Eyelid Surgery

Under Eyelid Surgery: For Tired, Puffy Bags Under Your Eyes

Nothing makes you look more tired and worn than bags under your eyes. You may have tried many topical creams that make big promises, only to be disappointed with the results. Applying makeup or topical treatments will not resolve this condition. When puffy bags under the eyes add years to your appearance, lower eyelid surgery can be performed to give your face a fresher, more rested appearance. Dr. Morrissette can determine if you are candidate for lower eyelid surgery performed right here in our out-patient surgery center to our Santa Barbara patients.

In the lower eyelids, fat that normally cushions the eyeball can protrude and cause bags under the eyes. In most cases, the incision to remove these bags is done through the lower eyelid and does NOT require a skin incision. This produces no visible scarring and is safely accomplished using the radiofrequency microneedle. The bulging fat is removed and no stitches are needed with this approach. In patients that have excess eyelid skin, it is recommended to have either Laser resurfacing or a medium chemical peel of the skin. Following is type of eyelid surgery, patients have a more youthful and refreshed appearance to their face.

Advanced Surgical Technique for No Visible Scarring

At our office, we employ an advanced procedure using an Ellman radiofrequency microneedle that may not include an incision in the skin, so you need not worry about visible scarring. Instead of a scalpel blade, we use a microneedle. In addition to using advanced techniques for your lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Morrissette often performs this eyelid surgery with fat grafting to this area to provide a more natural and younger looking appearance. The addition of your own fat recreates a youthful convexity and can help with the dark circles often associated with tired looking eyes. Dr. Morrissette is one of the few surgeons in Ventura County that provides the additional benefit of fat grafting with no additional costs!

Another Surgical Technique: Skin Pinch

For patients that present excess or "crinkly" skin underneath the eye and are not interested in laser or skin tightening, Dr. Morrissette utilizes a conservative procedure called a "skin pinch." This small surgical procedure is done with a mini incision hidden under the eyelashes and can tighten the wrinkles without adversely affecting the normal eyelid position.

Our eyes convey emotions. When the lower eyelids have been affected by age and gravity, it makes you look sad and tired, even when you are happy and your face is at rest.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

A Less Invasive Surgical Technique for Upper Eyelid Surgery

At our office, we employ a less invasive process when performing upper eyelid surgery (formally called an "upper blepharoplasty"). As any facial surgery may be prone to bleeding, we use an Ellman radiofrequency microneedle rather than a scalpel. The incision for upper eyelid surgery is made in the natural crease of the eyelid and is well hidden. This instrument is more precise, minimizes bleeding, and can significantly reduce post-operative bruising. In addition to using an Ellman microneedle, Dr. Morrissette uses magnification loupes to perform all cosmetic surgeries, especially eyelid surgery for the greatest amount of precision.

A Natural-Looking Result

Here at our practice, we focus on achieving natural looking results. Our years of experience in facial reconstruction surgery give us the ability to perform upper eyelid surgeries that will bring you compliments. This surgical procedure is effective in providing a more youthful appearance, and drawing attention towards your eyes. Talk to us about upper eyelid surgery and how it can bring a well-rested, rejuvenated appearance to your face.

Is Upper Eyelid Surgery Right for You?

During your consultation, Dr. Morrissette will evaluate the amount of excess eyelid skin. One of the ways that he can simulate the surgery is by using a small Q tip to temporarily "remove" the excess skin to show how one might look following surgery. Most men and women can be considered candidates for eyelid surgery if they are bothered by tired, aging and weathered eyes that cause them to appear older before their time. As previously mentioned, removing the excess skin can restore impaired peripheral vision as well.

