Second blepharoplasty incision?

I had an upper blepharoplasty two years ago where only skin needed to be removed. Now I'd like to remove underlying fat as well. Must my incision site (scar) be re-opened for this to occur?

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13 answers to “Second blepharoplasty incision?”

A: Use same incision

William Portuese, MD

A second blepharoplasty incision should completely remove the previous incision. The scar is excised through the very same incision and fat is removed from underneath the eyelid.

A: Upper lid scar usually doesn't need excision

Christopher L. Hess, MD

The upper lid heals so well that the scar does not need to be excised. In other areas, we completely remove the old scar. But in the upper lid, this isn't necessary. Because only fat needs to be removed, only two small areas of the scar need to be opened. This should be a very fast and relatively uncomplicated... more

A: Small incision best unless there is skin laxity

Richard Gentile, MD

If we are performing a revision for fat reduction we would utilize a small incsion so as to to not create more scar tissue. If there is a noticeable bulge this would provide aesthetic improvement.  Filling of the later rim and lid area above the incision with fillers or micro fat transfers can also add... more

A: Only minimal fat removal during secondary Blepharoplasty

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Fat is only removed from the medial and middle compartments of the upper eye lid. The lateral compartment is occupied by the lacrimal gland. Only conservative removal is needed. Too much fat removed will create a deformity called a frame. This could be difficult to treat. If needed, your old incision will be... more

A: If you already have the incision, use it again

Richard P. Rand, MD

As you have seen from the other answers, fat removal from the upper lids is much less common than it used to be.  But if you need it and already have the incision, I would logically just reuse it.

A: Blepharoplasty Incisions

Daniel Reichner, MD

I would recommend going through the old blepharoplasty incisions to remove fat. The upper eyelid skin usually heals very well, so re-cutting the old incisions is not a problem.  Going through the old scar is the safest, most effective way to remove upper eyelid orbital fat. If additional skin needs to be... more

A: Fat very seldom should be removed from the upper eyelids

George J. Beraka, MD

Hello again. We used to make upper eyelids hollow. Full upper eyelids are attractive (look at models). So be careful. But if you are sure that fat needs to come out, it can be done from the INSIDE of the lid (transconjunctival approach). We do this in the lower eyelids routinely. So your scars don't have to be... more

A: Not necessarily

Donald Kress, MD

There is a procedure known as a "stab blepharoplasty" which can be used on the upper lid. Basically, there are two fat compartgments in the upper lid.  Small "stab" incisions are made in the old scar and a measured amount of fat removed from the appropriate compartments. The incisions... more

A: Secondary upper Blepharoplasty can use smaller incision for fat removal

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Dear mbalta, If you are very happy with the scar from your previous upper blepharoplasty then you may not want a full incision. If the puffy area of fat is primarily near the nose, a tiny puncture incision can be made through the old scar and the fat removed. If you have diffuse puffy swelling across the... more

A: It is best to go through the same incision

David Shafer, MD

Mbalta, It is best to go through the same incision site. You may not have to have the entire incision opened up to remove all the fat. It would be unusual to make a secondary incision if you already have one there. Good luck with your surgery.

Comments

maxie
11 posts
11 Feb 2009

I had this procedure done about 8 yrs. ago. I am not pleased with the left eye. I can see the incision under my eye and the upper lid still has loose skin and the incision is very visible when i close my eyes. I am very unhappy but afraid to get cut again.

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