Eyelid Surgery in The Woodlands, Texas, with Dr. W. Marshall Guy
Among the many other incredible facial procedures offered at Dr. Guy Facial Plastic Surgery, eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, aims to restore the skin and tissues around your eyes. This popular cosmetic procedure presents an excellent means to regain your youthful expressions and highlight your individuality to the world around you once again!
Dr. W Marshall Guy takes pride in providing his patients with the best eyelid surgery in The Woodlands, TX. As a double board-certified and expertly trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Guy genuinely understands the intricacies of the human face and eyes. He’ll use his knowledge, skills, and exceptional level of patient care to give you an experience that is as wonderful as your results.
If you would like to learn more about blepharoplasty in The Woodlands and Shenandoah, TX, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Guy today!
What is Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to rejuvenate the upper and lower eyelids. As we age, fat beneath our skin can begin to protrude from behind and around the eyelids. While these pads are held in place by a tight membrane when we are younger, they will start to push outward and become more noticeable as we get older. Our skin may also begin to sag over the top of our eyes, making it difficult to see. Eyelid surgery looks to address these issues to provide you with a more youthful appearance naturally and subtly.
View: Eyelid Surgery with Dr. Guy
What are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery with Dr. Guy?
Dr. Guy is a facial specialist, which means he is almost certainly more qualified than a typical plastic surgeon when it comes to the face. In addition to his exceptional academic achievements, Dr. Guy is knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely wants to help his patients find the peace of mind that they deserve. If you have any questions or concerns along any step of the way, he’ll be there to help.
Some of the significant advantages of eyelid surgery with Dr. Guy include:
The best results start with the correct assessment. Dr. Guy will use his expertise to pinpoint precisely how to give you the eyelid surgery results that you are looking for.
Because Dr. Guy is a facial specialist, he harbors a deep understanding of human facial anatomy. He takes a personalized approach to aesthetics, rather than relying on a “one size fits all” solution. This helps to avoid creating a hollow or “done” look and provides for a natural result.
Since this is a surgical procedure that completely restores your eyelids, it is meant to be permanent. It won’t stop the natural aging process, but removing these fat pads when indicated and the excess skin can have an incredible and lasting effect.
Blepharoplasty effectively restores a more youthful-looking appearance to the upper and lower eyelids. This helps to get rid of the “tired” look aging can create around the eyes.
Ready to Look Your Best?
Your Blepharoplasty Procedure
Dr. Guy typically breaks down the operation into two different sub-procedures: the upper eyelids and the lower eyelids.
Upper Eyelids
When addressing the upper eyelids, Dr. Guy will:
- Make an incision into the natural crease above the eyelid.
- Determine the excess skin visually and then confirm that by measuring your excess skin with a surgical instrument.
- Remove fat from the same incision, if needed.
What’s also great about upper eyelid surgery is that it is well-tolerated, and Dr. Guy can perform it in the office under local anesthetic. The whole procedure takes less than an hour and is easily tolerated. This makes the treatment more cost-effective and also allows for a more comfortable first day to recover, without the grogginess of anesthesia
Lower Eyelids
For lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Guy typically chooses between three different approaches: transconjunctival, subciliary, and subtarsal.
For younger patients who only have excess fat, Dr. Guy will make an incision into the pink part of the eyelid, which leaves no external incisions. This approach can address the fat without leaving any visible scars. However, it does not address the skin, so it isn’t an option for everyone.
Like the subtarsal approach, this option addresses both the skin and fat. In this method, Dr. Guy will make an incision just below the eyelashes, which can be camouflaged almost immediately after surgery. The only drawback is that if you look closely, about 20% of patients with this approach will have a change to the shape of their eyelids. This can be an option for patients who don’t have weakness of the structure holding up the eyelid.
In this technique, Dr. Guy makes the incision about 2 to 3 mm lower than the subciliary incision. This helps to minimize the risk of changing the eyelid position and shape, but the scar is visible for the first few months. Since it is placed in a natural crease it eventually blends in and becomes essentially imperceptible. Dr. Guy traditionally opts for the subtarsal incision, as a temporarily visible incision is better than a life-long eyelid position change.
Dr. Guy has mastered each of these procedures and will recommend the method that he feels is right for you during your consultation.
Who is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
While Dr. Guy wishes he could help every patient achieve their desired aesthetic goals, he also values your safety above all else. For this reason, he will guide you through a comprehensive medical examination.
Typically, eyelid surgery candidates:
- Are in good general health.
- Have excess skin or fat around the upper and lower eyelids.
- Can realistically benefit from the procedure.
- Have realistic expectations of what the procedure can do.
- Understand the risks of surgical procedures.
If you meet these general criteria, it’s now time to meet with Dr. Guy for your in-person consultation!
Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation with Dr. W. Marshall Guy
If you have decided that you would like to take the next step towards the results you want, Dr. Guy would be happy to meet with you for a friendly discussion. In your one on one consultation, you’ll be able to voice any questions or concerns and learn more about the intricacies of the procedure or any other procedures you are interested in.
