Dr. Allan Wulc of W Cosmetic Surgery is pleased to offer blepharoplasty in Philadelphia to patients who are ready to look more refreshed and rejuvenated by improving the look of their eyelids.
We tend to notice signs of aging around our eyes far sooner than in other areas. Puffiness, sagging skin, and wrinkles around the upper and lower eyelids may make us appear tired and unhappy when in reality we are well-rested and joyful. The good news is that blepharoplasty may resolve these issues and resolve sagging eyelid skin and allow our eyes to open more fully.
The Goal of Blepharoplasty Surgery
Dr. Wulc performs eyelid surgery in Philadelphia to improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. This procedure is often performed to treat loose or sagging skin that causes folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelids. It may also resolve excess skin and wrinkles of the lower eyelid, drooping lower eyelids, under eye bags, and fatty deposits that lead to puffiness.
Good Candidates for Blepharoplasty
Patients who are tired of always looking tired and searching for a way to rejuvenate their upper and lower eyelids may benefit from blepharoplasty. This procedure may also be a good option if droopy eyelids obstruct a patient’s vision and make it difficult for them to see.
We recommend eyelid surgery to non-smokers who are in good general health and are not facing any serious eye conditions. Patients should have realistic expectations and accept the fact that this procedure will enhance the look of their upper face rather than completely change their appearance.
It’s important to note that there is not one particular age that is ideal for this procedure. In some cases, patients in their early 20s see the need for blepharoplasty. More often, however, men and women in their mid-30s and 40s who are bothered by the appearance of their eye region opt for eyelid surgery.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Results
Not every patient’s journey to eyelid rejuvenation is the same. Together, we’ll help you discover the best treatment options to restore youth and beauty to your eyes. Some typical results of upper and lower eyelid procedures are featured in our gallery.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
What to Expect During Consultation
Patients who are interested in blepharoplasty are encouraged to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Wulc to determine whether they are a good candidate for this procedure. Dr. Wulc will review a patient’s medical history and take a close look at their eye area to determine what can be done.
He will also learn about their desired results and share before and after images so that patients understand how the procedure may enhance their eye region. During the consultation, patients are encouraged to ask questions related to the blepharoplasty itself as well as the recovery period.
How to Prepare for a Blepharoplasty
Prior to the patient’s blepharoplasty, Dr. Wulc will make a number of pre-surgery recommendations. Patients will be asked to stop taking medications like aspirin and ibuprofen for at least two weeks before the procedure. Patients who smoke will need to quit at least a month before the surgery as smoking may prolong the recovery process and drastically increase complication risk.
In addition, patients should make arrangements for a ride home after their blepharoplasty as they will not be able to drive after it’s been completed. On the day of the surgery, patients will be encouraged to arrive early without any lotion or makeup on their face.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Dr. Wulc can perform either an upper, lower blepharoplasty or both in certain cases. Upper eyelid surgery is designed to resolve upper eyelid skin that lingers over the eyes. In some cases, it may also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles surrounding the eye area. Upper eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia.
It begins when Dr. Wulc places incisions within the natural crease of the eyelid so that he can easily hide the scars. He will remove any excess fat or drooping skin so that the area can be tightened in a way that leads to a younger, natural-looking appearance. Dr. Wulc may focus on bringing out the eyes so that they can become more prominent.
Lower eyelid surgery may remove puffiness or bags under the eyes. Due to its more intricate nature, lower eyelid surgery is typically conducted under general anesthesia. Dr. Wulc uses the subciliary method and places the incision right below the lower eyelashes so that the scar won’t be as visible. Sometimes, he’ll place the incision on the inside of the lower eyelid so that he can remove fat as well as a bit of skin below the eyelashes. Lower eyelid surgery also focuses on removing excess fat and skin.
How to Recover from Blepharoplasty
Most patients are relieved to find out that recovering from upper, lower, or combination blepharoplasty is easy. While there is mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness, these side effects usually fade away quickly.
Once the blepharoplasty has been completed, patients will be permitted to return home as long as they keep the tape over their incisions. They can expect this tape to be removed two days after during their initial post-surgery appointment. Their sutures will be at their second post-surgery appointment, which will likely take place a week after their procedure.
