Dallas Upper Eyelid Surgery

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Upper Eyelid Surgery in Dallas, TX with Dr. Law

During an upper blepharoplasty (aka upper eyelid surgery, an eye lift, an eyelid lift), an experienced plastic surgeon can address a variety of aesthetic and functional issues. An upper eyelid lift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that plastic surgeons use to help their patients appear more refreshed. In addition, with an upper blepharoplasty, surgeons can address a droopy upper eyelid (i.e., ptosis). Dr. Huay-Zong Law is a seasoned, board-certified and highly skilled facial plastic surgeon at Law Plastic Surgery, in Dallas. At his state-of-the-art office, Dr. Law uses his experience performing an upper blepharoplasty along with his artistic vision to beautify and rejuvenate his patients’ eyes, as well as improve function by addressing a droopy upper eyelid.

What Are the Issues Dr. Huay-Zong Law Addresses with Upper Eyelid Surgery in Dallas?

With an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Law addresses puffy-looking, droopy upper eyelids. These eye characteristics can make an individual appear extremely tired and add years to the face. Although many of Dr. Huay-Zong Law’s patients have upper eyelid surgery to appear more youthful, an upper blepharoplasty also offers a solution for patients whose lax eyelid is negatively affecting their vision.

Eyelid Surgery Before & Afters Photos

Click the image below to view more before and after photos.

How Does a Drooping Upper Eyelid Affect an Individual’s Vision?

Problems related to a patient’s peripheral vision begin once his or her upper eyelid falls down far enough to cover a portion of the pupil. Once the fallen eyelid affects the pupil, the patient’s field of vision decreases because the drooping upper eyelid has affected his or her peripheral vision. Peripheral vision refers to the side views, as well as the upper and lower views while an individual is looking straight ahead. Without surgical intervention, the eyelid could eventually cover the entire pupil.

How Does a Decrease in the Field of Vision Affect Everyday Life?

Peripheral vision is the term used when referring to what is seen out of the corner of the eye, as well as above and below while an individual looks forward. The total field of vision (including central vision) is about 170 degrees around, with the peripheral vision accounting for most of it (100 degrees). When peripheral vision becomes impaired, individuals are unable to see the whole area that surrounds them.

Activities that a decrease in the field of vision affects include:

• Walking around an area that is dimly lit or dark.
• Reading.
• Driving.
• Crossing the street.
• Running.

If the main reason an individual is having upper eyelid surgery is to improve his or her peripheral vision, the term for this eyelid surgery is functional blepharoplasty or functional upper eyelid surgery. On many occasions, health insurance companies will pay a portion of the charges for a functional blepharoplasty. For this reason, Dr. Law encourages his functional upper blepharoplasty patients to call and find out if they have insurance coverage for their procedure. If the patient finds that his or her health insurance will cover eyelid surgery, it is crucial that he or she asks what the insurance company needs to pay the claim (e.g., doctor’s notes, a letter of medical necessity).

When speaking with the insurance company, patients should make a note of:

• The date.
• The time.
• The name of the representative (s) he or she speaks with.
• The information that he or she needs to provide for the insurance to pay the functional upper eyelid surgery claim.
• Ask where to send this information, and then make a note of where to send it once it is gathered.

If any issues related to coverage arise, this information is useful.

How Does Dr. Huay-Zong Law Make These Changes to the Upper Eyelid?

During an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Law tightens the muscles of the upper eyelid. He also removes excess fat and skin.

In addition to standard upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Huay-Zong Law also performs double-eyelid surgery (aka Asian blepharoplasty) and lower blepharoplasty procedures.

What is an Asian Blepharoplasty (aka Double-Eyelid Surgery)?

Double-eyelid surgery is ideal for individuals of Asian descent who would like Dr. Law to create them a natural-looking crease on their upper eyelids.

What Does Lower Eyelid Surgery in Dallas Address?

During a lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Huay-Zong Law addresses ectropion. When an individual has ectropion, his or her eyelids turn outward. This condition can affect the upper eyelids, but usually affects the lower. With a lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Law also addresses puffy lower eyelids (i.e., under eye bags) by removing excess fat and tissue. If the lower eyelids appear hollow, he may reposition existing fat.

Some Benefits of Having an Upper Blepharoplasty with Dr. Huay-Zong Law in Dallas

After an individual has upper eyelid surgery, he or she enjoys a more refreshed, youthful appearance.

A patient experiencing a decrease in his or her field of vision due to a drooping upper eyelid will have a wider field of vision after an upper blepharoplasty in Dallas. Furthermore, an individual who tends to have eye-related headaches experiences fewer after an upper blepharoplasty.