Learn more about why patients choose Dr. Guy for their blepharoplasty in The Woodlands, Spring, Cypress, and Kingwood areas of Texas by calling (832) 956-1040, or schedule a consultation today!
It's Your Time to Look Your Best!
Dr. Guy is a specialist in all areas of rejuvenation and reconstruction for the face and neck. As a double board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Guy knows that everyone ages differently and that there is no one size fits all when it comes to restoring a youthful appearance. From surgical options like a facelift to non-surgical options like Botox® and dermal fillers, there’s never a better time to look your best.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs with Dr. Guy
For more specific information on Eyelid surgery, check out the FAQ section below.
A vital aspect of eyelid surgery is determining what caused the eyelid condition in the first place. It may be genetics (mom and dad), overall health status, or even a number of medical conditions that can affect the eyes, including thyroid problems. When choosing a blepharoplasty surgeon, he or she must appreciate the eyes in relation to the face to avoid the “overcorrected” or “hollow” look.
For mild bags, a dermal filler may be all that is needed to camouflage the appearance. For more advanced cases, the options are to either remove the fat bags with surgery or to reposition the fat bags. Dr. Guy will work closely with you to determine your best options.
In addition to fat bags, the skin over your eyelids may also begin to sag, which is a condition called dermatochalasis. The upper eyelid skin can start to weigh down the eye, and in some instances, begin to obstruct vision. In this case, insurance may cover the cost of surgery.
Yes. If needed, both the upper and lower eyelids can be corrected at the same time. This allows both to heal at the same time making for a quicker recovery than two separate procedures.
Eyelid surgery can help to refresh the eyelids. As we age, the eyes can begin to look tired. This can be from heaviness above, fullness below, or a combination of heaviness and fullness above and below.
Eyelid surgery can help to reverse these changes providing a more refreshed look. Patients also frequently note their eyes feel more awake and less tired at the end of the day once they no longer have to hold up all of the excess eyelid skin.
With upper eyelid surgery, the incision is placed into your natural crease. This makes the scar nearly imperceptible almost immediately. For the lower eyelid, we usually place the eyelid in a natural crease or just below the eyelashes depending on one’s anatomy.
Both of these blend very nicely, and after about a month, look just like a natural line you’ve had your whole life. For some patients on the lower eyelids, the incision is made behind the eyelid, and there is no visible external incision.
The eyelids will begin to get a little swollen and a little bruised. There is not usually much, if any, pain other than a slight sunburn sensation along the incision line. We do have our patients rest, relax, and use cold compresses to minimize the swelling.
The recovery for eyelids is one of the easiest. You will feel back to normal around the second day after surgery. The healing will take about a week for the upper eyelids and about 10-14 days for the lower eyelids.
Most bad scars are caused by excess tension on the wound. Eyelid incisions tend to heal very well and nearly inconspicuously. Of course, everyone will need to be evaluated to assess if they are a candidate for surgery, given the individual’s medical history.
I always encourage patients to participate in the process. After all, it is their body. There are limitations with any incisions, and we will discuss that at the time of surgery to help conclude as to which approach will be best for the patient.
The eyelids will have the same shape (i.e., they will not appear more rounded or slanted). However, the excess skin that is weighing them down and the heaviness will be removed, so the eyelids should look much better.
Everyone is unique. Dr. Guy does not use a cookie-cutter approach to surgery. As a result, your uniqueness will be maintained and simply appear more youthful.
The short answer is yes; we can always just operate on one side. This would very rarely be recommended because in order to maintain the appearance of symmetry, both eyes likely need to be addressed.
The excess skin and fat removed will always be gone. However, eyelid surgery does not prevent aging. This means that with time the skin can sag, and the fat can begin to push forward again. With regards to the fat, we don’t remove all of the fat during surgery anymore, as it leads to a hollow appearance. This means the residual fat can begin to push forward again years later.
Upper eyelid surgery is frequently performed in our clinic under local anesthetic. The surgical center is also an option for those who would prefer. The procedure is performed by marking out the natural crease above the eyelid. A surgical instrument is then used to measure the excess skin. Once this is done, the eyes are anesthetized, and the procedure is performed. Any excess fat is removed at the same time.
Lower eyelids are most frequently performed in the surgical center unless it is only skin causing the excess. The planned crease is marked, and then the extra fat and skin are removed. In some cases, the excess fat is repositioned to improve the contour of the tear trough.
The conventional technique will involve scissors or a knife to remove the extra skin. The laser will use a laser to remove the excess skin.
The use of a laser has been shown to decrease bruising with eyelid surgery.
The risk of a laser is that it requires extra precautions to be used to avoid a fire in the operating room. The eyeball also needs to be protected to avoid vision loss if the laser inadvertently goes too deep. As with any eyelid surgery, there is usually minimal discomfort.
Most people will feel a slight sunburn sensation along the incision line for the day. Otherwise, the recovery period is quite easy, with minimal discomfort.
