The signs of premature aging, such as dark circles, sagging upper and lower eyelids, fine lines and wrinkles, can make you look tired and older. Eyelid lift (or blepharoplasty) is the recommended and most often preferred treatment for removing bags under the eyes or drooping eyelids. These aging eye conditions can add years to your appearance and even impair your vision.
By enhancing your look, Dr. Hardaway can help enhance your appearance and give your face a more youthful appearance with an eyelid lift. A blepharoplasty can help change your appearance and make a dramatic difference by helping you to have a relaxed and rejuvenated look. To achieve the best results, Dr. Hardaway may also recommend other procedures. Blepharoplasty is often combined with fat transfer to the under eye and temple areas, laser skin resurfacing, a brow/temple lift and, possibly, a facelift.
Eyelid Surgery: The Procedure
Eyelid surgery may be performed under local anesthesia in our fully accredited surgical facility located in Farmington Hills, MI. Dr. Hardaway will make tiny incisions along the natural lines of your eyelids, which results in minimal scarring. Generally, excess skin is removed from the upper and/or lower lids and Dr. Hardaway may remove fat and tighten muscle to help you attain a fresher, more alert eye expression. Usually, you will be ready to return to work or normal activities in 7 to 14 days.
Most patients are back to their normal routine within days, although a complete recovery may take a few weeks. Swelling, bruising and some discomfort are part of the recovery process, and usually can be alleviated with cold compresses and appropriate medication.
Understanding Blepharoplasty: More Than Just an Eye Lift
An eyelid surgery, also known as a blepharoplasty, or an eye lift, is a surgery that can improve the appearance of the eyelids. This procedure can get rid of droopy eyelids and sagging skin around the eyes. As we age, excess fat can gather above and below the eyes causing the lids and skin below the eyes to sag. A blepharoplasty can help correct these problems, and make the eyes look youthful and more open. This procedure is often performed on both men and women.
Eyelid surgery can also be performed if the sagging skin around the eyes impedes vision in some way. In these cases, insurance will often cover part of the cost of the surgery. In this case, you will have to see an eye doctor before surgery. Droopy eyelids can develop after other eyes surgeries, such as cataract surgery. Over manipulation of the eyelid can cause the muscle to weaken. A blepharoplasty can correct this.
The surgery can be combined with other procedures, such as a brow lift or face lift. In general, a blepharoplasty re-shapes or removes the excess fat and skin from the eyelids, as well as reshaping the skin and muscles around the eyelid. Surgery can be performed on either the upper and lower eyelids or both, depending of the needs and wants of the patient.
An eye lift itself will not get rid of crow’s feet or undereye dark circles, or puffy eyes. Other procedures such as skin resurfacing, lasers, or specific creams can help alleviate these conditions. If you are looking for something to improve sagging skin on the forehead and the creases between the brows, a brow lift may be a better procedure for you.
FAQ’s: What You Need to Know About Eyelid Surgery
Q: How does a brow lift differ from eyelid surgery?
A: A brow lift is a procedure that lifts and tightens the forehead skin, which often becomes lax with normal aging. While it doesn’t treat the eyelids specifically, it can give the eyes a more open and brighter appearance. Eyelid surgery, on the other hand, directly addresses the upper and/or lower eyelids.
Q: Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
A: Yes, eyelid surgery can be combined with other procedures like a face lift, which tightens the skin on the face including the jowls and can be combined with a neck lift. Dr. Hardaway performs these procedures at her AAAASF certified surgical suite. During your consultation, she will help find a plan that is right for you.
Q: How much does eyelid surgery cost?
A: The total cost of the surgery depends on the specific needs and wants of the patient. Fees include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, and facility fees. It varies depending on the length and intensity of the procedure. Upper eyelid surgery can be performed alone or in combination with surgery of the lower eyelids.
Q: Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?
A: Eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons is not covered by insurance. However, insurance will occasionally cover part of the cost of an upper eyelid surgery if it’s medically necessary (e.g., if drooping eyelids impair vision). Requirements vary by company, so contact your insurance provider for more specific information. Lower eyelid surgery is typically not covered by insurance.
Q: What type of anesthesia is used for blepharoplasty?
A: Blepharoplasty can be performed under mild sedation or general anesthesia. The eyelids themselves are numbed as well. It is an outpatient surgery, which means that the patient is sent home after the surgery is performed.
Q: What happens during the eyelid surgery procedure?
A: An incision is made along the crease of the upper or lower eyelids. If the operation is being performed on both eyelids, then the upper eyelid surgery is usually performed first. Excess skin and fat are removed or redistributed, depending on the needs of each specific patient, and the opening is sealed again with small stitches. If needed, a procedure called a ptosis repair can be performed to strengthen the upper eyelid muscle, though this is not a standard part of a blepharoplasty procedure.
Q: What is the recovery process like after eyelid surgery?
A: After the procedure, you will be monitored for complications and able to leave the same day. There may be temporary pain or discomfort, as well as dry eyes. You should avoid wearing makeup and contact lenses for at least two weeks after surgery. Apply cold packs to the eyes for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time immediately following the surgery. Avoid heavy activity for several days. Stitches are usually removed within a week or less. Mild bruising and swelling typically subside within a week or two after surgery.
Results and Risks of Eyelid Surgery
Results from a blepharoplasty can last a lifetime, depending on the patient. For some, droopy eyelids can reoccur, as the human body will continue to age after the treatment. The lasting results will vary depending on the background and lifestyle of each patient. Eyelid lift (or blepharoplasty) is the recommended and most often preferred treatment for removing bags under the eyes or drooping eyelids. These aging eye conditions can add years to your appearance and even impair your vision.
As with any surgery, there are some risks. Some risks for this surgery include infection, dry eyes, and complications that can affect vision. There is a possibility of scarring, but usually the scars are not visible.
Whether you’re considering an eyelid surgery or other face and neck procedures , our team of surgeons is here to guide you through every step of your transformation journey. We offer a wide range of services tailored to meet your individual needs and aesthetic goals. Contact us today and share your vision for a more confident you. Our expert team is ready to listen, advise, and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Call us at (248) 221-1957 or Schedule Your Consultation Online
Let’s work together to enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence.