Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery also referred to as blepharoplasty or an eyelid lift is a common plastic surgery procedure that is performed in order to provide the patient with a more youthful looking appearance. The procedure removes excess skin and fat deposits in the lower eyelids (lower eyelid surgery) and upper eyelids (upper eyelid surgery). The incisions are made in areas of the eyelids that will result in making the scars as undetectable as possible. Blepharoplasty is used to combat a wide variety of blemishes including crow’s feet, tired looking eyes and sagging eyelids to name a few. In some cases the surgery is performed in order to restore vision lost by a patient due to droopiness of the eyelids which is a not uncommon result of aging. The surgery is relatively minor but should still be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon.

How Eyelid Surgery is Performed

Eyelid surgery is performed by making external incisions along natural lines of the eyelids. In some cases incisions are made on the inside of the lower eyelid in a procedure that is referred to as transconjunctival blepharoplasty. Excess skin and fat are then removed from the patients eyelids and often times deposited elsewhere on the face to produce a less hollow look and more youthful appearance. The incisions are enclosed with sutures, skin adhesives or surgical tape.

Types of Eyelid Surgeries

There are 2 main types of eyelid surgeries; the upper eyelid surgery and the lower eyelid surgery. Both are most commonly used for aesthetic purposes; however, there are cases where a patient will lose eyesight due to droopy or sagging upper eyelids. In these cases upper eyelid surgery can take on a more medical purpose. Recently, double eyelid surgery has gained popularity especially with people who are of Asian descent and is also known as Asian Eyelid Surgery.

Length of Procedure and Required Treatments

The procedure itself usually takes anywhere from 1-3 hours. The patient is given a general anesthetic and a sedative. After the procedure is completed the patient is free to go home that day.

Recovering from Eyelid Surgery

Since eyelid surgery is performed on the face, it may take up to 2 weeks before a patient is comfortable appearing in public. There will be significant tightness, bruising and swelling around the eyes. There will also be a mild pain, but it should start to subside within the first week. Dependent upon the patient, the bruising can last up to a month but typically disappears after a couple of weeks. The swelling will take quite awhile longer and the patient should not expect to be fully healed until at least 6 months after the operation.

Risks of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is a fairly safe procedure when performed by a skilled surgeon; however, with all surgeries there are risks associated. These risks include infection, retrobulbar hematoma (bleeding behind the eye), decreased sensation behind the eyes and scarring.

Cost of Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty prices can vary due to a number of factors including individual patient needs, specific surgeons, geographic areas and types of eyelid surgery. The average cost typically falls around $3,000 – $5,000.

Is Eyelid Surgery Right for You?

Are you a candidate for blepharoplasty? There are many factors to weigh before getting the surgery. The major factor is whether or not you can deal with the long recovery process involved with eyelid surgery. Since the procedure is done to the facial area, the bruising and swelling will be extremely visible to friends, family and anyone else you come in contact with. It is important that you weigh these factors into account before moving forward with the procedure. If you do decide that blepharoplasty is right for you, we recommend you talk with a board certified plastic surgeon that can help you determine whether this surgery is right for you.

How to Find Board Certified Liposuction Surgeons Near You

Choosing the right eyelid surgeon can be a daunting task. Surgeons vary greatly in skill, experience and price. It is imperative that you speak with more than 1 surgeon before having a surgery performed on you. Don’t just shop for the best price, although a well priced surgery is a bonus, it is important that you feel comfortable with the surgeon you choose and confident that they will do the job right. Visit our plastic surgeon directory for 5 Star Surgeon Network Approval Rated™ Surgeons near You.