What is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is designed to improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. It is frequently performed for cosmetic concerns, however, many patients experience significant improvement in visual function following removal of excess heavy upper eyelid skin.
Blepharoplasty surgery allows for treatment of multiple issues related to aging of the eyes, which include:
- Sagging skin of the eyelids that can create a sad or tired appearance, sometimes even impairing your line of vision
- Bags underneath the eyes
- Fatty deposits that create puffiness in the eyelids
- Droopy lower eyelids
- Wrinkles and excess skin around the lower eyelid
Am I Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Individuals who feel that the appearance of their eyelids makes them appear aged, sad, tired or angry benefit greatly from eyelid surgery. Ideal candidates are in good general health, non-smokers, with realistic expectations and without serious eye conditions. The best way to determine if eyelid surgery is right for you is through a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons.
PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEONS
Our mission at Tucson Plastic Surgery is to provide you with an unparalleled experience by taking time to listen and understand your individual needs and concerns. We believe creating a custom-tailored plan based on your goals and unique anatomy is essential to achieving your best possible results.
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Eyelid Surgery Procedure
There are two types of eyelid surgery:
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Involves an incision hidden in the natural crease above the eyelid, through which excess skin and fat is removed.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Involves an incision hidden just beneath the lash line or inside of the lower eyelid. Through this incision, excess fat is removed to remove puffiness and create a smooth, beautiful contour beneath the eyelid. Sagging skin may also be removed, depending on the individual case.
Far exceeded my expectations. He is a perfectionist and it is reflected in my surgery results. I would highly recommend him. He is clear on what surgery can and cannot do and clearly states what the procedure will entail. Overall excellent experience.”
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, and can be done with sedation or under general anesthesia. Pain is minimal and most often controlled with over-the-counter pain control. Bruising and swelling begins to subside after 10-14 days. Patients should not drive for several days following eyelid surgery. It is recommended that you keep your head elevated for at least one to two weeks after surgery to minimized swelling. Patients may initially experience numbness and itching as the incisions heal, and these symptoms dissipate over time.
If you would like to achieve a more youthful appearance with eyelid surgery, contact Tucson Plastic Surgery today. Our plastic surgeons have the skill to help you achieve the results that you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does eyelid surgery leave scars?
Eyelid surgery does result in scars, but they are typically hidden within the eyelid crease and not very noticeable. Upper blepharoplasty scars are hidden within the eyelid crease, and lower blepharoplasty scars are hidden within the lash line.
How long after blepharoplasty do you see results?
Most blepharoplasty patients will to see results immediately. There are 2-3 weeks of social downtime where there may be some mild bruising and swelling. This quickly resolves. While scars continue to mature for a year, most will not be noticeable after a few weeks.
How long does eyelid surgery take?
Upper eyelid surgery is an outpatient surgery (you will get to go home the same day) and takes about an hour. As it is a relatively short procedure, it can often be combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries like face and neck lift. Doing these at the same time often provides a more natural result as it keeps the facial aesthetics in balance.
How do you reduce bruising after eyelid surgery?
Applying a cold compress, keeping the head elevated, and avoiding overexertion or elevated blood pressure can help reduce bruising after your blepharoplasty.
Why are my eyelids hooded?
Hooding of the upper eyelids is typically a result of aging as the skin droops over the eye with time. This is pronounced in some people more than others due to genetic factors.
What can I expect after eyelid surgery?
After eyelid surgery, you will have some swelling and bruising around the eyes. We typically recommend you take it easy after surgery and avoid public appearances for about 1-2 weeks to allow the bruising to subside.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Eyelid surgery is one of the least painful plastic surgery procedures. Most patients experience only minimal discomfort on the day of their procedure.
Can you go blind from blepharoplasty?
Blindness is an exceptionally rare complication after blepharoplasty. It is important to do your research and find a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this procedure.
Is eyelid surgery safe?
Eyelid surgery is a common procedure and is safe for appropriate candidates. It is important to do your research and find a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this procedure.
How is upper eyelid surgery performed?
Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making a small incision in the upper eyelid crease. Through this incision, excess fat, muscle and skin are removed. The incisions are hidden in the upper eyelid crease so that when the eyes are open, the scar is almost completely hidden.
Can Botox lift droopy eyelids?
The short answer is no. The only definitive and long-lasting way to treat droopy eyelids is to have an upper lid blepharoplasty (or eye / eyelid lift). That surgery is a high-yield, makes a big difference, and relatively low-risk surgery. Other than minor bruising and swelling that resolves quickly, upper eyelid surgery rarely has complications. There are advanced botox injections techniques that can slightly elevate the eyebrow which in turn somewhat elevates the eyelid. These results are both temporary and often not enough correction to be noticeable.
