Eyelid Lift Surgery

EYE LIFT ALBUQUERQUE NM

EYELID LIFT ALBUQUERQUE NM

BLEPHAROPLASTYALBUQUERQUE NM

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by Sandia Skin + Face
Albuquerque, NM

WHAT ISEYE LIFT SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)?

Eyelid surgery, also called eye lift, eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is the surgical removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat in the upper or lower eyelids. Many people seek eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons.Eyelid surgery can reduce sagging and puffiness in the eyelids and create a more rested and rejuvenated appearance.

More than any other facial feature, it’s our eyes that brighten the face and help express a wide range of emotions. People are increasingly turning to eyelid lifts to revitalize the look of tired, aging eyes. This cosmetic surgery can refresh your appearance by reducing under-eye bags, lifting sagging lids, and sculpting your eye contours.

  • Puffy Eyelids
  • Sagging Skin in Your Upper Eyelids
  • Tired Looking Eyes
  • Wrinkled Lids
  • Heavy or Droopy Upper Lids
  • Impaired Vision

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THE BAGS UNDER MY EYES?

It’s pretty natural for our lower eyelids to become loose and stretch out due to aging and elastic tissue damage caused by sun exposure. Bags under our eyes are caused by fat around the eyeball that pushes out on our loose lower lids. The eyelids stretch from the pressure of the fat, and a bulge develops. As sunlight or room light shines down from above, a shadow is formed under the bulge. It’s this dark shadow that creates a tired, aged look.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING UPPER EYELID SURGERY?

Dr. Tuggle performs eyelid surgery under intravenous sedation or light general anesthesia. For upper eyelid rejuvenation, we use radiosurgery to make tiny, well-hidden incisions along the natural lines of the upper eyelid. Excess skin and occasionally protruding fat and excess muscle is removed using a special laser that prevents bruising. We close the lid with dissolving sutures to minimize discomfort. The stitches are hidden in the natural crease when the eye is open. You can expect only mild swelling and minimal bruising, thanks to the cutting-edge advantage of laser technology.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING LOWER EYELID SURGERY?

The lower lid blepharoplasty was designed to improve the puffy, protruding skin below the eyes. Dr. Tuggle makes a fine incision inside the lower lid with a laser that completely prevents bleeding, bruising, and swelling. He may also make an incision just below the lower eyelashes to remove loose skin from the lower lid and then close it with dissolving sutures. Noticeable bruising usually only occurs when skin is removed along with the fat. The skin heals exceptionally well in the lower lid, and fortunately, there is rarely a noticeable scar line.

EYELID SURGERY AFTERCARE

After eyelid surgeries, most patients are back to their regular routines within a few days, although complete recovery may take a few weeks. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort can be a part of the recovery process, but nothing can be alleviated with cold compresses and appropriate medication. Makeup should not be applied to the upper lid or lower lid suture line until two days after suture removal.

To prevent additional swelling, limit strenuous activity for a week after surgery. Feel free to participate in your everyday activities as your bruises subside and feel comfortable with your appearance.

ADDITIONAL TREATMENTS

Sometimes the wrinkles around the eyes are etched into the skin and cannot be removed by a blepharoplasty procedure alone. We tailor eyelid lifts to individual patients’ needs to enhance a firmer, more youthful appearance. Adding some additional skin wrinkle treatments, such as laser resurfacing, chemical peel, or home skincare with tretinoin (Retin A), to your procedure may bring you even closer to the brighter, more energetic look you deserve.

BROW LIFT

We recommend having a brow lift before an eyelid lift to maximize blepharoplasty results if you have low or droopy brows. Removing excess upper eyelid skin in someone with low brows usually causes the brows to appear droopier. You can learn more about brow lifts here.

EYELID SURGERY
EYELID LIFT
EYE LIFT
BLEPHAROPLASTY
BEFORE-AFTER IMAGES

Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery - Eyelid Lift
Eyelid Surgery – Eyelid Lift

EYELID SURGERY
EYELID LIFT
EYE LIFT
BLEPHAROPLASTY
FAQ

It’s pretty natural for our lower eyelids to become loose and stretch out because of aging and elastic tissue damage caused by sun exposure. Fat around the eyeball that pushes out on our open lower lids creates bags under our eyes. The eyelids stretch from the fat pressure, and a bulge develops. As sunlight or room light shines down from above, they form a shadow under the bow. It’s this dark shadow that creates a tired, aged look. Get a procedure to help you look better. For better looks, you can have Eyelid Surgery | Eyelid Lift | Eyelift | Blepharoplasty.

