Everyone loves to look at beautiful eyes. Studies reveal that the eyes are considered to be the most important aesthetic feature of the face and they are the first things that people notice about you.
Do you feel like your eyes don’t reflect your true vitality? Whether it’s due to genetics or the natural aging process, blepharoplasty at The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts in Chantilly, VA, can help you achieve bright, wide-awake eyes for a more refreshed look. Led by Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience, this subtle yet transformative procedure can address sagging eyelids and puffiness, restoring a youthful appearance with minimal downtime. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their look without dramatic changes, Dr. V’s expert approach ensures natural, rejuvenated results.
Everything You Need to Know About Blepharoplasty Surgery
Originating from the Greek words blepharon, “eyelid” + plassein “to form” ” blepharoplasty surgery is a permanent correction of the eyelid used to either enhance the appearance or resolve common concerns that impair vision. In the USA, it is most commonly performed on female patients who account for 98% of all blepharoplasty procedures. This surgical procedure revitalizes the eyes by eliminating excess skin, fat, and muscle, enhancing brightness and creating a more open, refreshed appearance.
The Anatomy of the Aging Eye
Over time, the skin around the eyes loses elasticity, fat redistributes, and muscles weaken, leading to droopy eyelids, puffiness, and under-eye bags. This can affect both your appearance and vision.
What Can It Do?
The operative goal of blepharoplasty is to restore the appearance and functionality of the affected eyelid. Blepharoplasty addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns in the periorbital region—extending from the brow to the upper cheek—by removing or repositioning excess skin and adipose tissue. Additionally, the procedure reinforces the surrounding muscles and tendons, effectively rejuvenating the area and correcting structural issues. Dr. V’s precision creates a rejuvenated and natural-looking result.
How Does It Work?
After meticulously measuring and marking up her patient, Dr. V begins a blepharoplasty by skillfully creating external, small incisions along the natural creases of the eyelid to access the underlying tissue. From there she carefully repositions fat and/or muscle and removes excess skin to restore the eyes to a more youthful contour.
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty: Which One Is Right For You?
With age comes the foundational changes that influence the aesthetic of the eyes – the skin loses elasticity, the eye sockets become larger, the surrounding muscles weaken, and the fat shrinks. If the excess skin of the upper eyelids is severe enough, it can occasionally impede one’s vision. The effects of aging show on the lower eyelids with crepey under-eye tissue, hollow under-eyes, or pseudoherniation of orbital fat creating baggy or puffy under-eyes.
With Dr. V’s expertise, she assesses each patient’s specific concerns and determines a plan for optimal results. Dr. V’s believes that people want to look better, not different which is why during eyelid rejuvenation, she takes great care to ensure that the shape of the eyelid is maintained.
What are the Different Blepharoplasty Surgery Options?
Blepharoplasty can remove excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from your eyelids. Upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery can be performed separately. In many cases, Dr. V has addressed both the upper and lower eyelids in one visit. During your consultation, Dr. V will discuss the type of surgery best suited to you.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
For upper eyelid surgery, an incision is hidden within the natural fold of your upper eyelid. Through this incision, excess skin and fatty tissue will be removed and because the incision follows the natural contour of your upper eyelid, it is generally unnoticeable. This is a common procedure for correcting the loss of peripheral vision caused by saggy upper eyelids.
Asian Blepharoplasty
Asian blepharoplasty is a specialized procedure designed to enhance the eyelids based on the patient’s age. For younger individuals, the goal is to create a supratarsal fold, often referred to as double eyelid surgery. In contrast, older patients seek to elevate this fold while removing excess eyelid skin, resulting in a more defined and rejuvenated appearance.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can remove excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid and a laser may sometimes be used in conjunction with surgery to tighten your lower eyelid skin.
Lower blepharoplasty can be done through two different techniques:
– External (Transcutaneous) Incision: This method involves making an incision on the outside of the lower eyelid.
– Internal (Transconjunctival) Incision: Here, the incision is placed inside the lower eyelid, delivering a more discreet, natural result. This technique is preferred for patients with a darker skin tone as it doesn’t leave a visible scar.
