Types of Eyelid Surgery
The two primary types of eyelid surgery are upper and lower blepharoplasty.
An upper blepharoplasty uses an incision in the creases of the upper eyelid to remove skin and fat. A thin stitch is used to close the skin.
A lower blepharoplasty involves an incision just below the lower lash line. Alternatively, an incision may be made on the inside of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival technique). This provides the surgeon with access to the eyelid without any visible incisions, and it is typically used for patients who require changes to the fat.
Eyelid surgery may be combined with laser resurfacing of the eyelid skin to soften lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
If your eyelids are always drooping, you may look tired or sad. Upper eyelid surgery may help restore a naturally youthful shape. The procedure aims to correct sagging, wrinkled, and loose skin to give your eyes a more open, refreshed appearance.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
If you’ve noticed puffy, sagging bags beneath your eyes, lower eyelid surgery might be a good option. As we age, herniated fat collects beneath the eyes, resulting in bags that become more noticeable over time. Puffiness and bags can occur in patients as young as their mid-twenties resulting in a prematurely aged appearance.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty surgery is considered low risk and offers long-lasting results, making it one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures.
Pros: Eliminates puffiness and bags under your eyes; Removes hooded skin from upper lids; Addresses any vision problems from heavy upper eyelids; Scars are hidden in the natural creases of your eyelids; If surgery is done under local anesthetic, there is less post-operative nausea and a shorter recovery time; Surgery usually takes under an hour; Recovery time is short, within one to two weeks; If your eyelids are obscuring your vision, surgery may be covered by insurance.
Cons: Some downtime after surgery, and you can expect swelling and bruising; You may need to have additional surgery, such as a brow lift; Some risk of bleeding and infection; Results aren’t permanent as the aging process continues – you may need another blepharoplasty after approximately 15 years; Slight risk of injuring your eye muscles; Correcting puffiness under the eyes may cause a more recessed, darker appearance in the undereye area – fat transfers and facial fillers may help; Removing too much skin during the surgery may interfere with closing your eyes.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs in LA
- How is blepharoplasty surgery performed?
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids individually or both eyelids at the same time. During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in the crease of the upper eyelid and beneath or behind the lower eyelid. The placement of the incisions help hide scars after the area heals.
The surgeon marks the areas where excess skin and fat needs to be removed. Underlying muscle may also be removed or tightened with sutures.
The tissue is removed using surgical instruments, such as scalpels, cutting lasers, surgical scissors, and other specialized surgical devices. After the tissue is removed, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures or tissue adhesives.
The surgeon carefully determines the amount of skin, muscle, and fat that needs to be removed, taking into account your facial muscle structure, eyebrow symmetry, and bone structure. If you have dry eyes, the surgeon may opt to remove less tissue and, in so doing, avoid exposing more of the eye to the air so that symptoms don’t worsen.
Optional Steps During the Procedure
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser may be used to smooth wrinkles and lines around your lines, as well as to resurface the skin in the eyelid and eyebrow area.
A brow lift may be performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery. The procedure involves making an incision near the brow area and tightening the skin.
- How do you prepare for eyelid surgery?
Before undergoing eyelid surgery, you will need to have a thorough examination and discussion with your surgeon, to include the benefits, as well as the potential risks of the procedure. Your doctor provides pre-operative and post-operative instructions that you will need to follow closely. This will include any medication for pain relief, as well as measures to minimize discomfort, such as gauze, gel packs and artificial tears.
At the time of the consultation, your surgeon explains if the procedure requires local or general anesthesia. This usually depends on the complexity of the blepharoplasty and whether you are undergoing additional cosmetic procedures at the same time.
Before the day of the procedure (especially if it will be done under general anesthesia), you may need to:
(Video) This $16,000 Eyelid Surgery Is Done While You're Awake | The Plastics | Harper's Bazaar- Stop taking blood-thinning medication, including non-prescription pain medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin
- Eat a light meal the evening before the surgery
- Remove all makeup
- Refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight
- Arrange for transportation to and from the surgical appointment
- How long is the recovery time?
Compared to other facial cosmetic procedures, the recovery time after blepharoplasty is relatively short. You may notice that bruising and swelling are worse on the day after the surgery. The swelling and the bruising quickly begin to go down after the first 24 hours.
During the first 48 hours after the surgery, you can use cool compresses to reduce the bruising and swelling. Light exercise, such as walking, helps accelerate healing, but you should avoid any strenuous activities.
Incision sites are covered with thin bandages, so you may not be able to see for the first five days or so. The sutures used for the procedure dissolve between four and seven days after the procedure. If your surgeon used non-dissolving stitches, they are removed seven to 10 days after the procedure.
You may experience red and bloodshot sclera (the whites of your eyes). You should not wear eye makeup or use skin care products in your eye area. If you wear contact lenses, you can use them again once the swelling has subsided.