Can droopy eyelids cause blurred vision?
Droopy eyelids can gradually interfere with your eyesight. The most common issue is that the excess hanging skin can actually block or limit your field of vision. If nothing is done to treat it, the drooping skin can partially cover the pupil resulting in blurry or double vision.
Can I sleep on my side after eyelid surgery?
Ideally after eyelid surgery, you will sleep on your back with your head elevated above the level of your heart. This helps to minimize the swelling. You can do this by propping yourself up on a few pillows or even purchasing a wedge pillow. However, if you accidentally turn over during the and lie on your side, it is very unlikely that you will have any negative side effects from this.
Can you get rid of hooded eyelids?
The only definitive and long-lasting way to treat droopy eyelids is to have an upper lid blepharoplasty (or eye / eyelid lift). That surgery is a high-yield, makes a big difference, and relatively low-risk surgery. Other than minor bruising and swelling that resolves quickly, upper eyelid surgery rarely has complications.
How do you fix droopy eyelids?
The only definitive and long-lasting way to fix droopy eyelids is to have an upper lid blepharoplasty (or eye / eyelid lift). That surgery is a high-yield, makes a big difference, and relatively low-risk surgery. Other than minor bruising and swelling that resolves quickly, upper eyelid surgery rarely has complications.
How is eyelid surgery performed?
Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making a small incision in the upper eyelid crease. Through this incision, excess fat, muscle and skin are removed. The incisions are hidden in the upper eyelid crease so that when the eyes are open, the scar is almost completely hidden.
How long does droopy eyelid surgery last?
You will look better for the rest of your life: actual twin studies have shown this to be the case. However, gravity and normal aging dont stop after eyelid surgery. On average, patients develop enough laxity that they start to think about further surgery in 12-15 years. Investing in maintenance treatments (medical grade skin care, regular facials, Botox and the occasional non-surgical tightening) can greatly extend your result.
How long does it take for lower blepharoplasty scars to heal?
Most blepharoplasty patients will to see results immediately. There are 2-3 weeks of social downtime where there may be some mild bruising and swelling. This quickly resolves. While scars continue to mature for a year, most will not be noticeable after a few weeks.
How much is an eyelid surgery?
The average cost for an upperlid blepharoplasty or upper eyelid lift is ~$5,000. Lower lid blepharoplasty is often best combined with facial fat grafting and costs on average $7,500. When you combine procedures, for example eyelid lift and face lift, there is a significant cost-savings.
How long does it take to heal from upper eyelid surgery?
Most blepharoplasty patients will to see results immediately. There are 2-3 weeks of social downtime where there may be some mild bruising and swelling. This quickly resolves. While scars continue to mature for a year, most will not be noticeable after a few weeks.
Is drooping eyelid surgery covered by insurance?
Blepharoplasty is not only performed for cosmetic purposes, but it can also improve function. Upper eyelid surgery can correct visual impairment by removing the excess skin that is blocking the vision. However, before insurance will cover it, the degree of visual field obstruction must be severe. As most patients seek correction before ever reaching this severity, Drs. Kurtovic and Mahabir only perform cosmetic blepharoplasty.
How long does plasma skin tightening last?
Plasma skin tightening is a non-invasive treatment that helps minimize wrinkles, pigment issues and scarring. Even with topical anesthesia (numbing) this can be quite a painful procedure. It also has a long down time of up to 12 weeks. At Tucson Plastic Surgery, Drs. Kurtovic and Mahabir prefer the CO2 laser as it is more effective with less downtime.
Is plasma skin tightening painful?
At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we do not offer plasma skin tightening. Even with topical anesthesia (numbing) this can be quite a painful procedure. It also has a long down time of up to 12 weeks. At Tucson Plastic Surgery, Drs. Kurtovic and Mahabir prefer the CO2 laser as it is more effective with less downtime.
How long does upper eyelid surgery take?
Upper eyelid surgery is an outpatient surgery (you will get to go home the same day) and takes about an hour. As it is a relatively short procedure, it can often be combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries like face and neck lift. Doing these at the same time often provides a more natural result as it keeps the facial aesthetics in balance.
How long are eyes blurry after blepharoplasty?
Most blepharoplasty patients will to see results immediately. Ideally after eyelid surgery, you will sleep on your back with your head elevated to minimize swelling. You can do this by propping yourself up on a few pillows or even purchasing a wedge pillow. If you are able to do this, there will be very little swelling and any blurry vision should resolve in a few days after surgery. Most patients are able to drive in under a week.
