What is a Blepharoplasty (Eye Lift)?
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery operation that correct defects of the eye lids, such as loose or sagging skin, fatty deposits that appear as puffiness under the eyes, drooping eyelids, or excess skin and wrinkles of the lower lid. Age, sun exposure, and hereditary factors all contribute to wrinkles, deep lines and puffiness around the eyes. Plus, the aging process can cause unwanted changes in expression, causing us to appear permanently fatigued and older than we really are. These changes in appearance can cause emotional distress and sometimes even visual impairment.
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Who is a good candidate for a Blepharoplasty?
Individuals who are in overall good health. Persons who do NOT have serious eye conditions. Non-smokers. People who have a positive outlook and realistic expectations.
How is the surgery performed?
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at our surgical center. It is important to arrange for care after the surgery. Someone must drive you home and be available to care for you for the first 24 hours. Prior to the surgery, a local anesthesia is given around the eyes, and an intravenous line is started so that sedation may also be given.
During the procedure you will be awake but comfortable and relaxed. General anesthesia is rarely used. For a traditional Blepharoplasty, an incision is made in the crease of the upper lid toward the temples. After the incision heals, it is not noticeable when the eye is open. On the lower lid, the incision is made along the lash line toward the temples. The lower lid incision is hidden by lashes when healed. A newer technique, known as the Transconjunctival Approach, involves an incision made inside the lower lid. Fat is removed through this incision; however, excess skin cannot be removed through the lower lid.
What can be expected post-surgery and during the healing process?
Complications are unlikely when performed by a surgeon with experience in blepharoplasty. However, the area surrounding the eyes will be swollen following the surgery, but it should begin to subside after the first day, and some vision blurring is normal. Stitches will be removed in 4-5 days. Swelling and bruising may persist for about 10 days, but you can begin wearing makeup to help conceal these concerns.
You may expect to resume normal activity within a week to 10 days and enjoying your new look within approximately 10-14 days. In some cases, it may take about six months for scars to lose their redness. Wrinkling will recur later in life, but it is unlikely the “bags” will reappear since the fat has been removed. Deeper wrinkles around the outer eye are not greatly affected by an eyelid lift. Deeper wrinkles around the outer eye may be treated with laser resurfacing.
Will my insurance cover a Blepharoplasty (Eye Lift)?
Your insurance company may pay for a portion of, or all of, the cost of surgery if the procedure is performed as a result of visual impairment. Because every insurance carrier is different, it is recommended that you check with your own insurance company to determine the level of coverage.
To view a healing Blepharoplasty