Upper Eyelid Surgery: What to Expect

Your surgery will be performed under IV Sedation. After surgery, it is important that you rest, and keep your head elevated. Generally, it is important that you avoid much motion and keep your head elevated while sleeping. Putting a cold pack or ice over the area can help to reduce swelling, and you will generally experience little to no discomfort after this surgery. In fact, Dr. Morrissette does not generally find the need to prescribe pain medications following this surgery. You may experience sensitivity to light and dry or itchy eyes for a short time, and once you are out and about (per doctor's orders), wear sunglasses to manage this light sensitivity. You may be given eye drops to apply in some cases. Most patients that have eyelid surgery on Thursday or Friday can recover over the weekend and get out of the house by Monday or Tuesday with sunglasses to cover the surgery. For a successful recovery, follow all of the directions given to you by Dr. Morrissette or his assistants and you can expect a full, rapid recovery - and once complete, a fresher, younger appearance.

Our Credentials: Your Health and Safety Comes First at our Office

The office is one of the few in the area that has gained an accreditation as an outpatient surgery center and has met the stringent requirements of the Institute for Medical Quality, one of only four professional out-patient clinic accreditation agencies that is approved by the California Medical Board. We care about patient safety in every aspect of our treatment and care. Speak with us about lower eyelid surgery - we can help restore a more youthful appearance to your face and eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, medically termed blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure which addresses loose, hanging skin and loose creases on the eyelids, or puffy lower lids. If the skin of your upper eyelids has become lax, it can even affect your field of vision. Eyelid surgery addresses loose hanging skin by removing excess skin and fatty tissue to create a more refreshed, renewed look.

What are the Types of Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty can address either the skin of the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both. These are two separate procedures.

• Upper Eyelid Surgery: This procedure addresses issues of skin laxity in the upper eyelid. An upper eyelid lift allows Dr. Morrissette to remove excess skin and fatty tissue in the upper eyelid and redefine the crease. When it is finished, you are left with eyes that appear awake, alert, and attractive – but not overdone.
• Lower Eyelid Surgery: This procedure addresses the skin and tissue beneath your eyes. It can remove excess skin beneath the eyes, remove excess fat, and smooth deep hollows, tear troughs, or undereye bags.

What Benefits Can I Experience with Eyelid Surgery?

Your Santa Barbara eyelid surgery can restore the skin around your eyes to a more natural, youthful position giving your face a more vital and youthful look. In addition, eyelid surgery provides other benefits:

• Refreshing the overall facial appearance
• Restoring self-confidence

Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Men and women who are in generally good health and are experiencing skin laxity in the eyelid who would like to restore a more rested appearance to their eyes are usually ideal candidates for eyelid surgery. Dr. Morrissette is available to answer any of your questions or concerns about the procedure and what to expect.

Will my Insurance Pay for Eyelid Surgery?

In many cases, your health insurance will pay some portion of eyelid surgery – when drooping skin is affecting vision. Our friendly administrative staff is available to assist you with any health insurance questions or discuss our financing options.

Why Should I Choose Dr. Michael Morrissette?

Dr. Michael Morrissette has a keen eye for facial balance and beauty. His excellent surgical skills and warm, caring demeanor come together in a highly-skilled surgeon who is not only gifted, but who has genuine interest and care for his patients. In fact, Dr. Morrissette only performs facial cosmetic surgery and no other types of cosmetic surgery. Coupled with his Board Certification in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, you can trust him to perform your surgery with the highest level of professionalism, and to focus on achieving a result that looks natural.

What Can I Expect During Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is performed in the comfort of our Ventura, California facility under twilight or local anesthesia. With upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Morrissette will place the incision discreetly in the crease of the eye so no scars will be visible once healed. For lower eyelid surgery, the incisions are placed within the lower lid. Dr. Morrissette will remove any excess skin and fatty tissue, smooth hollows or deep tear troughs, and then close the incisions with sutures (stitches). Eyelid surgery typically takes between one and two hours. When your eyelid surgery is finished, and you have healed fully, you will be left with a more youthful, rested appearance.

What Is The Recovery Time From Eyelid Surgery?

Since each eyelid surgery is tailored to the needs of the individual, every patient responds differently. You will experience mild to moderate swelling and bruising for up to one week following surgery. Any discomfort can be easily managed with pain medication. A gently-applied cold compress can further aid in reducing swelling. You should be able to return to work approximately one week following your procedure. You may resume light exercise in about one week but should wait two weeks following eyelid surgery to engage in vigorous exercise.