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Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty)
Quick Facts about Eyelid Surgery
Medical Names: Blepharoplasty, Eyelid Surgery
Estimated Cost: $2,000 – $4,000
Type of Anesthesia: Local
Total Recovery Time: 1-3 Weeks, Down Time 7-10 Days
Procedure Location: Hospital, Plastic Surgery Center
Practitioner: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure that creates a smoother area around the eyes by removing fat deposits, excess skin and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery is commonly performed for cosmetic reasons, to correct severe drooping of the eyelids and minimize puffy bags and dark circles under the eyes, but it is can also improve impaired vision due to excess skin folds.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported 327,514 eyelid surgeries performed in 2005.
Did You Know?
Asian Blepharoplasty or “double eyelid surgery” is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures among Asians. Approximately 50% of all Asians are born without an upper eyelid crease. This surgery creates a crease in the upper eyelid without affecting the natural Asian contour of the eye.
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THE EYELID SURGERY PROCEDURE
Eyelid surgery is performed in a hospital or a plastic surgery center, almost always on an outpatient basis and with local anesthesia. The procedure generally takes one to three hours to complete.
The surgeon will typically make incisions that follow the natural lines of the eyelids. An incision is hidden within the natural fold of the upper lids and just below the lashes in the lower lids. In some cases, the incision may extend into existing creases. The surgeon will separate the skin from the underlying fatty tissue and muscle, remove excess fatty tissue, muscle and skin and then close the incision with fine sutures. An ointment and pressure bandage may be applied to reduce dryness and promote healing.
Following surgery, you may experience a tight or tender sensation around the eyes and mild discomfort from swelling and bruising, which is treatable with medication. Tearing, sensitivity to light and blurred vision are common side effects, lasting up to a few weeks. It is important to rest with your head elevated and apply cold compresses to your eyelids to reduce swelling. Stitches are removed within three to five days. Swelling, bruising and discoloration usually subside within seven to ten days.
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EYELID SURGERY PROCEDURE OPTIONS
Blepharoplasty offers upper and/or lower eyelid surgery and external or internal incision options.
Upper Blepharoplasty: The most common of the eyelid surgery procedures, this technique uses an incision in the fold of the upper eyelid. Skin, fat and muscle are removed as required. Asian Blepharoplasty is considered an upper blepharoplasty as results are achieved in the upper lids.
Lower Blepharoplasty: Lower blepharoplasty can improve the bottom contour of the eyes and remove excess skin bags. This technique involves the lower eyelids and is accomplished by either the transcutaneous or transconjunctival methods.
Transcutaneous Incision Method: Meaning ‘through the skin’, incisions are made directly below the bottom eyelash line. This method is used most commonly when skin needs to be removed or repositioned.
Transconjunctival Incision Method: With this method, the incision in made through the tissue on the inside of the eye, known as conjunctiva. This is a popular technique for patients requiring excess fat and muscle removal from the lower eyelid. Adversely, transconjunctival incision method does not tighten or remove skin or reduce puffiness in the lower eyelid region.
IS EYELID SURGERY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Ideal Candidate for Eyelid Surgery
The ideal candidate is in good physical condition, is psychologically stable and has realistic expectations of what can be achieved with eyelid surgery. Men and women who have excessive fat or droopy areas around the eyes are prime candidates for eyelid surgery. The optimum patient is thirty-five years or older, but in circumstances where the condition is hereditary, surgery may be an option for younger patients.
Other Considerations for Eyelid Surgery
Patients with high blood pressure, thyroid problems, circulatory problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or eye conditions are considered at greater risk with eyelid surgery.
At your initial consultation, the surgeon will examine the skin and fat around your eyes and may examine your eyesight, peripheral vision and tear ducts. The surgeon will discuss the options, risks and limitations of each technique and make recommendations based on your choices, expectations and medical history. The surgeon will review with you the pre-surgery preparation instructions, the procedure process including anesthesia and the expected results and the post-surgery instructions for maximum recovery. Make sure you discuss all of your questions and specific health issues, including any dryness of the eyes, changes in your vision or eye pain, with your plastic surgeon.
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EYELID SURGERY PROCEDURE COST
Fees vary from state to state and from one plastic surgeon to another. The cost is based upon the type of surgery needed and the extensiveness of the procedure. Prices range from $2,000 to over $4,000 for eyelid surgery and include surgeon, facility and anesthesia fees. Other important factors determining the final cost include pre-operative lab fees and post-operative expenses such as prescriptions.
Note: A more expensive surgery price does not necessarily ensure a more skilled practitioner. You should ask for referrals and review testimonials before choosing a practitioner.
EYELID SURGERY PROS & CONS
Pros
| • Renewed, youthful appearance; smoother area around the eyes |
| • Significant decrease in droopiness or sagging of the eyelids |
| • Recipients of eyelid surgery report feeling younger and having greater self-esteem |
| • Patients with vision problems due to drooping lids may experience improved vision
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Cons
| Temporary blurring or double vision; lasting up to a few days |
| Minor discomfort, discoloration, swelling and bruising; will disappear within one or two weeks |
| Dark circles under the eye or wrinkles such as crow’s feet will not disappear |
| Time off from work is required; generally one week
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ASK A PLASTIC SURGEON ABOUT EYELID SURGERY - FAQ
What are the benefits of eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery can improve the facial appearance of the patient by eliminating the excess, wrinkly skin beneath the eyes. Men and women who have extensive sagging, fat deposits or drooping of the eyelids due to age or gravity can be considered a candidate for eyelid surgery. Patients with restricted vision due to excess skin around the eyes may regain proper vision with eyelid surgery.
Is eyelid surgery permanent?
Eyelid surgery will last a very long time, but it is not permanent. Over time and as gravity takes effect, the eyelids will gradually begin to droop or sag. Since the saggy skin has been removed, it is unlikely that the eyes will droop or sag to the pre-surgery extent.
Are there scars from the blepharoplasty procedure?
As with most surgical procedures there will be scars from eyelid surgery. However, a skilled surgeon will make very tiny incisions that are closed with tight sutures to ensure minimal scarring. In almost all cases, scars from eyelid surgery are barely visible after a few months.
Will the wrinkles around my eyes disappear after eyelid surgery?
Since the procedure involves the tightening of the skin, some wrinkles and lines may disappear. At your initial consultation, discuss with your plastic surgeon your goals and expectations and the available options.
Does eyelid surgery correct sagging eyebrows and dark circles under my eyes?
Eyelid surgery will not raise a sagging eyebrow line or remove dark circles. However, if bags are removed from below the eyes, the appearance of dark circles will be significantly diminished.
What type of anesthesia is used for eyelid surgery?
Local anesthesia is almost always used. Some surgeons may prefer a general anesthetic, especially if the surgery will be extensive. It is important to discuss your preferences with your surgeon at your initial consultation.
How do I find a plastic surgeon who specializes in eyelid surgery and that is right for me?
Choosing a plastic surgeon is the most important step in the success of your cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. You want a board certified plastic surgeon that has the best skills and training to help enhance your appearance and achieve your desired results. For a complete picture of eyelid surgery, read the information on this site and make a list of questions. Then find the surgeons in your area and review the surgeon’s qualifications and specialities, practice philosophy, articles, before and after photos and patient testimonials. This information can assist you in making an educated decision in choosing the eyelid surgery option and specialist right for you.
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