Dr. Tuggle performs eyelid surgery under intravenous sedation or light general anesthesia. For upper eyelid rejuvenation, we use radiosurgery to make tiny, well-hidden incisions along the natural lines of the upper eyelid. We removed excess skin and occasionally protruding fat and excess muscle using a special laser that prevents bruising. We close the lid with dissolving sutures to minimize discomfort. The stitches hide in the natural crease when the eye is open. You can expect only mild swelling and minimal bruising, thanks to the innovative advantage of laser technology.

The lower lid blepharoplasty improved the puffy, protruding skin below the eyes. Dr. Tuggle makes a fine incision inside the lower lid with a laser that completely prevents bleeding, bruising, and swelling. He may also make an incision just below the lower eyelashes to remove loose skin from the lower lid and then close it with dissolving sutures. Removing the skin along with the fat, noticeable bruising usually occurs. The skin heals exceptionally well in the lower lid, and fortunately, there is rarely an apparent scar line.

Many individuals choose blepharoplasty to reduce the appearance of bags under their eyes, eliminate droopy and tired-looking eyelids, and restore peripheral vision impaired by severely sagging eyelid skin.

At around six weeks, you will start to see the final result of your eyelid surgery. Mild residual swelling may still be present as the delicate tissues around your eyes continue to adjust, but your eyes will be noticeably refreshed, alert and younger-looking.

Eyelid surgery is among the least painful cosmetic procedures. Aside from minimal discomfort on the day, you’ll have a quick recovery and see the results swiftly. So the procedure isn’t excruciating, but you may have other questions.

Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. Keep activities to a minimum for 3-5 days; avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks. Read or watch television after 2-3 days.

Do not drive until you have stopped taking pain medication and no longer have blurry vision. Make sure that you can safely and comfortably drive a car. This is usually about 5 to 10 days after surgery. It’s important to get a quiet, peaceful rest during the first 3 to 4 days after your surgery.

Most good eyelid surgery candidates are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have the surgery done sooner. Eyelid surgery can improve your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or alter your facial structure.

It is important to expect a bit of sleep difficulty after blepharoplasty. This may relate to the need to sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first week or two after surgery. A foam wedge beneath pillows works well for some patients. Others stack two to three soft pillows for support.

  • Have an ice pack and small gauze pads ready and waiting for you at home to help reduce any swelling and discomfort.
  • Get pain medication ahead of time, which can be over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor.
  • Eye drops are essential and your doctor will advise you on the best type.
  • Get lost of rest, and sleep in a head elevated position.
  • Wear sunscreen and sunglasses for sun protection. We always advise this, especially until the healing is complete. 

Possible risks of Eyelid Surgery | Eyelid Lift | Eye lift | Blepharoplasty include: 
● Infection and bleeding
● Dry, irritated eyes
● Difficulty closing your eyes or other eyelid problems

While there usually is little pain involved in this surgery, there can be swelling or bruising. Most patients are presentable to the public in 10-14 days. However, it may take a few months before the final healing.

After eyelid surgery, it is ideal to sleep on your back with your head elevated to decrease swelling for the first few days. However, if you accidentally turn over during the night and lie on your side, you are very unlikely to have any negative side effects from this.

In a word: yes. The primary purpose of the procedure is to reduce sagging and eyelid bags. Blepharoplasty surgery is used for improvements in everyday eyesight. However, most patients wonder if the procedure will also change their eye shape.

Insurance companies do not generally cover lower Eyelid Surgery | Eyelid Lift | Eye lift | Blepharoplasty. Still, Upper Eyelid Surgery | Eyelid Lift | Eye lift | Blepharoplasty is usually covered if an examination by an ophthalmologist determines that droopiness of the upper eyelid impairs vision.

The surgery itself usually lasts between one and three hours. To keep you comfortable during your procedure, you will be given local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the eyelid and surrounding area while keeping you sedated but awake during surgery.

Upper eyelid surgery prices can vary significantly from patient to patient. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of the procedure was $3,163 in 2018 nationwide. However, some procedures can cost as low as $2,000 and go upwards of $7,000 or more.

Your eyelid’s swelling and bruising are common for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. The appearance of your eye may continue to get better for 1 to 3 months. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days. This may depend on your job and how you feel about people knowing about your surgery.


