Fat Transfer for both upper and lower eyelids after Blepharoplasty? Best docs in the U.S. for Fat Transfer around eyes? (photos)

Question

I had an unsatisfactory upper/lower blepharoplasty in 2010. While the scars beside my eyes are the most upsetting thing about the result, I'm also very hollow on both the upper and lower eyelids and look somewhat "skeletal." My eye area is tighter but I definitely look older, even right after the surgery. I am sort of scared to get a fat transfer because of possible lumps but want something as permanent as possible. I do have thin skin under my eyes. I would love some feedback from the doctors.

Lucie Capek, MD · Answer

One of the worst stigmata of blepharoplasty can be a hollow, aged-looking eye area. Most modern blepharoplasty techniques aim to preserve volume by limiting muscle and fat removal. Personally, I also frequently add micro-fat grafts during blepharoplasty surgery, especially to the lower orbital rim area.Since you have already have the issue of hollowing after blephs, micro-fat grafts should greatly improve your results. Make sure you consult a Board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience with this technique.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

Blepharoplasty correction is a very challenging procedure, that is one of the most rewarding to me as a surgeon. I feel awful when I see people in consultation who feel like, and look like "the one who had plastic surgery"  It is incredibly rewarding to restore the beauty, youth and natural appearance to these patients. Structural Fat grafting is likely what is needed to correct the hollows in your upper and lower eyelids. There are a wide range of
techniques, instrumentation and experience among the surgeons that perform this
surgical procedure.  Because of the tremendous variability in all of these
factors, there is tremendous variability in fat grafting results.  To perform
fat grafting successfully and reproducibly a surgeon must employ careful
preoperative planning, appropriate instrumentation and meticulous surgical
technique.  It is not something you can 'rush through' or spend just a few
minutes on during a larger surgical procedure.  The unfortunate reality is
that not everyone who performs fat grafting is willing to put in the level of
education, training, investment in instrumentation and operative effort
required to produce aesthetically ideal results.Many of my brow-upper lid junction structural fat grafting patients have come to my practice for the correction of hollowness created by the over-zealous removal of fat during an upper blepharoplasty surgery. I am continually amazed at how many cosmetic surgeons practice 1970's-era blepharoplasty surgery in the 21st century. I almost never remove upper lid fat during blepharoplasty surgery, and in many cases I actually add fat at the brow-upper lid junction. Fortunately, essentially all cases of post-blepharoplasty hollowness can be improved dramatically by structural fat grafting. It is a more challenging procedure, as scar tissue must be overcome to create space for the grafted fat, and in many cases it takes more than one fat grafting procedure to restore adequate fullness in these patients.	Lower lid hollowness following an overly aggressive lower blepharoplasty can likewise be improved. One must exercise care and caution, as lower lid skin and the underlying soft tissues are usually quite thin, and thus the lower lids are less able to conceal grafted fat. Fat grafting must be preformed conservatively here, with a plan for secondary and occasionally tertiary fat grafting procedures depending on the 'take' of the initial fat grafting surgery.When having a corrective surgery, you need the best of the best. Look for lots and lost of great photos. Look closely at training and education. Board certified plastic surgeons are required to have five years of formal surgical training following medical school. Some plastic surgeons elect to have ten years of training. Look for a plastic surgeon who graduated at the top of his or her class and  trained at a top medical university.Be sure you see many,. many before and after photos and ask to speak to patients. Check out the surgical facility. Some facilities are dual certified. Check out the surgical team. Check everything and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Fat Transfer for both upper and lower eyelids after Blepharoplasty? Best docs in the U.S. for Fat Transfer around eyes? (photos)

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Fat Transfer for both upper and lower eyelids after Blepharoplasty? Best docs in the U.S. for Fat Transfer around eyes? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.