You should be able to return to normal activities seven to ten days after the surgery. The majority of bruising and swelling should have disappeared after two weeks.
Your doctor will offer advice on pain medication that you can use to stay comfortable. In most cases, you will only need non-prescription pain relief. You can expect discomfort, but if you have severe pain or impacted vision, call your surgeon immediately.
- What are the risks and possible complications of eyelid surgery?
Dry eyes is one of the most common complications of eyelid surgery. This is typically due to not being able to close your eyes completely. This condition usually resolves within one to two weeks. You can use eye drops to keep your eyes moist. In some cases, the dry eye condition persists for more than two or three months and may require additional corrective surgery.
Other possible complications include:
See AlsoFaking it: how selfie dysmorphia is driving people to seek surgeryHow to Get Rid of a Double ChinFacelift: What to expect and possible complicationsCan You Fix Sunken in Eyes?- Infection of the eyelid
- Double vision
- Vision loss (due to retrobulbar hemorrhage)
- Noticeable scarring
- Incorrectly positioned eyelids
- Under- or over-correction
- Eyelid numbness
- How much does eyelid surgery cost? Does insurance cover the cost of blepharoplasty?
The cost of eyelid surgery varies. In LA, the average cost is $2,000 to $5,000. Surgeons charge different rates based on their experience, sub-specialty, and facility where the surgery is performed.
The starting cost for a basic upper eyelid surgery without fat removal is $2,000. More complicated eyelid surgeries that involve the upper and lower eyelids may cost $5,000, and this includes removal of fat. These estimates are for surgeon fees only, and There may be additional costs of $800 to $2,000 from the facility in LA.
In general, eyelid surgery is not covered by insurance, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. The exception to this is if is a functional blepharoplasty to correct vision obstruction from sagging eyelids. In this case, prior authorization is typically required by insurance carriers. Your medical insurance may cover a portion of the cost.
- Who are the best candidates for eyelid surgery?
If you have drooping or sagging skin around your eyes due to aging, blepharoplasty may be a good option if you are in good health. For most people, eyelid surgery is performed for cosmetic reasons after the age of 40. This is when patients typically begin to notice the signs of aging around the eyes as their skin loses elasticity. While it may make a significant difference in your appearance, it is important to have realistic expectations.
An ideal candidate for a lower eyelid procedure has puffiness under the eyes. Puffiness can be hereditary, due to fluid accumulation, or related to aging.
If you are considering eyelid surgery, schedule a consultation with an experienced, qualified cosmetic surgeon to learn more about the procedure. The surgeon determines if you have any risk factors for complications associated with the procedure, such as dry eyes, diabetes, and thyroid eye disease. Health problems may mean that you cannot safely have the procedure.
Smoking delays the healing process, and it is considered to have an increased risk of complications following surgery. If you are a smoker, you may need to stop smoking for several weeks before the surgery.
Performing eyelid surgery on people of Asian descent is more difficult due to the unique structure of the eyelids. Therefore, this population is considered at higher risk of sub-optimal outcomes. If you are in this population, look for a surgeon who specializes in eyelid surgery for people of Asian descent.
- How long do the results of blepharoplasty last?
The results of eyelid surgery may last up to 10 to 15 years. The aging process will continue and, as with any cosmetic procedure, the results will not last indefinitely. You may need a subsequent eyelid surgery in the future.
(Video) Blepharoplasty Upper Eyelid Reduction Surgery | Before & 1 week after patient review Marina - Which procedures are often combined with eyelid surgery?
Many patients will choose to address signs of aging by having several facial procedures at the same time. Eyelid surgery can be performed as a standalone surgery. However, it is often combined with a facelift (to address jowls and sagging) and/or a brow lift (for sagging and forehead wrinkles) for full facial rejuvenation.
- Are there non-surgical alternatives to eyelid surgery?
f you have concerns about eyelid surgery and would prefer a non-invasive alternative, injectables may offer temporary anti-aging benefits. Discuss your options with a qualified surgeon.
Alternatives to Upper Eyelid Surgery
Droopy eyelids may be improved with Botox® or Dysport® to raise the eyebrows. This involves making injections in the muscles that pull the eyebrows down. This costs around $500 to $600 in LA, and the effects last for four to six months. Fillers, such as Restylane® or Juvéderm®, may also help by raising the corners of the eyebrows to raise your upper eyelids. Expect to pay approximately $700 for this treatment, and the results may last six to 18 months.
Alternatives to Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower lid puffiness can be addressed with fillers. Fillers create a smooth surface from the lower eye area to the upper cheeks. This is most effective if the patient has firm skin under the eyes with minor puffiness.
See below for a list of the top-rated eyelid surgery specialists in Houma, LA.