After recovering from an upper blepharoplasty, many of Dr. Law’s patients develop more confidence. This newfound confidence leads to an increase in his or her self-esteem. These positive changes occur due to the eye enhancements Dr. Huay-Zong Law made while performing the patient’s upper eyelid surgery.

The recovery time following an upper blepharoplasty is relatively short, with the patient only experiencing about a week of significant inflammation and bruising.

An upper blepharoplasty usually takes less than an hour to complete and, since it is an outpatient procedure, patients return home the same day of their procedure. However, if the patient desires, he or she can choose to have other procedures added to their upper blepharoplasty surgical session. Patients who choose to have a combination of procedures will remain in surgery longer.

What Causes the Eye Changes that Dr. Law Addresses with Upper Eyelid Surgery in Dallas?

Numerous factors contribute to the upper eyelid changes that occur as time passes.

Some of the most common reasons for upper eyelid changes include:

• The natural aging process.
• Sun damage.
• Smoking.
• Being overweight.

What Characteristics Make Someone a Good Candidate for Upper Eyelid Surgery in Dallas?

Individuals who are interested in having an upper blepharoplasty are typically 35 years of age or older. He or she must be in good health, without any serious eye conditions. In addition, his or her facial tissues and muscles must be healthy. The ideal candidate understands what Dr. Huay-Zong Law can accomplish with an upper blepharoplasty, recognizing the limitations of the procedure.

If an individual has any of the following upper eyelid characteristics, Dr. Law may recommend that he or she considers having an upper blepharoplasty:

• An upper eyelid that droops.
• Fat deposits within the upper eyelids that are causing his or her eyes to appear swollen or puffy.
• Loose, sagging skin on the upper eyelid that creates folds.
• Folds in the skin of the upper eyelid that are negatively affecting its shape.
• An upper eyelid that falls low enough to decrease the individual’s field of vision.
• Since this falling upper eyelid affects an individual’s vision, this procedure is not aesthetic but functional. For this reason, the patient’s health insurance company may cover upper eyelid surgery when it is considered a functional instead of aesthetic.
• A baby can be born with a condition called ptosis, which is the medical term for a drooping upper eyelid. Dr. Huay-Zong Law addresses ptosis with an upper blepharoplasty.
• An individual of Asian descent who would like an upper-eyelid crease may be a good candidate for an Asian blepharoplasty.

A Consultation at Law Plastic Surgery in Dallas

Dr. Huay-Zong Law wants a detailed medical history from the patient. This information needs to include surgical procedures, current medications (prescription and over-the-counter), herbal supplements and daily vitamins. Accurate information regarding these products is vital because there are certain kinds of medications, herbs and vitamins that increase the likelihood of unnecessary bleeding. Additionally, if the patient is undergoing any kind of treatment, he or she needs to inform Dr. Law what the treatment is and why he or she is receiving it.

Any medication or latex allergies should be discussed during the initial consultation.

For safety’s sake, patients who drink alcoholic beverages regularly or participate in recreational drug use need to let Dr. Huay-Zong Law know of these lifestyle choices. This information remains within the patient’s medical record; therefore, it is considered confidential. Again, for the sake of safety, patients need to let Dr. Law know if they have any kind of ongoing condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Patients Need to Let Dr. Huay-Zong Law Know What They Want to Accomplish with Upper Eyelid Surgery

Patients should be prepared to explain the issues that they would like Dr. Law to address during their upper blepharoplasty. In addition, if there are any other facial enhancements the patient is considering, he or she should mention these desires to Dr. Huay-Zong Law during this consultation. Letting Dr. Law know about the other changes he or she would like to make allows him to consider whether any of these changes can be added to the patient’s custom designed surgical plan for an upper blepharoplasty in Dallas. Please keep in mind that Dr. Huay-Zong Law never pressures a patient to have additional procedures. His goal is to provide patients with the information they need to decide which procedures, if any, would benefit them.

After finding out what the patient wants Dr. Law to address with upper eyelid surgery, he examines the patient’s eyes. Dr. Huay-Zong Law may also take measurements of the patient’s upper eyelids as well as several photos. He uses this information as he creates the patient a personalized surgical plan for an upper blepharoplasty.

How to Prepare for Upper Eyelid Surgery in Dallas

Since patients are unable to drive following an upper blepharoplasty, on the day of surgery, patients need to bring a driver with them.

Patients also need to ask someone that they feel comfortable with and trust to stay with them overnight, serving as their caregiver.

Any presurgical tests that Dr. Law orders must be completed no later than a week before the patient’s scheduled upper blepharoplasty procedure. Having these presurgical tests completed in enough time for Dr. Huay-Zong Law to review them is imperative because if he does not receive the results in time, the patient’s upper eyelid surgery must be rescheduled.

Presurgical testing that Dr. Law may order includes:

• Blood tests.
• A chest X-ray.
• An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG).