Patients will be encouraged to stay at home and rest for a few days after surgery. They should avoid exercise or other strenuous activities. In most cases, patients return to work and their everyday responsibilities within eight to 12 days after their surgery. At this point, their swelling and bruising should be at a minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Blepharoplasty Surgery
How long does blepharoplasty take?
Eyelid surgery usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete at our location in Philadelphia.
How long does eyelid surgery last?
Blepharoplasty typically lasts seven or eight years when it is performed on the upper eyelids. This is because the natural aging process may lead to fat and skin accumulation on the lids. Fortunately, patients may receive another eyelid surgery for their upper eyelids if their results begin to diminish. The good news is that the second procedures are rarely necessary for the lower eyelids.
While blepharoplasty can help you appear more refreshed, it will not get rid of crow’s feet, dark circles, and wrinkles that are often seen around the eye region. If you are concerned about them, your surgeon can recommend an alternative treatment. You can also combine other treatments with blepharoplasty. Philadelphia-based Dr. Wulc will discuss your options during a consultation.
Although eyelid surgery is often considered a cosmetic procedure, it may be necessary for medical reasons. For example, if your upper eyelid makes it difficult for you to see, a blepharoplasty may be a medical necessity. Dr. Wulc can help you determine this during a consultation.
An upper eyelid lift removes excess skin and fat. It may also alter the muscles around the eyelids. A lower eyelid lift, however, is designed to improve sagging and puffiness that are often seen under the eyes. This procedure involved Dr. Wulc removing or repositioning the fat to get rid of excess skin and tighten the muscles in the lower eyelid.
Yes! Many patients choose to pair their blepharoplasty with a facelift, fat grafting, or another procedure that allows them to achieve an overall more youthful appearance.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Can makeup be worn after blepharoplasty?
Many women ask us whether they are allowed to wear eyeliner, mascara, and other eye makeup after their surgery. Dr. Wulc recommends they wait at least two to three weeks after the surgery before applying eye makeup so that they can ensure their incision heals efficiently.
Does eyelid surgery lead to vision changes?
Although some patients may face temporary changes to their vision, there will not be any permanent vision changes. Patients can expect a clear vision about three weeks after their eyelid surgery.
How much bruising can I expect after blepharoplasty?
Typically, bruising after eyelid surgery lasts 5 to 10 days. Patients can conceal their bruising after their stitches have been removed by applying a light powder or foundation. This may be a good idea for both men and women.
How does LASIK affect eyelid surgery?
LASIK is a popular procedure that allows patients to achieve excellent vision so they no longer have to wear glasses or contacts. Patients who have undergone LASIK often wonder how eyelid surgery will affect their LASIK results.
While blepharoplasty will not affect LASIK results, it may lead to dry eye syndrome. Dr. Wulc encourages patients to inform them if they’ve had LASIK so that he can suggest ointments or proper eye drops to help them recover.
Can blepharoplasty be performed on men?
Of course! In fact, blepharoplasty is popular among men. Saggy eyelids can make them appear older and constantly exhausted. Men, just like women, often desire to improve their eye region so they can appear happier and more relaxed. If you are wondering whether you’ll be a good enough candidate for blepharoplasty, Philadelphia’s Dr. Wulc can answer any questions you may have during your initial consultation.
What are the complications of blepharoplasty?
Complications of blepharoplasty include exacerbation of dry eye, inability to close the eyes, scarring, hemorrhage, pigment changes, lumps, irregularities of lid crease and contour, inability to close the eyes, paralysis, double vision, perforation of the globe and blindness, and eyelid tightness after blepharoplasty. For a period of time after surgery, the eyelids feel tight. This is due to the swelling and temporary weakness of the muscle caused by the surgery itself. This almost always improves over time. The amount of time varies based on the aggressiveness of the surgeon or the surgery, but in our practice, it is present in our most sensitive patients for approximately four to six weeks. Others don’t seem to notice.
Lumpy scars:
A patient reports, “I have lumpy scars after my blepharoplasty elsewhere. What’s going on?” It is possible that your surgeon moved fat around when the surgery was performed (adjacent fat transfer). This is an increasingly popular procedure. These lumps may or may not get better and can be treated both with massage and occasionally with injection. This does not happen in our practice because we don’t do this procedure. Along the incision lines, small bumps can form. These are called milia and are usually related to ingrowth of skin around the suture line. These can occur with absorbable sutures or nonabsorbable sutures. These are easily treated in the office by unroofing them. The healing takes approximately one week.
