Blepharoplasty

Sagging lids and puffiness below the eyes can cause people to look tired and worn down when this isn’t always the case. As people age, the skin and muscle around the eyes tend to loosen and sag causing excess droopiness. Sometimes it gets to the point where the excess skin is causing vision problems as well. Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a procedure that works to remove excess fat, skin and muscle from above and below the eyes. By doing this, you can achieve a more youthful, alert appearance.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure

The Blepharoplasty procedure involves the surgeon making incisions above and below the eye. The incisions will follow the natural lines of you eyelids, the upper will be placed in the creases of the eyelid, and the lower will be placed just below the lower lid lashes. If it is necessary, the incisions could stretch as far as the laugh lines found around the eyes. Once the incision is made the surgeon will separate the skin from the underlying tissue and muscle. This allows the surgeon to remove excess fat, and trim the skin and muscle. Once this is completed, the incisions are closed with very fine sutures.

Will It Hurt?

Most surgeons use a local anesthetic combined with sedatives for the Blepharoplasty procedure. This allows the area around the eyes to be numbed, yet the patient remains awake. When patients are under a local anesthetic they can experience tugging feelings as well as some discomfort so some surgeons do prefer to use a general anesthetic. This allows the patient to sleep through the procedure.

After the surgery, the surgeon will apply lubrication to the eyes and cover them with bandages. Tightness and soreness of the eyelids may be experienced as the anesthetic wears off but this can be controlled with pain medication.

What Will My Results Be?

After the Blepharoplasty surgery, head elevation as well as cold packs will help reduce swelling and bruising. Both of these side effects should subside after the first several weeks. Stitches will be removed anywhere from two days to a week after surgery. Once these are taken out the eyes should start to feel better. Most patients are back to their daily activities after about ten days; however, no strenuous activity should be undergone for about a month following the surgery.

Healing from Blepharoplasty is a gradual process. The scars can remain pinkish for six months or even longer, but eventually they will fade to thin white lines. While the healing process is slow, once patients reach full recovery they are rewarded with alert and youthful looking eyes that can last for many years or even permanently.

What Are The Costs?

Blepharoplasty costs can range anywhere from $2,000 to 7,000. These prices vary depending on the location of the patient and the doctor that performs the surgery. It can also depend on the extents of the procedure being performed.