the blepharoplasty surgery
We understand that the day of the surgery can be stressful for you but you’re in good hands! Dr. Gilardino has an amazing team, and you will be well taken care of. You will have a pre-operative visit with Annie our dedicated aesthetics nurse to review your surgery and post-operative course and medications. On the day of surgery, you will be greeted by our head OR nurse Pamela an hour before your procedure. She will review a safety checklist to ensure everything is ready for your surgery. Dr. Gilardino will then see you to review your procedure and answer any last minute questions. You will also meet the anaesthetist if your procedure is being done under general anaesthesia.
3. During the surgery
During the surgery, you will not feel any pain. Depending on the type of anesthesia you’ve been given, you might be aware or sedated (sleepy). You will be brought to the recovery room after the procedure to rest until you are ready to go home.
4. Blepharoplasty recovery
Your eyelids will likely be swollen or bruised. This improves rapidly over the course of the next 7-10 days. The recovery itself is about two weeks but you might be feeling better and be ready to work earlier.