Quad Blepharoplasty
How many times have you heard, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” What do your eyes say about you? Our eyes can communicate without words, letting people know if we are angry or tired or alternatively feel excited or happy. Unfortunately, aging changes that affect the area around the eyes can send the wrong message to people and create tired, unhappy, and aged appearances.
Addressing the upper and lower eyelids can restore a youthful and bright appearance, restoring confidence and self-esteem. A blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that addresses the aging skin, muscle and fat in the eyelids to restore a more youthful appearance. Quad, meaning four, blepharoplasty affects both upper and lower eyelids. Quad blepharoplasty is a full surgical rejuvenation of the periocular area.
Aging around the eyes
The eyelid skin and periocular area is extremely delicate. Aging changes involve increased tissue laxity, sun damage, loss of elastin and collagen, and displaced fat and muscles. Looking closely at this area around the eyes can bring up multiple cosmetic concerns, such as:
- Excessive or droopy eyelid skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Under-eye bags
- Dark circles
- Tired or aged appearance to the eyes
- Puffiness around and under the eyes
- Asymmetrical eyelid appearance
Benefits of Quad Blepharoplasty
Quad blepharoplasty, also called a 4-lid blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure of the upper and lower eyelids that improves the appearance around the eyes. Addressing the skin, muscle, and fat changes can have many benefits:
Revitalized Appearance: Eyelid surgery returns an alert and youthful expression to the face, highlighting the patient’s natural beauty.
Restored Facial Balance: By treating all four eyelids at once, the procedure can improve or restore symmetry and balance to the face.
Improved functionality: Combination procedures like quad blepharoplasty can restore the natural anatomy to the eyelids to improve vision and the function of the eyelids.
Heightened Confidence: It feels better to look better, and loving how you look in the mirror is a key part of quality of life.
Patient Selection
A quad blepharoplasty procedure is best suited for patients who want to address concerns on all four eyelids. Patients with aging changes that affect the deeper tissues, such as the fat and muscles, or excess skin that must be surgically removed are best suited for this eyelid procedure. During your consultation with Dr. Murdock, you will have the opportunity to learn about your particular aging changes and discuss which surgical options would best suit your goals.
Additionally, ideal candidates will be in overall good health, which promotes a safer experience and better results. This maintaining a regular skin care routine that includes sun protection and eye creams. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with appropriate nutrition and activity can optimize healing and recovery. Lastly, compliant patients are the best patients. Sticking to all instructions given to you by Dr. Murdock and her team will ensure a rapid, straightforward recovery.
Before Surgery: Preparing for Your Procedure
Preparing for quad blepharoplasty is a vital part of the process, but the steps are relatively straightforward. Dr. Murdock will go over every aspect of preparing for surgery so that when your procedure day arrives, you arrive for a positive, safe experience. Preparation can vary depending on combination treatments and personal goals, but it typically involves prepping the skin with eye cream (Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment) or retinol, holding certain medications (e.g., blood thinners), avoiding smoking, and arranging for post operative care. Dr. Murdock and her staff always takes the time to ensure you have complete information about your instructions and medications necessary for your eyelid surgery.
The Day of Surgery: What to Expect during a Quad Blepharoplasty
Quad blepharoplasty can typically last about 3-4 hours, depending on the complexity of your procedure plan and level of anesthesia. Throughout the procedure, our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible with various numbing agents, calming techniques, sedatives, and anesthesia if necessary. These special measures ensure a low-stress and comfortable experience throughout the journey of your surgery. The procedure involves Dr. Murdock creating precise incisions that are hidden when fully healed and restoring your unique natural anatomy by tightening muscles, sculpting fat, and removing excess skin. As a highly skilled and experienced oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Murdock executes each step precisely to ensure natural-looking results.
After the Surgery: Eyelid Surgery Recovery and Results
Patients can expect to take about 1-2 weeks off from work following their quad blepharoplasty. The area around the eyes are very delicate and vascular, so blurred vision, swelling, bruising, and discomfort can be expected. Healing time depends on each individual’s ability to heal and adherence to post operative care. Following Dr. Murdock’s complete post-procedure instructions will promote a smoother recovery and better results. Though the changes to the eyelids are immediate, patients can expect to truly begin enjoying their results once the swelling and bruising fade, usually after just a couple of weeks. Additionally, final results are most apparent after a few months, when the tissues fully heal and residual swelling finally resolves.
While results can last for years, patients can see improved duration of results through a healthy lifestyle, daily skin care, and maintenance cosmetic procedures. Neuromodulators like Botox®, Dysport®, and Daxxify®, IPL photofacial treatments for rosacea and vascularization, and skin treatments involving chemical peels or laser resurfacing can be implemented after surgery to maintain a youthful appearance and aging gracefully.
Jennifer Murdock, MD is the Top Choice for Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Murdock is a highly-skilled, board-certified surgeon specializing in oculofacial plastic surgery, with a particular specialization in eyelid surgery. She is a member of the prestigious ASOPRS Oculofacial Society, who only allow members after rigorous training, testing, and certification. Even though our base is in Miami, FL, Dr. Jennifer Murdock is invited all over the world to give presentations on her expertise in the fields of cosmetic medicine and eyelid surgery. We bring the latest technology and techniques back to Miami from these elite aesthetic symposia and think-tanks. Our practice offers a range of the most cutting-edge aesthetic procedures to address various facial concerns.
Dr. Jennifer Murdock’s approach to cosmetic surgery centers around the idea of achieving significant improvements with minimal intervention. This approach prioritizes patient safety while delivering results that appear natural and lasting. Dr. Murdock, as a board-certified ophthalmologist, combines her knowledge of facial structures with a commitment to medical excellence, ensuring a positive, secure, and memorable experience for her patients.
Book Your Consultation Today
To book your consultation to discuss a quad blepharoplasty with Jennifer Murdock, MD, we encourage you to call the office or register through the patient portal. She will evaluate and discuss your individual anatomy and review all options for cosmetic eyelid surgery. Trust only the best! Leave your cosmetic surgery to the board-certified expert providing oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery for patients in Miami and Hallandale Beach. Book a consultation to get started on your facial rejuvenation journey.