Keeping your head elevated the evening after surgery and the first two weeks following surgery is essential. You can do head elevation by either sleeping in a recliner tilted at 45 degrees or sleeping with two pillows underneath the head. Avoid rolling onto your face.

As soon as the dressing is removed, it would be best if you clean your eyelids. Using the saline solution and sterile gauze pads, gently clean the lids to remove superficial debris. To do this, soak the gauze thoroughly and place it over the lids to soften them. You can purchase the saline solution over the counter or make it at home.

Unlike upper blepharoplasty, which is considered to be a cosmetic procedure, ptosis repair is primarily functional. Ptosis repair involves tightening or shortening the eyelid muscle to lift once again and open the upper eyelid adequately.

Like any other surgery, blepharoplasty leaves scars. Although upper eyelid scars are almost unnoticeable, they still need to care for to heal as well as possible appropriately.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty or blepharoptosis repair is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following conditions: 

  • Difficulty tolerating a prosthesis in an anophthalmic socket
  • Repair of a functional defect caused by trauma, tumor, or surgery
  • Periorbital sequelae of thyroid disease
  • Nerve palsy

Continue scar massage for about three months. It would be best if you began gentle massage to the eyelids one week after surgery. Massage will help smooth any irregularities and areas of firmness. You may apply lotion to your hand to massage, and/or you may use a vibrating massager.

  • Massage along the length of the upper and lower eyelids towards the eye
  • Repeat this massage action 5 to 10 times over about 30 seconds immediately following the warming
  • Massaging should neither to be too gentle nor too firm
  • Always massage with the eyes shut

Applying a prescription antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin ophthalmic (Polysporin®), on your eyelid or using prescription antibiotic eye drops, such as a combination polymyxin B and trimethoprim (Polytrim®) may help resolve the bacterial infection and lessen the irritation.

CORNERSTONE ARTICLE

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PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

  • Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality ,  Value First time getting Botox, I was very nervous. They ARE super friendly. They explained everything to me also answered all of my questions. Tonya is the BEST!!! she is so friendly and professional. I totally recommend this place to get Botox. THE BEST IN ABQ

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    July 4, 2021

    Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality ,  Value Dr. Tonya Tuggle is a true professional and such a nice person. I highly recommend her and Sandia Skin.

    Lisa Rampy Avatar Lisa Rampy
    September 13, 2021

    Tonya is amazing!! She made me feel so comfortable and really listened to my concerns about my skin. She really cares and knows what she is doing. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!! I was concerned my first appointment but I just had my third and I can say it’s so worth it!!! Botox has been an incredible experience and I’m so happy to have tried it, I’m so much happier with my appearance and it looks incredibly natural. I’ve included before and after photos, neither photo is filtered or edited, you can see how makeup would collect in my forehead, and how the after it’s smooth and looks so lovely. It doesn’t feel weird or like I can’t move my muscles at all, it feels super natural. One of my biggest concerns was that I wouldn’t be able to emote with Botox but that’s just not true at all. I feel so confident and that is thanks to Tonya!

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    September 13, 2021

  • How amazing! I can’t believe what Tonya has done for me! She took excellent care of me! My first time ever for Botox and Lip Filler. I’m 58 feeling like 30 again! Everyone deserves this! I will be back! My crows are gone. My lipstick goes on smooth with no bleeds. You are totally amazing Tonya! Thank you again ! Tonya was so professional and went over everything in detail with me! Totally amazing place! Treat yourself! We all deserve to look great and feel great! ❤️

    Paula Winters Avatar Paula Winters
    April 4, 2021

    Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality Easy to book online. Seamless appointment and did not feel rushed. Tonya explained thoroughly and made sure i had the best results for botox and minimizing my frown line. Highly recommend!

    Karen Avatar Karen
    September 20, 2021

    Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality ,  Value Getting botox at Sandia Skin & Face was the best decision I've ever made. No more lines on my forehead 🙂

    Melissa Kibler Avatar Melissa Kibler
    September 4, 2021

  • I recently relocated from CA. I was nervous to find a new place for lip fillers after going to the same person for several years. Tonya was absolutely amazing! She is extremely knowledgeable and instantly made me feel comfortable. Tonya exceeded my expectations. I’ve received so many compliments from friends and family. The entire staff were friendly and professional. I will definitely become a loyal client. Thank you Tonya and team!!!

    treesem Avatar treesem
    May 4, 2021

    Positive: Cleanliness ,  Professionalism ,  Punctuality ,  Quality Tonya really takes the time to listen to your concerns and is very accommodating. Results were fast and I love them. I highly recommend them.

