Cosmetic Eyelid (Blepharoplasty) Surgery in Scottsdale

Many people consider the eyes to be the "windows to the soul."  Adults and children alike can discern the slightest change in expression or emotion by watching the eyes.  A survey in 2008 showed that men and women alike first look at the eyes of people they meet.  The eyelids, therefore, act to frame and accentuate one of the most attractive and unique features of the human face.  Whether masculine or feminine, our concept of facial harmony always includes eyelids with definition, smooth skin and gradual transition zones.  Of course, the eyelids also serve the vital purpose of protecting and lubricating our eyes.  This function must be repaired when necessary and maintained when any treatment of the eyelids is performed.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Changes that affect the upper eyelid include the development of excess skin, the appearance of excess fat (especially near the nose), a drop in the angle of the eyelashes and lowered position of the eyelid.  Sometimes, this can even reduce the vision in the upper fields.

The cosmetic operation most commonly performed on the upper eyelids is reasonably minor, but should only be performed by an experienced, properly trained surgeon.  In most cases, the procedure can be performed under light or medium sedation in an outpatient or office setting.  Incisions are hidden such that they are essentially invisible.  The recovery period is 5-7 days before sutures are removed.  The recovery is painless and involves fairly simple care of the healing areas.  Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries (like lower eyelid surgery, facelift, nose surgery, etc.) without significantly prolonged recovery or added risk.

Dr. Holden is an experienced and artful surgeon of the eyelids.  To arrange your personal consultation with Dr. Holden, contact our office.

Asian Eyelid Surgery

A specialty area of eyelid surgery is the treatment of the Asian eyelid.  This most often involves creation or improvement of the "double eyelid" crease or lifting the upper eyelid skin to reveal the eyelid margin and lashes.  The important aspects of this operation are a conservative approach to skin and fat removal as well as repositioning or creation of an eyelid crease that is refined and natural in appearance.  Surgeon selection is exquisitely important for surgery on the Asian eyelid as the anatomy and cosmetic considerations are different.

Dr. Holden is an experienced surgeon of Asian eyelids (and noses too).  If you are Asian and considering eyelid surgery, contact our office to arrange a consultation with Dr. Holden.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Patients requesting lower eyelid surgery usually are concerned about "bags" or pouches under their eyes, lines in the eyelid skin, changes in the lower eyelid position, changes in the tone or texture of the eyelid skin, or excess tearing from one or both eyes.  The goals of lower eyelid surgery depend on the area of concern for the patient, but in most cases, the contour of the lid is smoothed, bags or pouches are removed, the skin texture is improved, there is a lift in volume and removal of any low spots.

The lower eyelid is more complex but cosmetic surgery in this area in the proper hands can be very rewarding.  Once again, the importance of a properly trained, experienced eyelid surgeon is vital to assure the best outcome.  There are two common approaches - an incision hidden behind the eyelid (transconjunctival) and an incision directly through the eyelid skin below the lashes (subciliary).  The chosen approach depends on the goals of the surgery and each patient's individual preference. 

Any external incisions from lower eyelid surgery are essentially invisible once fully healed.  The recovery period is 5-7 days before sutures are removed (although there are usually no sutures for the transconjunctival approach).  As with upper eyelid surgery, bruising may persist for a few days longer, but are generally easy to conceal.  In some cases, lower eyelid surgery is combined with laser treatment to the lower eyelid skin or the areas around the eye.  As with upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries (like upper eyelid surgery, facelift, nose surgery, etc.) without significantly prolonged recovery or added risk.

Dr. Holden's techniques for lower eyelid surgery as well as his artistic eye for facial harmony enable his patients to achieve the best results.  Call our office today to arrange a consultation with Dr. Holden.

Other Eyelid Procedures

The eyelids are complex and often require additional procedures for proper function and cosmetic appearance.  These can include lid tightening procedures, procedures to raise drooping eyelids, suspension procedures for the corner of the eye and repairs from complications of prior surgery. 

Dr. Holden is an expert in eyelid surgery with extensive training and experience.  If you are considering eyelid surgery for any reason, Contact Us to arrange a consultation with Dr. Holden.