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FAQs
What is the success rate of eyelid surgery? ›
(15), who reported the results of blepharoplasty in 47 patients and identified a surgery success rate of 91.5% in terms of symmetry.
Are most people happy with eyelid surgery? ›The vast majority of people who have had a blepharoplasty are fully satisfied with their results. Eyelid surgery can make you look years younger after a single procedure, boosting your self-esteem.
Is eyelid surgery worth the money? ›Yes, most patients agree that their upper blepharoplasty was worth the cost and recovery time, and eyelid surgery carries a 95% “Worth It” rating on RealSelf. Patients list these reasons for their happiness with the procedure: Upper blepharoplasty is a relatively affordable procedure.
Who is not a good candidate for blepharoplasty? ›People who are not ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are those who suffer from chronic dry-eye, hypertension, circulation disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes or heart disease. Individuals who have glaucoma are advised to speak with their doctor before considering the surgery to find out if it is safe for them.
What is a good age for blepharoplasty? ›You can have a blepharoplasty at any time. But if you're seeking one due to aging, you'll usually get the best results after age 40. People who are advanced in age should generally avoid the procedure because of the risks of surgical complications.
What can go wrong with upper eyelid surgery? ›Besides those, rare risks of eyelid surgery include: Infection and bleeding. Dry, irritated eyes. Difficulty closing the eyes or other eyelid problems.
Is 75 too old for eyelid surgery? ›There is no upper age window for blepharoplasty. Patients in good health can get eyelid surgery even in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.
How long does an eyelid lift last? ›The results of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) are generally long lasting. It's not uncommon for the longevity of results to vary slightly between patients, but you can expect the results of upper eyelid surgery to last about 5 to 7 years, and lower eyelid surgery results are essentially permanent.
Is upper eyelid surgery painful? ›Generally, an upper lid blepharoplasty is a non painful procedure that patients can usually have performed, and enjoy a minimal amount of post-operative pain medicine, because the procedure is very mild. It's almost like a skin excision, and the eyelid itself is not particularly painful.
Who is the best person to do a blepharoplasty? ›Blepharoplasty – Knowing Who to Call
Taking any risks with your eyes is never advised, so seeing an ophthalmologist who has the additional training as an oculoplastic surgeon is your best move. These specialists are trained to perform reconstructive surgery on the following conditions: Aging eyelids or ptosis.
How long is recovery from upper blepharoplasty? ›
Patients who have undergone upper lid surgery will usually be able to go back after 7-10 days. The recovery time is a little longer for lower lid surgery, with time off work increasing to 10-14 days.
What is the test for eyelid surgery? ›A Ptosis Visual Field Test is a test designed to measure how much your eyelids are interfering with your vision.
What are the pros and cons of eyelid surgery? ›The pros include either an enhanced appearance or a better view, while the cons include the chances of infection, permanent scarring and bleeding, which will occur as early as a day after the surgery and as late as a 4 days. The effects of blepharoplasty last for a lifetime.
Who is the best eyelid surgeon in the US? ›Thomas Romo III, MD, FACS is one of the most experienced and respected plastic surgeons for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) in the world, known for his meticulous minimally invasive surgical techniques and for achieving natural-looking results with a shorter recovery period.
How long does eyelid surgery take? ›How Much Time Does an Eyelid Lift Take? Blepharoplasty surgery takes between one and two hours. If you're opting for surgery on just the upper lid or just the lower lid, the procedure takes around an hour. If you're treating both the upper and lower lids, the surgery will last about two hours.
What is the difference between eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty? ›Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, removes the excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids to give you a more youthful, energetic appearance. If drooping eyelids interfere with your vision, your insurance may cover the procedure.
How long do you have to sleep on your back after eyelid surgery? ›Sleep in a correct position
After blepharoplasty, we recommend that you sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least 3-4 weeks. This helps reduce eyelid swelling and speeds up recovery.
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. General anesthesia keeps you asleep throughout the entire procedure.
Is eyelid surgery high risk? ›But there are risks. Patients often have temporary side effects including bruising and swelling. Less commonly, they may have complications such as impaired eyelid function or loss of vision. Figuring out your risks and weighing them against potential benefits is an important part of your pre-surgical consultation.
What is the fastest way to recover from a blepharoplasty? ›- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Before your surgery, make sure that you have comfortable ice packs and plenty of gauze on hand for your recovery. ...
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyelids. ...
- Get more sleep. ...
- Avoid physical exertion. ...
- Steer clear of smoking and alcohol.
How common are blepharoplasty complications? ›
Complications in blepharoplasty are uncommon and, when they occur, they are usually mild and transient, such as hematomas and chemosis. However, sometimes they can be severe, such as blindness, or they might require surgical correction, such as ectropion.
