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Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty
What is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, medically referred to as blepharoplasty and commonly known as an “eyelid lift,” is a surgical procedure that can rejuvenate the appearance of both the upper and lower eyelids. As we age, the eyelids lose their firmness and fullness, and the muscles around the eyes become lax. As a result, in the upper lids, excess skin causes our eyelids to appear wrinkled and can limit our vision. In the lower lids, excess skin and the drooping of fat and muscle causes changes in the shape of the eyes and can lead to the development of malar bags. Eyelid surgery can address these hallmark signs of aging and restore a youthful appearance.
At Florida Plastic Surgery Group, blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids and is often combined with other procedures, such as a brow lift, facelift, or mid-face lift.
What Can Eyelid Surgery Do for Me?
Eyelid surgery offers several benefits for patients who have concerns about the appearance of their eyes. This treatment can:
- Reduce signs of age and fatigue around the eyes
- Reduce/reposition excess skin and fat that has collected around the eyes
- Minimize the appearance of under-eye bags, puffiness, and wrinkles under the eyes
- Give the eyes a more alert, refreshed, and youthful appearance
- Enhance vision for patients experiencing visual obstruction due to “hooding” (excess, overhanging skin affecting the upper eyelid areas)
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Men and women who are experiencing excess skin around the eyes, under-eye bags, and eyes that appear tired or aged, as well as those who are suffering from vision problems due to excess skin hanging over the eyes are often candidates for eyelid surgery. Most of our eyelid surgery patients are in their 40s-60s; however, both young and older patients may benefit from a blepharoplasty.
One of our skilled plastic surgeons can meet with you to evaluate your concerns and determine whether eyelid surgery is the ideal procedure for your needs. Patients who have had LASIK surgery should wait at least six months before undergoing eyelid rejuvenation surgery. Patients with Graves, other thyroid disorders, or myasthenia gravis should alert their physician, as precautions may need to be taken.
How is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
There are a number of different ways to perform a blepharoplasty and the decision whether to remove skin, skin and muscle, or skin, muscle, and fat depends on your particular surgeon’s approach. After carefully evaluating the aging process and what makes eyelids look young, our approach is centered around volume preservation to avoid a “hollowed” appearance, which can occur if an excessive amount of fat and muscle removal is incorporated into the procedure.
Before the eyelid surgery procedure is performed, patients should tell their physician if they have dry eyes, especially if they use wetting drops. Non-steroidal medications like aspirin and ibuprofen should be discontinued at least one week prior to surgery to prevent excessive bleeding.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
The upper eyelid blepharoplasty begins with a careful preoperative evaluation aimed at creating a customized approach for each patient. One of our experienced plastic surgeons will help you decide which procedure or combination of procedures will best suit your needs. Our doctors always involve our patients when creating a surgical plan, and together you will decide the following factors:
- Where the new crease will be set
- Whether you have a ptosis (droopy lid) that needs elevation
- If and where fat needs to be removed (there are 2 compartments of fat in the upper eyelids)
- If the tear gland needs to be elevated
- If a brow lift needs to be performed
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery and rejuvenation also has many variables. Our doctors carefully evaluate each patient’s unique needs and goals to maximize the aesthetic results. The following factors need to be taken into account:
- Does skin need to be removed?
- Does the fat need to be repositioned to correct the bags and blend the lower lid and cheek margin?
- Does the lower eyelid need to be elevated with suspension procedure?
- Would you also benefit from a mid-face or cheek lift?
The incision for lower eyelid surgery is on the inside of the eye or just under the lash line if skin needs to be removed. Both should heal quite well and become virtually imperceptible with time.
Upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of both treatments are usually performed on an outpatient basis and should not require an overnight hospital stay for most individuals. Our doctor will talk more with you about what you can expect on the day of surgery once your treatment plan has been developed.
What is Recovery from Eyelid Surgery Like?
