Eyelid Surgery
The Eyelid Aging Process
As skin ages, it gradually loses its elasticity. A lack of elasticity, combined with the constant pull from gravity causes excessive skin to collect in the upper eyelids. Excess skin on the upper eyelids creates an extra fold of skin forms which can hang over the eyelashes and obstruct vision.
Bulges in the upper eyelids can also be caused by the fat that cushions the eyeball from the skull. The thin membrane that holds the fat in place weakens with age, allowing the fat to protrude into the lids.
Who Is a Good Candidate For Eyelid Surgery?
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals with good physical and mental health who have realistic expectations. Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids are hereditary, you may decide to have the surgery at a younger age.
Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or cause people to treat you any differently. Blepharoplasty will not alter your facial structure. It is important to know your face well before you decide to have surgery. Think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with us.
Are the Changes Made By Eyelid Surgery Permanent?
Blepharoplasty will not stop your eyes from aging. However, the procedure is usually very long lasting. Upper eyelid surgery can last anywhere from five to seven years to an entire lifetime.
How Should I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?
You will need to have another person drive you home after your surgery. You should also have someone stay with the night of the procedure.
Expect and plan to stay home from work and limit your activities for several days after surgery to give your eyelids a chance to heal. Some patients experience dry eyes after surgery, but the condition rarely lasts more than two weeks.
At home, you should have the following items readily accessible:
- Ice pack
- Artificial tears
- Prescribed antibiotic ointment
How Is the Procedure Performed?
Blepharoplasty usually can be done in the office and typically takes one to two hours to perform. Typically the procedure is done under local anesthesia (a painkiller injected around the eye) with oral sedation.
What Should I Expect During Recovery?
There will be a stitch in both lids that will remain for about 10-12 days and will be removed in the office. It is common for swelling, and occasionally, bruising to occur, but within one to two weeks the upper eyelids will look normal.
What are the risks of Blepharoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, there is some degree of risk. However rare they may be, it is important to be aware of potential complications before you decide to have the surgery.
Risks can include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Dry eyes
- Abnormal discoloration of the skin of the eyelids
- Eyelid skin that folds in or out abnormally
- An inability to fully close the eyes
- A pulled down lower lid lash line or a possible loss of vision
If you experience any of these, notify us as soon as possible.
Does Insurance Cover Blepharoplasty?
An insurance carrier may only agree to cover this surgery if the patient’s eyelids are drooping to a level that impairs his or her vision. Otherwise, the procedure is considered cosmetic and not medically necessary. No interest financing options available.
Other Eyelid Conditions?
The doctors at Metrolina Eye Associates can diagnose and treat a wide variety of eyelid disorders. Typical disorders that can be treated include a drooping lid on one or both sides (Ptosis), lashes that are turned in or out (entropion and ectropion), problems with excess tearing, styes and any unwanted skin lesions.