Eyelid Surgery in Palo Alto

Your eyes are one of the first features noticed by others, and your eyelids provide your eyes with character. Eyelid skin is very thin and delicate in quality. As years go by, eyelid skin loses its resilience, and as a result, begins to sag. At times, eyelid sagging becomes so extreme as to affect one’s vision at this point, it may be time to consider eyelid surgery in Palo Alto.

Woman with red hair and light gray sweater on

World-class Plastic Surgeon for Eyelid Surgery

If you are considering eyelid surgery, you want to be confident that the outcome will appear completely natural, without any hint of having had surgery. When under the care of Dr. Graw, your eyelid surgery will be performed by a highly-skilled plastic surgeon trained by the world leaders in the procedure.

A Superb Education and Natural Skills = Exquisite Results

Dr. Graw was educated at the most highly-rated universities in the United States, including the Johns Hopkins University, Harvard Medical School, and Stanford Hospital and Clinics, followed by advanced training in the most advanced eyelid surgery techniques from world leader in this field, Dr. Seung Kim. Her precision, unique aesthetic eye, and advanced surgical techniques produce superior rejuvenated and natural results.

What are the Types of Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Graw performs several types of eyelid surgeries, including:

Upper eyelid surgery: Correcting the upper eyelids may require more than removing excess eyelid skin. Some patients require correcting bulging fat pads or restructuring the upper eyelid muscle.
Lower eyelid surgery: An incision, hidden from view, can be placed beneath the eyelash line on the lower lid, to allow for the removal of excess skin and fat, in addition to muscle tightening (Dr. Graw’s special, advanced technique), to create a youthful transition between the eyes and upper cheeks.
Asian eyelid surgery: Dr. Graw is among the most talented plastic surgeons for Asian eyelid surgery, creating the double crease for a more open eye structure that looks natural and attractive.
Vision-related eyelid surgery: If your eyelid skin has stretched to the point that it impacts your peripheral vision, removal of this excess skin can restore your vision, with the added benefit of enhancing your facial appearance, providing a look of rejuvenation.

The ideal outcome can only be achieved with a full analysis of your unique condition, and a discussion with you about what you would like to achieve with your eyelid surgery in Palo Alto. Dr. Graw collaborates closely with her patients, ensuring that they are pleased with the final result, ultimately achieving a look that is well-rested, more youthful, and approachable, in the most natural way.

Eyelid surgery – what does it entail?

Every person has a unique appearance, and your eyelid surgery will be customized to match your needs. Dr. Graw performs several types of eyelid surgeries, including the following:

Upper eyelid surgery: Markings are performed before the surgery to ensure optimal final appearance and symmetry. These markings are the most important part of the surgery. You will then undergo local anesthesia. The surgery is performed by removing the excess skin that was marked before your surgery, with the idea that your final scar will end up within the natural crease of your eyelid. A sliver of muscle and fat may be removed to decrease fullness in the area. Your incision is then restored with small, delicate stitches.
Lower eyelid surgery: Dr. Graw performs a special technique that achieves long-lasting results. Typically, other surgeons will perform just skin and/or eye fat removal. Results from this technique usually last 2-3 years. However, Dr. Graw performs a unique eye muscle suspension technique that allows for results to last at least 10 years. Through an incision just underneath your eyelashes, and within your natural skin creases, Dr. Graw will remove any excess skin you may have. Furthermore, she will fill “hollow-looking” areas beneath your eyes with your eye fat. Additionally, she will remove any excess eye fat you may have. To really secure your eyelid lift for long-term results, she will tighten your under-eye muscle, and suspend it to your surrounding tissues. Once this is performed, your incision is then closed with small, delicate stitches.
Asian eyelid surgery: Markings are performed before the surgery to ensure optimal final appearance and symmetry. These markings are the most important part of the surgery. You will then undergo local anesthesia. If you have any excess skin, this will be removed, with the idea that your final scar will end up within the natural crease. Otherwise, Dr. Graw will proceed to create your “double-eyelid crease,” according to the natural shape and size of your eye. Once this has been performed, your incision will then be restored with tiny stitches.

Eyelid surgeries are performed on thousands of people each year by many plastic surgeons. However, the surgical techniques of your plastic surgeon are critical. Dr. Graw uses a precision approach to ensure you achieve your aesthetic ideal.

What is the recovery time after eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery does not involve a very painful recovery, although you can expect some swelling and bruising in the first couple weeks. You should feel ready to return to social activities within about 10-14 days. You will be provided with full aftercare instructions, but generally, you will need to avoid rubbing your eyes, keep your head elevated, use all medications as directed, and apply ointments or eye drops as prescribed.

Your refreshed facial look, revealed.

Wear sunglasses when venturing out, and sleep with your head elevated on pillows or a foam wedge for the first week to decrease swelling. Dr. Graw will remove your sutures at around day 6 after your surgery. She does not use dissolvable stitches for your skin, in order to decrease scarring. Within a few weeks, you can enjoy the refreshed look you had envisioned – healthy, more youthful, and well-rested. The majority of your final result will be apparent by three months, however, scars take up to one year to reach full maturation.