Discontinue the use of products containing nicotine (e.g., traditional cigarettes, stop-smoking aids, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco) for at least 14 days before and 14 days after upper eyelid surgery in Dallas. Following this recommendation is crucial because nicotine causes the blood vessels to contract, which makes the vessels smaller and slows the flow of blood. Since the blood flows slower, it takes longer for the incisions from surgery to heal. Slower wound healing increases an individual’s risk of developing some type of complication (e.g., skin necrosis, infection) that could affect his or her upper blepharoplasty results.

Medications that need to be discontinued a week before surgery include blood thinners, aspirin and ibuprofen. Patients who need to take medication for pain during this week can safely use acetaminophen (aka Tylenol). Patients who are taking any type of medication that has been ordered or recommended by one of their physicians, should never stop taking or reduce the dose of these medications without first speaking with the prescribing physician or Dr. Huay-Zong Law.

Some herbal supplements to avoid for seven days before surgery include Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort and Kava Kava.

Vitamins to stop taking during the week heading up to surgery include vitamin E.

Since alcohol increases inflammation, patients must not drink alcoholic beverages within two days of their surgery. In addition, alcohol needs to be avoided for at least two days after their upper eyelid surgery. Abiding by this recommendation ensures that the patient does not develop alcohol-related inflammation, which could result in unnecessary bruising and pain.

Patients need to fast (i.e., refrain from drinking and eating) for a specific amount of time before their surgery. The length of time an individual needs to fast can vary; therefore, a member of Dr. Law’s medical staff usually tells the patient his or her fasting requirements. If a patient neglects to fast, he or she needs to reschedule surgery. This rescheduling is essential because the patient could choke on the contents of his or her stomach during surgery.

Upper Eyelid Surgery with Dr. Huay-Zong Law in Dallas

Comfort is key, which is why Dr. Law recommends that his patients wear clothes that fit them loosely. However, the patient must wear a top that does not need to be lifted over the head to put on or take off. Patients need to wear tops that have a zipper, button or snaps following their upper blepharoplasty in Dallas.

Patients should leave their valuables at home (e.g., jewelry, watches, money).

If a patient wears contacts, he or she needs to wear eyeglasses instead of contacts on the day of surgery.

Since patients cannot drive following their surgical procedure, they must have a driver with them when they arrive for surgery. Patients who neglect to bring a driver will have to cancel their upper blepharoplasty procedure and reschedule it. For the safety of his patients, Dr. Huay-Zong Law does not permit the use of for-hire transportation services following any procedure that requires sedation.

Patients need to refrain from using lotion or makeup on their face, and nail polish needs to be removed the night before their upper blepharoplasty.

Patients must bring a picture ID with them on the day of surgery. Most patients just bring their driver’s license.

Upper Eyelid Surgery at Law Plastic Surgery in Dallas

During an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Huay-Zong Law needs his patients to remain somewhat coherent. Therefore, instead of falling asleep, patients take oral medications (e.g., Diazepam and Tylenol) to help them feel comfortable and remain relaxed during their upper blepharoplasty in Dallas.

The Surgical Steps of an Upper Blepharoplasty Vary

The procedure steps Dr. Law uses correlate directly with the issues that the patient wants him to address.

The procedure:

Before he begins the patient’s upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Huay-Zong Law gently manipulates the patient’s upper eyelids. This manipulation allows him to determine the amount of skin he needs to remove to provide the patient with excellent results.

Dr. Law creates a mark on the patient’s upper eyelid. This mark represents the place where he intends to make the incision.

Using lidocaine or Xylocaine, Dr. Huay-Zong Law numbs the patient’s upper eyelid. Besides the lidocaine or Xylocaine, Dr. Law may use a topical medication to numb the patient’s sclera (i.e., the white portion of the eye). The patient may also receive a protective shield to protect his or her eye during the surgery.

Once the patient’s upper eyelid is numb, Dr. Huay-Zong Law creates the incision, following the mark he previously made to use as a guide.

He removes excess fat that is present. Dr. Law also removes any skin that is causing the patient’s upper eyelid to droop.

Dr. Huay-Zong Law carefully moves the patient’s eyelid to its new higher location before he closes the incision using very small sutures.

To ensure the resulting scar is well hidden, Dr. Law makes the patient’s incision within the natural crease of his or her upper eyelid. As long as the patient protects this scar from UV light, it will diminish to the point of becoming nearly invisible.

Upper Eyelid Surgery for Crease Creation — An Asian Blepharoplasty

Dr. Huay-Zong Law can use one of two approaches when performing an Asian blepharoplasty. The two approaches are the partial incisional/suture technique or the open/incisional Asian double-eyelid surgery technique.

