Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is the surgical removal of excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper and lower eyelids. Underlying fatty tissue that produces bagginess can be selectively removed or repositioned. Blepharoplasty can improve drooping skin and bagginess. It can also help improve vision in older patients who have hooding of their upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty will not remove “crow’s feet” or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under the eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows. For this reason, a blepharoplasty often accompanies procedures such as facelift or brow lift to combat the effects of time and gravity.
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Procedure
The procedure generally involves the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue from the upper and lower eyelids. Cosmetic eyelid surgery repositions facial skin and underlying tissue for men and women desiring firmer skin around the eye area. If your goal is to eliminate dark circles, remove wrinkles, or lift eyebrows, your doctor may suggest incorporating additional facial procedures to achieve your desired results. Surgery isn’t always the answer. Talk to your doctor about non-surgical injectables like JUVÉDERM®, or BOTOX® may help in the early signs of aging. Excess upper eyelid skin is removed from the upper eyelid leaving a scar hidden in the upper eyelid crease. The scar is generally not visible when the eyes are open. Moreover, thin skin under minimal tension creates the finest scars. Since eyelid skin is the thinnest in the body and will be under minimal tension – scars after blepharoplasty are usually inconspicuous. Some patients may benefit from fat grafting, the addition of fat to the orbital rim region to treat an atrophic or “hollowed out” appearance.
Preparation
Planning your blepharoplasty with your doctor begins with a comprehensive consultation and examination. During this consultation, your doctor may recommend eyelid surgery; however, in some situations, a non-surgical approach is favored. After your initial consultation, you will have a second visit with us two weeks prior to your scheduled procedure. This visit will cover any pre and postop instructions as well as any medication that will need to be administered after. Patients should wait at least 6 months after LASIK vision surgery. Patients should also have any dry eye symptoms treated prior to undergoing elective cosmetic eyelid surgery.
Swelling
Usually greatest around 3 days after surgery from which time it starts to subside. Some patients remain a little swollen for 2 months.
Risks & Complications
Dry eyes, Lagophthalmos (inability to fully close your eye), asymmetry, bleeding, infection, prolonged swelling, need for revision, complications related to anesthesia.
Bruising
Usually subsides by 1 week.
Facts About Eyelid Surgery
Typical Timing/Age
Generally, patients are 50 years of age or older
Cost
Upper $2,250 in office/$3,400 in OR. Lower $2,750 in office/$4,000 in OR. Four lids $4,500 in office/$6,500 in OR *This is an estimation & prices may vary.
Problem
Excess upper eyelid skin, atrophy of tissue around the eye and deflation of the upper eyelid sulcus.
Goal
To improve the function and appearance of the eyes by removing excess upper eyelid skin.
Facility
Office/Clinic, Surgery Center or Hospital
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia in the office/clinic. Or if you prefer we can also perform the procedure under IV sedation at a Surgery Center or Hospital; or general anesthesia at a surgery center or hospital.
Hospital Stay
Most patients go home after surgery and do not require a night in the hospital.
Positioning
After blepharoplasty, you should sleep with your head elevated above your heart for a few days to help reduce the swelling.
Assistance
You will be able to walk around, feed, and bathe yourself. Depending on your pain medication requirements, you may not be able to drive or care for others.
Walking After Surgery
You are encouraged to walk around as much as possible to help reduce the risk of DVT and thromboembolism.
Showering
You may shower immediately following surgery.
Exercise
Avoidance of vigorous activity will help to minimize postoperative swelling and discomfort. Only light cardio exercise for approximately two weeks following eyelid surgery. Three weeks from surgery forward, unrestricted exercise and activity can resume.
Sex
Wait 1 week because you don’t want to increase your blood pressure during the early healing period.
Work
You may be bruised for 1-2 weeks. If you have a desk job you can return to work as soon as you are comfortable doing so. Most people take 1-2 weeks off work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be visible scars?
What’s the recovery like?
Will a blepharoplasty get rid of my eye wrinkles?
Should I have upper and lower lids done?
Related Procedures
Face Lift
Fat Grafting
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Midface Lift
Before & After Gallery
Procedures are performed by board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Butler, Dr. Leveque, and Dr. Patterson in Pensacola, FL.
Meet Our Team
At Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, we understand that the selection of a plastic surgeon is an extremely important decision for any prospective patient. We believe communication, education and individualized patient care are the foundation for creating a strong and trusting patient-physician relationship. Our entire staff is absolutely committed to providing compassionate, personalized, individual attention before, during, and after surgery. We work together to deliver the best possible aesthetic outcomes in a setting that embodies the standards and lifestyle you seek.
We Accept Financing
Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery offers a variety of payment options so that your cosmetic surgery will suit your budget. All major credit cards are accepted, and financing plans are available.