For upper eyelid surgery, it takes about 45 minutes. When combined with lower eyelid surgery, it usually takes about an hour and a half. Of course, everyone is unique, so your surgery may take a little longer or be a little shorter.
The surgery takes about an hour to an hour and a half based on the procedures planned. It takes another week or so for the healing to take place. The recovery is quite easy, and most people can be back to usual, non-athletic activity within a few days.
For upper eyelid surgery in the office, patients have the option to have a valium. If they want to have the valium, then they cannot drive home. Patients can drive themselves home if they don’t want it.
You will look great within about -1-2 weeks without most people being able to tell you had surgery.
Swelling and bruising are common to any procedure, as that is how the body heals. For upper eyelids, both are quite minimal. For lower eyelids, there is a little puffiness and usually a little bruise below both eyes that can be a little noticeable given its location.
Eyelid surgery will cause the gland that makes tears to decrease production for about three months. Patients without dry eyes don’t usually even notice it. Those with pre-existing dry eyes will notice they use their wetting drops a little more frequently.
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is designed to improve the appearance of the eyes. This usually entails removing the excess skin and protruding fat that develops with age.
Given the quick recovery, minimal discomfort, and fast results, eyelid surgery has a very high satisfaction rate.
A common misconception is that eyelid surgery will remove more than what it does. Eyelid surgery helps to remove excess skin and fat above and below the eyes. The lines on the sides of the eyes, commonly referred to as crow’s feet, do not improve from eyelid surgery. These are treated with a combination of a neuromodulator like Botox or Dysport to minimize them and resurfacing like lasers or chemical peels to improve them.
For droopy eyebrows, commonly occurring as a fold on the side of the eyelid, a brow lifting procedure is needed.
Dark circles can be caused by numerous conditions. IF the cause is from extra fat below the eyes creating a shadow, lower eyelid surgery will help. If it is more from discoloration of the skin, then surgery won’t be able to improve that.
Blepharoplasty can do wonders to improve the bags in the lower eyelids. That is one of the most common reasons to have that surgery. For the dark circles caused by skin discoloration, treatment can include IPL, skin creams, platelet-rich fibrin, etc.
The physical exam is the most important determinant. If the brows are sagging, they will give the illusion of extra eyelid skin. An eyelid surgery wouldn’t help and can actually make the brows look even heavier in this case. For some who have both sagging eyelids and droopy eyebrows, both treatments may be needed.
The face tends to show signs of aging before the eyes. This is why people frequently have a facelift first. Others that show signs of aging around the eyes may have the eyelid surgery done years before the facelift. It all depends on the individual’s anatomy.
Patients with excess skin, protruding fat, and realistic expectations are excellent candidates for an eyelid surgery.
Yes. We usually wait several months after the above procedures to ensure your eye has healed before considering addressing the eyelids.
There is no upper or lower age limit for eyelid surgery. As long as the patient is healthy and has signs of aging, we can improve upon them with surgery.
For those patients whose eyelids are so heavy they are obstructing vision, insurance may cover the procedure.
Any surgery will leave a scar. However, the incisions for eyelid surgery are in such well-concealed locations that they are rarely noticeable.
For those healthy enough for surgery, surgery is very safe. The longer surgery is, the more risk that can develop. Since the surgery is such a short duration, it carries minimal risk.
There are risks with any surgery or procedure. With eyelid surgery, this includes some discomfort, minimal bruising/bleeding, very low risk for infection, scars, need for repeat operations, inability to close the eyes, eyelid malposition, vision loss, and double vision. Although all of these are possible, most are exceedingly rare. There will be some swelling, a few drops of blood, and some slight discomfort for the average patient.
For those not performing manual labor, most can be back at work within a few days as long as they are not taking any prescription pain medication.
I request my patients to refrain from sports or exercise for two weeks after surgery to minimize swelling and bruising.
Complete resumption of normal activities takes place at two weeks without any restrictions.
Patients are encouraged to shower the day after surgery. As far as bathing, we ask not to do that for about ten days to ensure all incisions are completely closed to minimize infection risk.
We don’t want our patients pulling on their incisions after surgery. As a result, we request they refrain from using contacts for about ten days.
All cases are evaluated on a case by case basis. It is rare to need a touch-up with this surgery, but if indicated, this can be discussed directly.
The next step is to schedule a consultation to meet with Dr. Guy and go over the surgery, what to expect before, during, and after, and signed the consent forms.
Informed consent means you have had the opportunity to discuss what to expect with surgery, the alternatives, and the risks, and you have elected to proceed after your questions were answered.
There are many foods that increase bruising and bleeding. As a result, Dr. Guy and his staff will provide you with a handout of food and medications to avoid for two weeks before and one week after surgery.
The only required prescription is an antibiotic. In addition, Dr. Guy most commonly provides a prescription for a pain pill, a sleeping pill, and an anti-nausea pill. These can all be filled if the patient so desires.