Serving the St. George & Mesquite, NV Communities
The skin on our eyelids and surrounding our eyes is among the thinnest on the entire human body. This enables subtle movement that can be important for forming expressions, but it is a detriment when it comes to aging. Because our eyes are constantly exposed to the sun, wind, and elements, the skin is prone to damage. When you add in the continuing decline of collagen production (collagen is the protein that provides the structural framework for our skin) as we age, you have the perfect formula for sagging eyelids, puffy skin under our eyes, and an overall older, more tired appearance.
Dr. Tarbet is a board-certified plastic surgeons and they perform eyelid surgery to rejuvenate the eyelids and surrounding skin for our patients in St. George, UT, and Mesquite, NV. Dr. Tarbet is also the owner of Amara Med Spa in St. George.
What is blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery, clinically known as blepharoplasty, has the goal of reducing the age of the patient’s eyes. It can be done on either the upper or lower eyelids or on both. Dr. Tarbet removes excess skin and tighten underlying support muscles. Fat is usually repositioned rather than removed. This keeps the patient from acquiring a hollow appearance. Bags beneath the lower eyelids are improved. This procedure is very satisfying for our patients. It is believed that blepharoplasty takes about a decade off a person’s facial age.
What is transconjunctival blepharoplasty?
We also perform what is known as transconjunctival blepharoplasty on the lower eyelids. Surgery on the lower eyelid can be performed through an incision made along the eyelash line, or through an incision made within the inner eyelid. This method is called transconjunctival blepharoplasty. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty leaves no outer scars, and it can involve less trauma and bruises around the eyes. This can make for a faster recovery but It isn’t right for all patient scenarios, however.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most over the age of 40 can benefit, this is especially true is a sunny and dry climate like St. George and Mesquite. Its likely Eyelid Surgery would be a good procedure to reverse effects of sun on your Eyelids.
What is a good age for eyelid surgery?
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Eyelid surgery is in the top 5 of cosmetic surgeries performed every year. Eyes that were tired are now refreshed, and more alert. Popular among Men and Women, as eyelid aging has no gender preference.
Am I a candidate?
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While changes made in surgery are permanent, they won't stop time. Your eyelids will continue to age, but they will begin aging from a younger starting point. Excess skin removed and muscles tightened will deliver results that will last for the rest of your life!
How long will the results last?
What our patients have to say
“Excellent! Great atmosphere very neat and tidy office everyone is very friendly and very helpful I haven’t had my eyes checked in a long time and I’m glad I did because I got what I needed. Great experience!”
- Rachelle O.
Blepharoplasty In St. George, UT
Drs. Tarbet has extensive experience with this delicate surgery. Patients can opt to have surgery done on either the upper or lower eyelid, or both. For that reason, the surgery can take from 45 minutes to two hours.
Upper Eyelids
On the upper eyelid, a small incision is made in the natural crease of the eyelid. This conceals any visible scarring. Muscles are tightened as needed, fat is repositioned, and excess skin is trimmed. Unless there is an abundance of fat, the fat is repositioned rather than removed. This avoids the hollow look that you may have seen from other botched procedures. Repositioning the fat creates the natural look that we seek with these procedures.
Lower Eyelids
On the lower eyelid, we place the incision just below the lower eyelash or sometimes within the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival method). This depends on the patient’s eyelid characteristics. Additional excess skin may be removed on the lower eyelid if it is causing puffiness and excessive wrinkling beneath the eye.
Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Richens is amazing! Very professional and very knowledgeable. She is very caring and thoughtful. Gorgeous inside and out! My mom had an emergency and Dr. Sharon Richens made sure that she was in good hands. Thank you so much for recommending Dr. Marcos Reyes. He is amazing! Her surgery was successful. Love Richens Eye Center, St. George Eye Center and St. George Surgical Center! Thanks to all medical professionals who helped us!"
Can Eyelid Surgery Be Combined with other Procedures?
