Eyelid Surgery

The Blepharoplasty Process & Procedure

Preoperative Evaluation:

The first essential step is a thorough consultation with Jennifer Murdock, MD, a well-renowned plastic surgeon. This meeting allows her to fully understand the aging changes and facial anatomy features of each individual patient. Together, you can discuss:

• Personal goals
• Potential risks
• Preexisting health conditions
• Expected outcomes of the surgery

Finally, Dr. Murdock and her surgical team will counsel you about the surgical journey. This includes highlighting ways to prepare for the procedure, what to expect on the day of the procedure, and all appropriate post-op instructions.

Procedure Day

Dr. Murdock and her team will ensure you feel comfortable and ready for your blepharoplasty. Individual procedure elements are fully tailored, but the core steps remain consistent:

• Anesthesia: In the office, Dr. Murdock will provide oral medications to help with patient comfort. Local anesthesia is administered to completely numb the area so you feel nothing during surgery. She will often prescribe oral anxiolytics to help patients feel even more comfortable. At the surgery center, we work with a board-certified anesthesiologist who will administer IV sedation or general anesthesia.
• Creating an Incision: As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Murdock takes care in incision placement and size. Her technique reduces the appearance of any incisions, so all scars are completely hidden after full healing. She makes incisions with a laser or blade, following the key tenet of “measure twice, cut once” for utmost precision.
• Tissue Repositioning: Excess fat, muscle, and skin are all adjusted to create a more youthful appearance of the eyelid. Fat is sculpted just enough to even the eyelid out without creating a hollow or thin appearance. Skin is removed to alleviate weight on the eyelid while maintaining a natural eye shape. The final eyelid position should look alert but relaxed.
• Incision Closure: If needed, Dr. Murdock uses tiny sutures to close all incisions and secure fat repositioning.
• Post-op Care: Begin using cold compresses right away with premade baggies of frozen peas. These bags mold to the shape of the eye socket best without too much pressure. Apply these liberally, as more cold compresses in the first 48 hours will mean better and faster recovery.

Recovery and Aftercare

The recovery period for both upper and lower blepharoplasty typically lasts several weeks. The eyelids are delicate and very vascular, so swelling and bruising are normal parts of the process. Though the area treated is small, it does take time to heal. Swelling and bruising will eventually subside. The more adherent patients are to the post-op instructions, the smoother their recovery will be.

Dr. Murdock sees all her patients for follow-up visits to evaluate their healing and results. This medical support is key in further promoting a complication-free experience. Some additional tips for a smooth recovery include:

• Cold compresses: The first 48 hours of constant cold compresses with frozen peas make a world of difference in healing.
• Warm compresses: Warmth and gentle massage will help the bruising and swelling to circulate out of the tissues faster.
• Ocular lubrication: Artificial tears and ophthalmic ointment will help keep the eyes healthy and lubricated throughout the healing process.
• Rest: Never underestimate the power of doing nothing. Get plenty of rest, keep your head elevated, and avoid vigorous activity for the first week after surgery.