During a facelift procedure, it is extremely common to also address other areas of the face with additional procedures. The most common procedure done in conjunction with a facelift is the upper and/or lower eyelids (Blepharoplasty) for total facial rejuvenation. The eyes are commonly the area of the face that make individuals look tired when aging starts to occur. By combining these two popular cosmetic surgeries together, you can take years off while still maintaining a refreshed, youthful, and natural appearance.
What is a Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that restores the eyes as the natural focal point. An upper or lower blepharoplasty can be done on individuals who have excess loose skin on the upper and/or lower eyelids or who have undereye bags along with hollowing. Blepharoplasty surgery on its own is a minimally invasive procedure that opens the eyes and restores youthful features to the eye area.
Combining eyelid surgery with a facelift is extremely common because it ensures a well-balanced appearance following surgery and one recovery. This also leads to more natural-looking results because the rejuvenated lower face and neck will match the more youthful looking eyes.
Total Facial Rejuvenation
If you are looking for total facial rejuvenation, really consider combining these two popular eyelid and facelift surgical procedures together. Once an individual is through recovery, they will be able to look in the mirror and notice that their eyes are brighter and lifted, and the lower face and neck are restored to what they once were, all giving the face a harmonious appearance. Some of the benefits eyelid lift surgery can achieve are:
- Reduction of excess skin that causes hooding
- Improved vision due to line of site expansion
- More youthful and rested appearance
- Reduced under eye bags and smoother under eye contour
- Reduced irritation and better eye makeup application from less skin creasing
- Less forehead discomfort caused by straining to lift for clearer vision
- Natural results and low downtime
Eyelid Surgery Recovery Time
A very popular reason eyelid lifts are combined with facelifts is to have one recovery time. In most cases, if you are an individual who is an appropriate candidate for a facelift, chances are you can also benefit from either an upper/lower eyelid lift if you have not had one. Instead of going through two separate surgeries and two separate recovery times, why not combine the facial procedures together. You will not only save on recovery time, you can actually also save money on anesthesia and facility fee costs by opting to do them at the same time.
Am I a Candidate for a Combined Eyelid Surgery and Facelift?
During your individual consultation with one of our expert facial plastic surgeons, you will be evaluated based on your personal concerns and goals. A blepharoplasty alone can be done in office under local anesthesia. When combining with a facelift, it must be done under general anesthesia. Some signs you may be a good candidate for an eyelid lift are:
- Heavy/hooded upper eyelids
- Excess skin on upper/lower eyelids
- Difficulty applying makeup to upper eyelid
- Difficulty seeing or constantly lifting the forehead to see
- Crepey skin
- Puffy under eyes (bags) accompanied with or without hollowing
When addressing the face and neck, some signs you may be a good candidate for a facelift are:
- Saggy jowls
- Loss of muscle tone or volume loss in the face
- Moderate to severe laxity in the lower face and neck
- Neck banding
- Loss of definition in the jawline
What Can I Expect from a Combined Facelift and Eyelid Lift?
During UFP’s Exclusive Deep Plane Facelift surgery the patient is put under general anesthesia in our state-of-the-art surgical facility in Draper, Utah. The incision begins in the temple area, just above and in front of the ear. The incision then continues under the earlobe and follows the back of the ear and blends nicely into the hairline. Once the incisions are made, the skin is gently lifted and repositioned. During this time the underlying muscles and connective tissue is also tightened, this is what makes for long-lasting results. It is also common that a small incision is made under the chin to perform either neck liposuction, correction of protruding platysma bands or insertion of a pre jowl chin implant.
During the eyelid portion of the surgery, you can opt for an upper eyelid lift, a lower eyelid lift, or both. This is discussed and decided upon during your consultation if any of these procedures are right for you. For the upper eyelids, the incisions are made along the natural crease of the eye which restores the eyes natural shape; the excess skin and fat are then removed.
For the lower eyelid lift, our surgeons typically make an incision under the lash line to remove excess skin, which camouflages the scar afterwards. If undereye bags are addressed, the procedure is done by going in through the inside of the lower lid, where fat can be removed or repositioned as needed. The lower eyelid area is smoother, and the eyes look instantly more youthful.
What Can Be Expected During Recovery?
The most challenging part of recovery is going to be from the facelift procedure. The eyelid lift procedure is typically very tolerable, and the individual can expect swelling and bruising around the eyes for approximately 7-10 days. As far as facelift surgery, the first week is the most difficult. It is especially important that the individual has a good support system during this week. By the second week, all the sutures are removed, and you’ll feel anxious for recovery to be over. Once you reach week three, you can expect to start feeling and looking great. Swelling and bruising do take approximately 4-6 weeks to resolve. Visit www.utahfacialplastics.com to learn more about our services and view before and after pictures of facelift and eyelid surgery.
For more information about facial plastic surgery and non-surgical treatments in Salt Lake City, Utah, and surrounding areas, please contact Utah Facial Plastics at (801)776-2220.