Yes! Blepharoplasty surgery may be combined with other facial plastic surgeries or with nonsurgical treatments for skin tightening and rejuvenation. During your consultation, discuss the various concerns that you have and the outcome you would like to achieve. Talk with your provider about what you want to see when you look in the mirror and how you'd like to feel. This discussion allows us to develop a treatment plan that will best meet your needs for a more vibrant, youthful appearance.
Is a Blepharoplasty Painful?
No. The blepharoplasty procedure, when performed independently, includes the use of a powerful local anesthetic. A few injections into the area around the eyes completely numb tissue so that you do not feel any pain. You will feel the doctor working. This comes in the form of slight pressure or tugging, but nothing that would be described as painful. If your blepharoplasty is combined with other plastic surgery procedures, the doctor may plan your surgery to include general anesthesia. The topic of anesthesia, sedation, and overall pain management is discussed during our consultation.
After the anesthesia wears off following surgery, you can expect mild to moderate soreness and tenderness in the eye area. Take your pain medication as directed and check your post-op instructions for other tips regarding pain management. The side effects of surgery typically decrease significantly over the course of the first few days of recovery.
What Are the Best Ways to Maintain My Eyelid Surgery Results?
The blepharoplasty procedure is popular because the results that are achieved can last many years. Understandably, patients want to also give their skin the level of care that is needed to offset the natural degradation of tissue that occurs with age. One of the best ways to maintain the results of blepharoplasty is to wear sunscreen daily. Not just when spending time outdoors, but every day. The skin absorbs UV light from sunshine when you're driving in your car, when you're running errands, even when you walk to and from your car at home and work. In addition to wearing sunscreen, also wear sunglasses, especially on bright, sunny days. Taking good care of your skin also involves taking good care of your body. Free radicals, cells that attach to others and rob them of regenerative energy, are a natural occurrence as we age. Eating a healthy diet abundant in antioxidants can help offset the effects of free radicals and the oxidative stress that shows up on the skin.
How Can I Prepare for Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a relatively conservative plastic surgery procedure that carries a shorter recovery period than many other procedures. That said, you want to set yourself up for the best possible recovery. A healthy diet well ahead of surgery can build the resources that can fuel the body's cells to aid in tissue repair. If you smoke, you need to stop several weeks before undergoing surgery. Smoking, tobacco, and nicotine use can increase the risk of intra-operative and post-operative complications, including anesthesia risks and poor wound healing due to insufficient oxygenation. Your pre-operative instructions may include a list of medications and supplements that you should avoid. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen, and Ginko Biloba. These and other products thin the blood so should be avoided for at least one week prior to surgery. If you have any questions about how to be well prepared for blepharoplasty, contact your doctor for clarification.
Can I Get Eyelid Surgery Again in the Future?
Yes. While the effects of blepharoplasty surgery are intended to last many years, there may come a time at which you'd like a touch-up. Revision eyelid surgery is also sometimes performed to correct cosmetic issues of previous surgery. In this instance, it is important to wait at least six months before seeking revision. In this time frame, the tissues involved should complete their healing process, allowing the doctor to observe and evaluate the degree of correction that is needed.
Recovery from Eyelid Surgery
Another great thing about eyelid surgery is that the recovery is not overly difficult. After your procedure, you’ll return home with a cold compress that we provide and some lubricating eye drops. If you are diligent with the application of your cold compress you can minimize swelling and bruising. This is not a painful recovery, either. Pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication.
After one week, your stitches will be removed and your eyelid recovery is usually mostly complete. You may have some on-again, off-again slight swelling, but this resolves in a few weeks. You can usually return to work in just 3-5 days.
Risks of Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries every year because it delivers great results and the risks are very low. Still, there are the usual risks with any surgery: excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, reaction to anesthesia, and the like. Specific to this surgery, risks involve injury to the eye muscles, difficulty closing your eyelids, and potential dry eye. These are all very rare; this is an effective, safe procedure.