Your eyes will likely have bruising and swelling after your procedure, but these conditions should improve in the first few weeks. Patients typically return to work within 10-14 days. Ask our cosmetic surgery team about nutrition and incision care to ensure a fast recovery. We ask patients to sleep with a few pillows under their heads to help any bruising and edema to drain with gravity. Application of ice packs can limit the swelling in the first 24 hours. Risks associated with eyelid surgery are asymmetry, prolonged eyelid swelling, abnormal scarring resulting in eyelid descent, difficulty closing your eyes, and/or ocular irritation. In extremely rare circumstances, bleeding within the eye may cause an increase in pressure. If you have worsening eye pain and/or changes in vision, consult your doctor immediately, as surgery to relieve the pressure in your eye may be required to prevent permanent damage. Our surgeons take maximum precautions with these procedures and work diligently to reduce the surgical risks associated with eyelid surgery.
How Long Do Eyelid Surgery Results Last?
When proper post-surgical guidelines are followed and a good skin care routine is in place, the results of eyelid surgery can last many years into the future. The exact length of results varies from one patient to another, and the natural aging process will continue to have an effect on one’s facial appearance. However, in general, when patients take adequate skin care precautions and live a healthy lifestyle, they can typically expect very long-term aesthetic outcomes from eyelid surgery.
Are Eyelid Surgery Scars Noticeable?
The minimal amount of scarring after eyelid surgery is one of the procedure’s most prominent benefits. Incisions for upper eyelid surgery are typically made in natural creases around the eyelids, and lower blepharoplasty requires incisions either inside the eyelid itself or beneath the lash line. These approaches can ultimately result in residual scarring that is virtually unnoticeable, even upon close inspection.
Are There Non-Surgical Eyelid Surgery Alternatives?
The specific results and the longevity of aesthetic outcomes associated with eyelid surgery cannot be replicated with non-surgical treatments designed to refresh the areas around the eyes. With that in mind, there are a few non-surgical alternatives to eyelid surgery that can benefit patients who are looking for more temporary results and for those who have concerns that may not require surgery to meet their goals. For instance: injectable options such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and Jeuveau™ can be useful for diminishing signs of dynamic lines such as crow’s feet that tend to appear around the eyes. In some cases, a dermal filler such as Restylane® may also be a suitable alternative. Another non-surgical option is HALO™ laser treatment. This treatment can be performed in the office and helps with fine lines and mild laxity of the upper and lower eyelids. One to two treatments may be necessary for the best possible results. Patients generally heal quickly after the procedure.
Although there are some non-surgical alternatives to eyelid surgery that may be good options for the right candidate, it is important to remember that only eyelid surgery is capable of removing sagging skin and repositioning or removing excess fat in the eyelid regions. If those issues are the primary cause of the concern, blepharoplasty will likely be the most effective option.
Our plastic surgeon can talk with you about potential alternatives to eyelid surgery once your skin is evaluated during the initial consultation.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
Eyelid surgery here at Florida Plastic Surgery Group is typically priced as follows:
- Eyelid Surgery/Blepharoplasty Lower Lid – $6,499
- Eyelid Surgery/Blepharoplasty Upper Lid – $3,999 to $4,999
- Eyelid Surgery/Blepharoplasty Upper and Lower Lids – $8,999
The total cost of the procedure will depend on whether you are undergoing upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both in combination. It is also important to note that the price will vary significantly among patients in accordance with the customized treatment plan. Factors that go into the total cost estimate include the type of eyelid surgery performed, whether additional cosmetic treatment options are included (such as a facelift, browlift, or others), fees associated with anesthesia, the surgeon’s fee, whether the treatment is performed in the office or in an operating facility, and other components. Once your personalized treatment plan is developed during the initial consultation, we will produce a cost estimate that includes all expenses associated with your eyelid surgery procedure and go over it with you. Our practice accepts a wide variety of payment options, including third-party plastic surgery financing plans available for qualified applicants. A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Schedule an Eyelid Surgery Consultation
Blepharoplasty is a very popular surgical procedure designed to fight the signs of aging and give your eyes a new, vibrant look. If you would like to learn more about what an eyelid lift can do for you, please contact Florida Plastic Surgery Group today to schedule your initial appointment.
