When we talk to each other, the most important social skill is eye contact. As we look at one another in conversation, the eyes and surrounding areas (brows and the upper and lower eyelids, also known as the lower “peri-orbital” region) are automatically perceived by the other person. Eyelid surgery is a procedure designed to achieve a more rested and youthful appearance around the eyes by removing excess skin causing eyelid hooding or “bags” that can contribute to a stressed, tired, or aged look. Follow the links below to learn more about the blepharoplasty procedure.
Eyes that look tired, or eyelids that appear droopy or puffy, often create the appearance of being tired or of an advanced age. To help combat this perception, a multimodal approach is used to accurately determine which treatment or procedure is best, either alone or in combination with other procedures. Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid surgery, is designed to improve the appearance of aging eyes and/or drooping lids and correct the features contributing to such a look. In addition to its potential cosmetic benefits, blepharoplasty can be performed for functional reasons.
Our Charleston plastic surgeons offer eyelid surgery to rejuvenate the aesthetics of the eyes as well as restore the full field of vision for patients whose eyesight may be obstructed by sagging eyelid skin, particularly peripherally. To learn what you can achieve, take a look at our blepharoplasty before-and-after photos.
Candidates for eyelid surgery typically want to get rid of a tired, older appearance by removing excess skin or fatty deposits below the eyes, above the eyes, or both. Ideally, an eyelid surgery candidate will be in reasonably good health as blepharoplasty is a major surgery. Patients should also be realistic about their goals and expectations for the procedure. The best way to determine whether this procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas.
At the start of the upper blepharoplasty procedure, an incision is made along the natural eyelid crease. Excess skin and possibly some muscle fibers are then removed, along with any excess or bulging fat. Similar techniques are used in lower blepharoplasty to eliminate puffiness or bagginess, with the incision made just below the lower lash line. Depending on whether you are undergoing upper or lower eyelid surgery respectively, or pursuing both procedures, blepharoplasty usually takes less than three hours at Roper Hospital-Mount Pleasant and is an outpatient procedure. We are also able to perform some upper blepharoplasty procedures right in our office. The results are long-lasting, but individuals are still susceptible to the natural effects of aging.
We start all patients on Arnica Montana a few days before surgery to help reduce bruising and swelling. After surgery, patients are instructed to take it easy and focus on getting plenty of rest to help facilitate the recovery process. Depending on whether your surgery was combined with adjunctive procedures, the healing period associated with blepharoplasty is generally one week until sutures and Steristrips (tiny Band-aid type adhesives) can be removed. You may feel bruising, swelling, tightness, or tenderness for the first few days following surgery, but these sensations are normal and should subside as healing progresses.
While complications after blepharoplasty are rare, adhering to your post-operative instructions can help accelerate the recovery period and minimize the risk of adverse events arising. Once swelling has completely settled (two to three weeks) and a more stable outcome is realized, patients typically are delighted with their rejuvenated appearance and can appreciate a more youthful aesthetic in the upper face overall.
The possibility for scars after blepharoplasty does exist, but the chances of major scarring are minimal, especially in the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon. The incisions made in this procedure are usually placed in the crease (upper blepharoplasty) or under the lash line (lower blepharoplasty), leaving little opportunity for noticeable scars. In rare cases when scars are visible, they tend to fade within six months and become virtually undetectable.
The longevity of results will vary upon the extent of treatment and whether the procedure was performed on the upper or lower eyelids; however, eyelid surgery results are generally long-lasting. In fact, the results of lower eyelid surgery can typically last a lifetime. Because the forehead skin tends to sag as we age, upper blepharoplasty results may not always last quite as long, but this effect can be mitigated with a good skincare routine, non-surgical techniques, and/or brow lift surgery.
Some patients who are interested in reducing the appearance of fine wrinkles and lines around the eyes may be better suited for non-surgical injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic or JUVÉDERM® rather than eyelid surgery. In addition, other energy-based options exist, such as radiofrequency microneedling and lasers to help reduce periorbital wrinkling and achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance.
While these methods have proven effective for less severe cases, eyelid surgery is specifically designed to rejuvenate the skin and tissue around the eyes, making it the more appropriate choice for most. Additionally, since blepharoplasty is a more intensive procedure, it is typically able to treat larger amounts of skin and tissue, as well as produce results that last much longer. Furthermore, a non-surgical equivalent of blepharoplasty has yet to be developed.
Like all cosmetic surgeries, the cost of blepharoplasty is calculated based on the overall complexity and length of the procedure. While the total price is generally affected by your geographic location as well as the expertise of your plastic surgeon, your cost estimate for eyelid surgery will ultimately be determined by:
Although the overall expense of the procedure is unique to each individual, our practice understands that cost is a major consideration when researching treatment options. In addition to accepting an array of payment methods, we offer plastic surgery financing to make it easier for patients to bring the cost of treatment into budget. These highly reputable healthcare lending companies offer qualified applicants a range of flexible payment plans with low monthly installments to make surgery more affordable. If you have any other questions about the cost of blepharoplasty, or financing options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
Eyelid surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, if excess eyelid skin is obstructing your vision, your procedure may be deemed medically necessary. In these cases, insurance carriers often require documentation, such as a visual field test and clinical photographs, before approving coverage. Our team can guide you through the process if medical necessity is a factor in your treatment.
Most patients describe eyelid surgery as causing minimal discomfort. Anesthesia is used during the procedure, so you should not feel pain while it is being performed. During the initial recovery period, some minor side effects are normal, but these symptoms are usually well-managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, eyelid surgery can refresh your appearance without looking overdone. The goal is to create a more rested and youthful look while maintaining your natural eyelid shape and facial expressions.
Most patients can resume wearing eye makeup about two weeks after surgery, once incisions have healed sufficiently. Your surgeon will give you specific clearance based on your healing progress.
Light activity such as walking can typically be resumed within a few days. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that raise your heart rate should be avoided for about four weeks to allow proper healing.
If you are interested in more information on blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), contact us today.
Our Mt. Pleasant plastic surgery practice is looking for an experienced CMA to join our team in a full time position. If you are a self starter who take initiative and enjoys working with patients, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your resume to jacque@plasticsurgerycarolina.com