The transconjunctival approach is often preferred for those looking for a scar-free outcome and a more subtle enhancement.
Functional Blepharoplasty
A functional blepharoplasty (in contrast to a cosmetic blepharoplasty) is an eyelid surgery that is performed for medical reasons. In most cases, to remove loose skin from the upper eyelid if it droops low enough to impair your vision.
| Feature | Upper Blepharoplasty | Lower Blepharoplasty | Functional Blepharoplasty |
| Purpose | Removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper eyelid to rejuvenate appearance and improve vision if sagging impairs sight. | Removes excess skin, fine wrinkles, and may use laser for tightening lower eyelid skin to enhance appearance. | Corrects medical issues like impaired vision due to drooping eyelids by removing loose skin from the upper eyelid. |
| Incision Location | Hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelid, resulting in a generally unnoticeable scar. | Placed along natural crease lines of the lower eyelid to minimize visible scarring. | Similar to upper blepharoplasty, incision is concealed within the natural fold of the upper eyelid. |
| Enhancement Area | Upper eyelids | Lower eyelids | Upper eyelids primarily |
| Use of Laser | Typically not used | Laser resurfacing may be used to tighten skin | Typically not used unless combined with other procedures |
| Cosmetic vs. Functional | Cosmetic procedure for aesthetic improvement and, if necessary, vision enhancement. | Cosmetic procedure primarily, with focus on aesthetic improvement. | Functional procedures primarily address medical issues such as impaired vision due to droopy upper eyelids. |
| Surgery Time | Typically 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours, may vary based on complexity | Similar to cosmetic blepharoplasty, depending on the extent of corrective surgery required |
| Recovery Time | Initial recovery in 7-10 days, with complete healing in a few weeks. | Initial recovery in 7-10 days, with minor swelling and bruising subsiding within 2-4 weeks. | Initial recovery in 7-10 days, with complete healing in a few weeks. |
| Results | Visible improvement in eyelid appearance and, if applicable, enhanced peripheral vision. | Smoother lower eyelid contour and reduced puffiness, with results becoming fully apparent after swelling resolves. | Improved vision and restored functionality of the upper eyelid, with enhanced appearance and reduced obstruction. |
Benefits of Blepharoplasty Surgery
Enhance your eyes’ appearance and vision with blepharoplasty surgery, a procedure tailored to rejuvenate and improve the delicate eyelid area. Benefits include:
- Reduces puffiness for an improved appearance.
- Enhances vision by addressing droopy eyelids that may obstruct sight.
- Smoothes fine lines, boosting overall facial rejuvenation.
- Increased self-confidence with long-lasting results.
- Minimal scarring and a quick recovery time make it a favorable choice.
- Each surgery is customizable to meet individual aesthetic and functional needs.
Our Method For Blepharoplasty Surgery
Dr. V employs a patient-focused approach honed through years of specialized experience in facial plastic surgery. Her precise techniques ensure optimal results while minimizing downtime, reflecting her commitment to patient care and surgical excellence.
Personalized Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. V evaluates your needs, and medical history to decide if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty and best surgical approach to take. She provides detailed explanations of the procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery process. Advanced 3D imaging technology is used to help visualize the potential results and set realistic expectations.
Quick, Precise Procedure
Dr. V performs blepharoplasty with a meticulous approach, utilizing a 3.5X microscope for enhanced precision. In upper eyelid surgery, a small incision is made along the natural eyelid crease, while the lower eyelid incision follows the lower lash line. This technique allows for the removal of excess skin and fat, with minimal scarring achieved through fine sutures.
The procedure generally lasts around two hours when both upper and lower eyelids are addressed together. Patients receive general anesthesia combined with oral sedation to ensure comfort throughout the surgery, and most are able to return home on the same day.
Post-Operative Care
Comprehensive aftercare instructions are provided to ensure a smooth recovery, including how to manage swelling and discomfort.
Follow-Up Visits
Scheduled follow-up appointments monitor healing and results, ensuring any concerns are promptly addressed for optimal outcomes. Dr. V will track your progress and make necessary adjustments to your care plan.