With the partial incisional/suture approach, Dr. Law uses his experience and skill to strategically place sutures in the patient’s upper eyelid. Once these sutures are in place, it looks as if the patient has a double eyelid.

The open/incisional approach involves Dr. Huay-Zong Law using an incision to create a permanent upper eyelid crease.

What to Expect After Upper Eyelid Surgery in Dallas

Once the patient’s surgery is complete, Dr. Law covers his or her eyes with a lubricating ointment and gauze.

Before the patient leaves the recovery area, he or she receives instructions detailing aftercare.

Upon removing the gauze, the patient’s vision may be blurred. This expected side effect usually occurs because of the eye ointment Dr. Huay-Zong Law applied to the patient’s eyes after surgery.

Patients must refrain from rubbing their eyes.

Makeup and lotions should not be applied to the areas around the eyes or on the eyelids until the surgical incisions have completely healed.

Recovering from Upper Eyelid Surgery in Dallas

For the majority of patients, the first week is the most difficult period of recovery.

Many patients can return to work and resume their normal activities within 14 days of their blepharoplasty.

Keeping the incision sites clean is vital to preventing infection. Patients who receive eye drops following surgery need to use them as prescribed.

Sleeping with their head elevated can reduce the build-up of excess fluid, which keeps inflammation down.

Patients need to keep their eyes from coming into contact with any type of chemical. Therefore, swimming or spending time in a hot tub must be avoided until the incisions heal completely.

Directly after surgery, patients must protect their eyes from UV rays. Therefore, patients should wear sunglasses whenever they are outside. Once the incisions have completely healed, Dr. Law recommends the use of a sunscreen that does not aggravate the eyes and has an SPF of 30 (or higher).

Patients who wear contact lenses will need to wear glasses for several weeks.

There will be some discomfort following upper eyelid surgery. Nonetheless, patients who need to take medication should ask Dr. Huay-Zong Law before they take any. He may have a medication recommendation or provide the patient with a prescription. If the patient’s pain increases, he or she needs to call Law Plastic Surgery to speak with Dr. Law or one of his staff members. The phone number for Law Plastic Surgery in Dallas is 972. 331.1900.

Within 10 days of the procedure, bruises resulting from upper eyelid surgery should be gone, but swelling remains, gradually decreasing with time.

Results of an Upper Blepharoplasty in Dallas

For the most part, patients can see their results about a month and a half after surgery. The results achieved during upper eyelid surgery can last for years.

Upper Eyelid Surgery in Dallas — Risks and Potential Complications

All treatments and surgical procedures have risks and possible complications to consider, including the upper blepharoplasty. However, since Dr. Huay-Zong Law is a highly skilled, seasoned facial plastic surgeon, it is unlikely that one of his patients will experience a complication.

Potential complications include:

• Infection.
• Irritated eyes.
• Dry eyes.
• Impaired vision.
• Blurry vision.
• Bleeding from the incisions.
• Color of the eyelids may change.
• Poor wound healing.
• Eye pain.
• Eyelids staying slightly open even when they should be fully closed.
• Excessive tearing.
• Uneven eyelids.
• Temporary eyelid numbness.
• Vision loss due to bleeding at the back of the eye.
• A hematoma.
• Visible scarring.
• Lid lag.

If a patient experiences any of the symptoms below, he or she needs to call Law Plastic Surgery at 972.331.1900 or, if symptoms could be life-threatening (e.g., chest pain, difficulty breathing), go to the closest emergency room:

• Bleeding.
• Breathing problems including labored breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Palpitations.
• Fainting.
• Confusion.
• Tightness or pressure in the chest.
• A fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.33 degree Celsius).
• Being unresponsive.
• Ongoing pain that remains even after taking medication.
• Being unable to use the restroom.
• Unexpected incision-sight drainage, inflammation, flushing or pus.
• Inflammation, pain or redness in the leg. These symptoms could be indicative of a postsurgical blood clot, especially if they are present in the calf.

What Would It Cost to Have Upper Eyelid Surgery in Dallas?

Each patient is unique, which is why Dr. Huay-Zong Law takes the time to create every patient a personalized surgical plan. As such, the only way to determine how much an individual’s procedure costs is with a consultation.

Does Health Insurance Pay For Upper Eyelid Surgery?

Insurance may pay a portion of a functional blepharoplasty.

At Law Plastic Surgery, Dr. Huay-Zong Law performs a variety of plastic surgery procedures to help men and women appear more youthful. Using upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Law can rejuvenate the eyes and help individuals whose field of vision is negatively affected by a drooping upper eyelid. To schedule an appointment, contact Law Plastic Surgery today at 972.331.1900. Law Plastic Surgery is located in Dallas at 7777 Forest Lane, Suite C-258.