My blepharoplasty failed to correct my issues. What is the problem?
The failure of a blepharoplasty is a rarity. Usually, the surgeon removes enough skin and fat that there is an improvement, but improvement may not be to the extent that you like. Sometimes this occurs because other issues have not simultaneously been addressed such as drooping of the brow with a brow lift, or drooping of the cheeks with a mid face lift. Often, a long lower eyelid cannot be treated by blepharoplasty alone and requires either liposculpture, fat transfer, nano fat transfer, or a midface or cheek lift. Occasionally a face lift also can worsen the area around the eyes if the cheek tissues are redraped unfavorably.
A blepharoplasty failure can also be interpreted as a procedure that does not provide a desirable result or that leaves excess fat or skin. In these cases, a minor procedure often improves the result. This is not a failure. It is a work in progress.
What is double eyelid surgery?
Double eyelid surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in Asia. A single eyelid is seen in many Asians. The eye is missing a lid crease, namely that area where women typically apply eye shadow. This is an eyelid that extends from the orbital bone down to the lashes without a lid crease. Double eyelid surgery creates a lid crease—a place were you would wear eye shadow if that were your goal. A Western eyelid has a long, deep, hollow upper eyelid crease. A double eyelid in Asians should be created at a much lower level. In general, when we perform Asian eyelid surgery, we decide with the patient where the double eyelid crease should be placed. It is then placed there precisely with the agreement of the patient. Tailored to the goal of the patient.
Festoon laser treatment:
The most desirable treatment for malar festoons is laser therapy. We have been performing this surgery since 2007. We have CO2 and Erbium technologies but prefer Erbium laser because of the more rapid recovery and less frequent complications. We use the dual-mode Sciton Erbium laser. We have other modalities of treatment that are less aggressive than this as well and have recently presented papers on this nationally including the Global Aesthetic Surgery Meeting and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Meeting.
What are the causes of malar festoons? I have swelling on my cheeks below the eye. What are the causes?
Malar festoons are most commonly caused by thyroid issues. We see them in patients that have hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or who have had a bout of thyroiditis in the past. Often an episode of thyroiditis would go unnoticed and only show up in bloodwork. When we see patients with festoons, we will almost always under thyroid studies along with antibody studies to show whether you have had a bout of thyroiditis in the past. You might be completely asymptomatic other than having these festoons. Other causes of festoons include rosacea, protein-deficient states, kidney failure, certain drugs, and sleep apnea. Wearing a sleep apnea device alone can cause obstruction of draining and fluid accumulation which is worse in the morning when you take off the mask.
Why Choose Dr. Wulc for Philadelphia Blepharoplasty
If you live in Philadelphia and are interested in eyelid surgery, you owe it to yourself to visit Dr. Wulc of W Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Allan Wulc, MD, FACS, is board certified by the ABMS board in Ophthalmology. Additionally, he is board certified in Facial Cosmetic Surgery by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, where he served as a trustee for six years. He is also board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Physician Specialists.
He is further trained in Oculoplastic Surgery, Orbital Surgery, and Cosmetic Surgery and a diplomate of the nationally recognized and highly exclusive American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Academy of Surgeons.
He has 30 years in practice and committed to helping each patient achieve natural, beautiful blepharoplasty results. He has successfully conducted countless upper and lower blepharoplasties and can serve as your go-to resource before, during, and after eyelid surgery. He’ll take the time to understand your aesthetic concerns and design a customized eyelid treatment plan that can lead to a more relaxed and refreshed appearance. You can count on him to be there for you during every stage of your surgical process.
- Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology
- Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery by the ASOPRS
- Cosmetic Surgery, Facial by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery by the American Board of Physician Specialties
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Schedule a Blepharoplasty Consultation in Philadelphia at W Cosmetic Surgery
What are you waiting for? If you’d like to look younger and more vibrant by improving the look of your eyelids, schedule a blepharoplasty consultation with Philadelphia’s own Dr. Wulc today. You can give us a call at 610-828-8880 or fill out our handy online contact form. We look forward to helping you restore your self-confidence.