Recovery and Results From Blepharoplasty Surgery in Chantilly, Virginia
Risks and Safety
Your eyelids are a very delicate yet important part of the body. They protect the eye from injury, aid in the regulation of light reaching your eyes, maintain tear film by distributing the protective and optically important tear film over the cornea during blinking, and control tear flow by their pumping action on the conjunctival sac and lacrimal sac. Great care must be taken during a blepharoplasty surgery. The subject of risks and potential complications will be discussed personally between you and Dr. V during your initial consultation.
Meet Our Medical Director: Dr. V
Our esteemed Medical Director, Dr. V, brings a wealth of expertise as a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Her dedication to achieving natural, transformative results has earned her recognition both locally and internationally
We Proudly Serve Our Community
Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen is a board-certified facial surgeon with medical centers in Middleburg, Chantilly, Prince William, Northern Virginia, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun County, Leesburg, Manassas, Arlington and Warrenton. You can get an appointment for a consultation and talk to her about the procedure in detail.
Patient Testimonials
Discover why patients rave about their experiences at the Virginia Institute. Read firsthand accounts of transformative journeys.
Why Trust the Virginia Institute
Rejuvenation of the delicate upper and lower eyelid area requires a high level of precision and knowledge of the intricate eyelid structures. At The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts, you can rest easy knowing that you are in the care of Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen. She has many years of experience performing complex cosmetic procedures to enhance the appearance of the orbital region, helping her patients restore a well-rested, youthfully alert, and revitalized facial appearance.
Experienced Leadership
Dr. V leads with over a decade of experience and specialized training in facial plastic surgery.
Commitment to Excellence
We prioritize patient safety and satisfaction, ensuring every procedure meets the highest standards of care.
Advanced Techniques
Experienced in surgical techniques that deliver results patients love.
Exceptional Results
Our track record of achieving natural-looking, transformative outcomes speaks for itself.
Cost and Financing
We offer competitive pricing and flexible financing options for blepharoplasty.
Cost/Number of Sessions
The cost of blepharoplasty varies based on the extent of surgery; typically, one session is required.
Financing Options
We offer care credit as a financing option to make your procedure affordable.
With the Loyalty Programme
Enjoy exclusive discounts and benefits through our patient loyalty program.
How To Maintain Your Results at Home
While eyelid surgery will not stop your eyes from aging, results are long-lasting and with proper care, your rejuvenated results can last for many years. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty results can last anywhere from five to seven years to an entire lifetime while lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be performed more than once.
Use Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin and prolong results.
Healthy Lifestyle
Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support skin health.
Follow-Up Care
Attend follow-up appointments to monitor and maintain results.
Related Procedures
Explore other procedures that complement blepharoplasty for a complete transformation.
Asian Blepharoplasty
A double eyelid surgery, more commonly known as Asian eyelid surgery, involves the creation of an upper eyelid crease to widen the eyes. This procedure is also referred to as the Westernization of the eyelids. A recent surgical procedure for fat reduction from the eyelids involves redistributing the fat through the tear trough which has the added advantage of avoiding the sunken look after the fat has been removed. Dr. V is an expert in Asian Blepharoplasty, her specialty.
Brow Lift
A brow lift rejuvenates the upper face by lifting sagging brows, smoothing forehead wrinkles, and providing a more youthful, alert appearance. It can be performed using various techniques, including endoscopic methods, ensuring minimal scarring and a natural look.
Facelift
A facelift tightens loose skin, smoothens deep folds, and repositions facial tissues for a comprehensive rejuvenation of the mid-to-lower face. It addresses sagging skin, jowls, and deep lines, resulting in a refreshed and youthful contour.
Still Have Questions?
If you are interested in Blepharoplasty in DC, Fairfax, Chantilly and the surrounding area, don’t hesitate to contact us directly for more information or to schedule a consultation.
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Interested to Know If You’re a Candidate? Reach Out Now
In general, those who exhibit any of the following conditions can often benefit from eyelid surgery at The Virginia Institute for Surgical Arts. These conditions include bags or bulges below your eyes, skin folds above your eyes, dark shadows around your eyes, droopy, baggy eyelids, and hindered vision from excess tissue.