    Jasmine Vazquez Avatar Jasmine Vazquez
    April 4, 2021

    The office staff is super accommodating and helpful, and Dr. Tuggle and Tonya Tuggle are both wonderful at what they do. I have had multiple procedures/treatments here over the years and highly recommend them. I never feel uncomfortable or judged, which is huge when deciding on cosmetic procedures. I also never felt pressured into anything and always felt informed about all of my decisions. They have great seasonal specials on fillers, etc!

    Amanda Hosbach Avatar Amanda Hosbach
    May 4, 2021

EYELID SURGERY
EYELID LIFT
EYE LIFT
BLEPHAROPLASTY
PROCEDURE PREP

Pre and Post-Operative Instructions for Your Eyelid Surgery

Would you please read these instructions before and after your surgery? Carefully following these guidelines will help you obtain the best possible result. Take this information with you on the day of surgery to begin following the instructions that day. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact our office. We want you to have a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery

  • You would need to have an eye/vision exam with an optometrist before having eyelid surgery if you didn’t check your vision last year.
  • Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications), Vitamin E, herbal supplements, or medicines containing these compounds and alcohol for two weeks before surgery. Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic equivalent) and a daily multivitamin are OK.
  • Refrain from smoking two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Nicotine and tobacco smoke delay healing and can result in scarring.
  • Avoid sun damage two weeks before surgery. We recommend wearing an SPF 30 or higher.
  • Your prescriptions for after surgery (typically an antibiotic and pain med) will be given to you the day of surgery.
  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the night before your surgery
  • Would you please arrange for someone to take you home from our surgery center? You will not be allowed to drive or leave alone. Arrange for someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surger
  • Make arrangements to stay in the Albuquerque City area on the night of your surgery if you live more than an hour’s drive away.

On the day before Surgery

  • On the day before surgery, you will receive a phone call informing you of the exact time to report to our surgery center.

Day of Surgery

  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, the morning of surgery. Essential meds may be taken with a sip of water 1 hour before the surgery appointment.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes. Short-Sleeved Shirt is required.
  • Leave all valuables at home; do not wear jewelry.
  • Do not wear any facial or eye make-up. Avoid nail polish.
  • You may wear glasses but do not wear contact lenses.
  • If you wear dentures, keep them in.
  • Bring your ID and insurance card with you.

EYELID SURGERY
EYELID LIFT
EYE LIFT
BLEPHAROPLASTY
AFTERCARE

Post-Operative Care

  • Iced gauze pads (gauze pads dipped in ice water and wrung out) should be applied to the eyes and cheek for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling and discoloration.
  • Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. A recliner works well, or adding an extra pillow to your bed is adequate.
  • You may wash your face. You may shower and wash your hair.
  • Wash incisions with Tear-Free Baby Shampoo and apply a light coat of vaseline.
  • You may wear contact lenses two to three weeks after surgery.
  • Avoid extreme physical activity, including athletic activities and intercourse. You may resume light walking three days after surgery. Aerobic exercise, weight training, heavy lifting, and straining may gradually resume three weeks after surgery.
  • Absolutely avoid sun exposure, sun lamps, or tanning beds for six weeks after surgery. Heat may cause your face to swell. We recommend wearing an SPF 30 or higher.
  • Don’t be concerned if the eyes show some swelling – this usually resolves within two weeks. In certain patients, it may require six months for all swelling to subside completely.
  • Take only medications prescribed by your doctor.
  • Makeup may be used 7-10 days after surgery.

DON’T TAKE CHANCES! If you are concerned about anything you consider significant, call us at:
505-291-9600 Mon-Thurs 8-4, Fri 8-12.
Afterhours 505-857-3721

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Registered Nurse Practitioner Tonya Tuggle is Albuquerque’s choice for those who want to keep their youthful appearance and healthy glow. Tonya is passionate about educating patients on preventative skin care and providing non-surgical maintenance for graceful aging. We can’t wait to meet you!

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Tonya Tuggle - Head Shot

Tonya C. Tuggle, FNP-C

Tonya C Tuggle specializes in non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures and is a Nurse Practitioner and Master Level Injector.

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Eric Tuggle, DDS

Dr. Eric Tuggle is a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is Board Certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

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