Loose skin and a drooping eyelid are not just cosmetic concerns. Depending on the severity, sagging and excess skin could impair your vision. Whether you’re unhappy with how your eyes look or how they see, blepharoplasty can rejuvenate them and renew your confidence.
Blepharoplasty: Overview
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, repairs the eye region to improve eyesight and give you a more youthful appearance. By removing excess skin and fat deposits, blepharoplasty repairs the upper and lower eyelids. In some cases, your plastic surgeon also tightens the surrounding muscles. Eyelid surgery is the fourth most popular cosmetic procedure, with more than 200,000 blepharoplasties performed in the U.S. in 2016.
Who’s Eligible for Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty may be recommended if you have excess skin and fatty deposits that affect your vision. It can also be performed if you wish to reshape your eyes to give them a wider appearance. One of our board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeons will provide a full evaluation, but the best candidates for eyelid surgery:
- DO NOT smoke
- DO NOT drink heavily
- DO NOT have a serious medical condition that could increase the risk of surgery
- DO have vision impairment caused by droopy eyelids
- DO lead a generally healthy lifestyle and can maintain a healthy weight
Blepharoplasty Techniques
There are four types of eyelid surgery that are characterized by the area of the eye:
- Upper eyelid
- Lower eyelid
- Both eyelids
- Brow Lift
Your doctor will recommend the most suitable option based on your current health and your desired outcome!
1. Upper Blepharoplasty
This technique focuses on the upper eyelid, removing or repositioning fat deposits and restoring the function of the eye. Upper eyelid surgery is often used to correct vision impairment due to droopy lids or excess skin. This technique can also reshape your eye to make it more round.
2. Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
In this technique, the lower lid is repaired by removing folds in your skin. Excess skin is usually removed completely, while fat deposits are either removed or repositioned. Lower lid blepharoplasty can also smooth baggy eyes for a more youthful look.
3. Double Lid Blepharoplasty
The double lid technique is designed to create a larger-looking eye. To achieve this, a crease is made in the upper eyelid while the eye is open. The results make it easier to apply makeup, which is one reason it’s popular among women.
4. Brow Lift
Brow lift surgery is designed to elevate the forehead and eyebrow. The results can make patients look less angry and/or less tired.
The Difference Between Blepharoplasty and a Brow Lift
Both a brow lift and blepharoplasty are cosmetic procedures that treat droopy eyelids, but they go about that in different ways. A brow lift repositions and stabilizes the skin that hangs down over your upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty completely removes the excess skin that causes droopiness. With blepharoplasty, you typically achieve more surface area to apply makeup on your upper eyelid. In some cases, a brow lift is combined with another type of blepharoplasty to make the most impact.
Does Blepharoplasty Cause Scars?
Due to the nature of cosmetic surgery, blepharoplasty can cause scarring. The good news is, most blepharoplasty incisions are hidden in the natural folds of your eyes, so scars are rarely noticeable. Plus, many people are able to minimize how visible their scars are with proper post-surgery skin care.
Blepharoplasty: The Consultation
Our doctors’ top priority is patient care and safety, so you can anticipate a thorough consultation before your procedure. Be prepared with questions for your one-on-one session! Your doctor will take ample time to address any concerns you have and go over:
- Your desired outcome and expectations
- Your family medical history
- Previous surgeries
- Any existing medical conditions
- Your current use of alcohol, tobacco products, supplements, and/or prescription medications
- Any known allergies
- The use of anesthesia during your eyelid surgery
- Any potential risks of blepharoplasty
Your doctor or one of our medical assistants will also take photographs of your eyes. These are kept in your medical records, so your doctor can thoroughly evaluate your surgical needs and make the best recommendations for you. You can also view your photographs post-surgery, so you can see the dramatic change in your overall appearance.
Blepharoplasty: The Procedure
Our surgeons perform surgery at our surgery center in Southlake, TX. To prepare for eyelid surgery, you may be asked to:
- Adjust your current medications
- Cease smoking
- Avoid taking herbal supplements, aspirin, or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery. Though this procedure is less intensive than liposuction or a tummy tuck, you can expect blepharoplasty to take about two hours. You will be under the effects of anesthesia post-surgery and won’t be able to operate a vehicle. Here are the four basic steps of eyelid surgery: Step 1: Anesthesia is administered either by intravenous sedation or generally. Your doctor will discuss the best option for you. Step 2: Depending on the type of blepharoplasty you choose, your doctor either creates an incision on the upper crease of your eyelid, just below the lash line, or inside your lower eyelid (transconjunctival incision). Step 4: Your doctor removes or repositions excess skin and fat. He may also need to tighten muscles around your eye to achieve a smoother look. Step 3: The incision is closed with sutures or skin glue. To reduce discoloration and improve your overall results, your doctor may recommend combining blepharoplasty with laser skin resurfacing or a chemical peel.
Blepharoplasty: Post-Surgery Care & Recovery
Initially after surgery, you will need to continuously apply an antibiotic ointment and ice packs to reduce swelling and help prevent infection. Swelling and discoloration are normal and may last a week or so. After about one week, you’ll return to our office for a follow-up visit. At that point, he’ll likely remove your sutures. Use this appointment to discuss discomfort, if you have any. Irritation at the incision site is common, as is bruising and dry eyes. To promote healing and decrease your risk of complications, avoid any activities that would lead to excessive force or motion. Follow your doctor’s post-surgery instructions carefully, as proper recovery is vital to achieving your desired result.
Risks of Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty is a straightforward procedure that involves the very delicate area around your eyes. Like any facial rejuvenation, it’s important to understand the potential risks as well as the potential results. At DFW Center for Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery, you will be asked to sign consent forms before your blepharoplasty to ensure you fully understand the procedure. Blepharoplasty risks include:
- Temporary changes to your vision
- Permanent changes to your vision, or even blindness (very rare)
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty closing your eyes
- Lid lag
- Ectropion (outward rolling of the lower eyelid)
- Bleeding from the incisions
- Issues with wound healing
- Unfavorable scarring
- Persistent discomfort
- Anesthesia complications
These risks will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation and prior to consent. If you aren’t completely satisfied with your results, your doctor will openly discuss revisional surgery or another cosmetic procedure he deems appropriate.
How to Pay for Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery can be an affordable procedure, which many may be able to pay for using cash or credit card. We also accept healthcare credit cards issued by Synchrony Bank (CareCredit®) and Comenity® Capital Bank (Alphaeon Credit®). Should you need it, DFW Center for Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery accepts secured loans from United Medical Credit or Enhance Patient Finance. United Medical Credit is suitable for prime and subprime lenders and has multiple plan options with flexible terms. Of course, the following payment methods are always accepted:
- Cashier’s check
- In-house financing
- Other types of loans
Open your eyes to a whole new world with help from the medical professionals at DFW Center for Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery. Through basic blepharoplasty, our surgeons can correct existing impairments and improve the overall shape of your eyes. What are you waiting for? Request an appointment with us today!
