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 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.
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
A brow lift is a procedure that lifts and tightens the forehead skin, which often becomes lax with normal aging. A brow lift does not treat the eyelids specifically but can give the eyes a more open and brighter appearance. If you are looking for a procedure that will help tighten the entirety of the face, then a face lift could be right for you. A face lift tightens the skin on face including the jowls and can be combined with a neck lift. the Dr. Hardaway also performs these procedures as well, at her AAAASF certified surgical suite. During your consultation, Dr. Hardaway will help find a plan that is right for you.
The total cost of the surgery depends on the specific needs and wants of the patient. Upper eyelid surgery can be performed alone or in combination with surgery of the lower eyelids. Fees include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees and facility fees. It varies depending on the length and intensity of the procedure. Eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons is not covered by insurance. However, insurance will occasionally cover part of the cost of an upper eyelid surgery. Requirements vary by company. Contact your insurance provider for more specific information. Lower eyelid surgery is not covered by insurance.
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. 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. A ptosis repair is not a standard part of a blepharoplasty procedure.
After the procedure, you will be monitored in recovery for complications, and be able to leave the same day of surgery. There may be temporary pain or discomfort after surgery, as well as dry eyes. Avoid wearing makeup after surgery. If you wear contacts, you should not use them for at least two weeks after surgery. Your doctor will tell you for sure when you can resume normal contact use. 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 following your surgery. Apply cool compresses to the eyes as needed. Dark tinted sunglasses are recommended, to protect the eyes from the elements. Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, and other medications that thin the blood. Stitches are usually removed within a week or less. There will be mild bruising and swelling, which will subside a week or two after surgery. Avoid heavy lifting for a week after surgery. The whites of the eyes may be red or bloodshot for a few days after surgery, but this should disappear as the eyes heal. 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.
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 vis