What do you need after eyelid surgery? ›Some of the basics for eyelid care following surgery include cold compresses to reduce swelling, eye drops to prevent dry eyes, and an ointment to keep them lubricated. You'll also need to have gauze in the house. If your incision oozes while it heals, you can dab it (don't rub!) with a sterile gauze.
Does upper eyelid surgery leave scars? ›Does Blepharoplasty Leave Scars? All blepharoplasty procedures involve incisions into the skin around the eyes. This means that a scar will be left where the incision has been made.
Does upper eyelid surgery make you look younger? ›An eyelid lift can produce significant results by tightening the skin around the eyes, removing wrinkles or puffiness, and providing a younger appearance.
What should I do before eyelid surgery? ›- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising.
Upper-eyelid surgery can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years to an entire lifetime, while lower-eyelid surgery rarely needs to be done more than once.
Will my eyelashes grow back after blepharoplasty? ›It is very common for a patient to lose some eyelashes after eyelid surgery. In my experience, they always grow back.
What can you not do after eyelid surgery? ›It's important for you to avoid sneezing, coughing, and vomiting (throwing up), as much as you can. These can raise your blood pressure and cause bleeding at your surgical sites. Avoid bending at the waist or lifting items heavier than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) for 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery.
How long will my vision be blurry after blepharoplasty? ›Your vision may be blurry for some time after surgery. It typically returns to normal after two or three days. Full recovery takes about two to four weeks. During that time, you may have some bruising around your eyes.
Are you awake during blepharoplasty? ›Are you awake during droopy eyelid surgery? In an Awake Blepharoplasty, patients are completely conscious during the procedure. The local anesthesia is usually paired with a soothing sedative to help the patient stay calm and relaxed.
How long does a eyelid lift last? ›
The results of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) are generally long lasting. It's not uncommon for the longevity of results to vary slightly between patients, but you can expect the results of upper eyelid surgery to last about 5 to 7 years, and lower eyelid surgery results are essentially permanent.
What do you look like right after eyelid surgery? ›Your eyelids will probably look puffy after surgery. The incisions will probably look red, too. The swelling and bruising involved with blepharoplasty recovery tend to resemble a black eye. That is all normal.
Is upper eyelid surgery painful? ›Generally, an upper lid blepharoplasty is a non painful procedure that patients can usually have performed, and enjoy a minimal amount of post-operative pain medicine, because the procedure is very mild. It's almost like a skin excision, and the eyelid itself is not particularly painful.
Is eyelid surgery safe? ›Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a common procedure. Among the top five most common cosmetic surgeries performed each year in the United States, most doctors consider it to be safe.
What are the pros and cons of blepharoplasty? ›The pros include either an enhanced appearance or a better view, while the cons include the chances of infection, permanent scarring and bleeding, which will occur as early as a day after the surgery and as late as a 4 days. The effects of blepharoplasty last for a lifetime.
Do they put you to sleep for eyelid surgery? ›Local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are frequently used for patients undergoing upper eyelid surgery, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. The local anesthetic is usually administered as a diffuse superficial slowly subcutaneous injection along the upper lid skin crease.
What should I do before eyelid surgery? ›- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising.
Your eyelid may be swollen and bruised 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.
What can you not do after eyelid surgery? ›It's important for you to avoid sneezing, coughing, and vomiting (throwing up), as much as you can. These can raise your blood pressure and cause bleeding at your surgical sites. Avoid bending at the waist or lifting items heavier than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) for 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery.
How long will my vision be blurry after blepharoplasty? ›Your vision may be blurry for some time after surgery. It typically returns to normal after two or three days. Full recovery takes about two to four weeks. During that time, you may have some bruising around your eyes.
Is 75 too old for eyelid surgery? ›
There is no upper age window for blepharoplasty. Patients in good health can get eyelid surgery even in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.
What is the fastest way to recover from eyelid surgery? ›- Follow postsurgical instructions. ...
- Take time off work. ...
- Use cold compresses. ...
- Keep follow-up appointments. ...
- Avoid these activities.
Are you awake during droopy eyelid surgery? In an Awake Blepharoplasty, patients are completely conscious during the procedure. The local anesthesia is usually paired with a soothing sedative to help the patient stay calm and relaxed.
What is the difference between eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty? ›Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, removes the excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids to give you a more youthful, energetic appearance. If drooping eyelids interfere with your vision, your insurance may cover the procedure.
Why do my eyes look smaller after blepharoplasty? ›Answer: Post bleperoplasty swelling
Post surgical swelling of the eyelids always cause the eyes to appear more closed in the early post op phase. As the swelling subsides, they return to a more pleasing and youthful appearance.
Patients who have undergone upper lid surgery will usually be able to go back after 7-10 days. The recovery time is a little longer for lower lid surgery, with time off work increasing to 10-14 days.