BLEPHAROPLASTY
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid skin and sometimes fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve baggy skin, sinking upper eyelids, or drooping skin/eyelashes that impair vision.
As we age, skin loses elasticity, excess skin forms in the eye area and fatty tissue can protrude under the skin. These normal aging processes leave the eyes looking tired, wrinkled, or puffy and can interfere with peripheral (side) vision. Genetic factors and body chemistry can cause these aging effects in relatively young people. A blepharoplasty helps restore a youthful and refreshed appearance to your eyes and can improve the range of your side vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid skin and sometimes fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve baggy skin, sinking upper eyelids, or drooping skin/eyelashes that impair vision.
What are the symptoms of excess eyelid skin requiring a blepharoplasty?
Symptoms include excess eyelid skin which is cosmetically unpleasing to you, decreased visual field, muscle ache and fatigue from tilting your head back or using forehead muscles to raise your eyebrows and minimize the impact of the extra skin on your vision.
Will a blepharoplasty fix an eye that won’t open well or becomes droopy when tired?
No. When the edge of upper eyelid falls into the line of sight, with or without a lot of excess eyelid skin, a surgery can be performed to reattach the muscle back into a more normal position. Sometimes this repair is needed as well as a blepharoplasty to remove excess skin.
Will a blepharoplasty fix eyebrows that droop from advancing age?
No. Blepharoplasty treats drooping eyelids, but not drooping eyebrows which require a different surgery. Some patients require both to look and see their best.
Will I be asleep for the procedure?
The blepharoplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia — while you are numbed, sedated, relaxed and awake — in an outpatient surgery center or hospital. There will be an anesthesia doctor present to monitor your heart, breathing and blood pressure during the procedure and to make sure you are completely comfortable. Patients typically return home within hours after the surgery.
Is the procedure painful?
No. You will be sedated and the area will be numbed before the procedure. Afterwards, usually Tylenol or ibuprofen controls the small amount of discomfort associated with the surgery. More intense pain should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Is there anything I should do prior to surgery?
At your pre-operative visit, report all medications (prescribed and over the counter), vitamins, supplements, and herbs you take as some can increase your risk of bleeding. Aspirin, aspirin-containing products, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, St. John's Wort, large amounts of supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E should be discontinued for one to two weeks prior to surgery to decrease the risk of bleeding. Your complete list of medications, supplements and herbs will be reviewed during your appointment to determine what if anything you should discontinue prior to surgery.
What can I expect after a blepharoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, there can be swelling and bruising. You can expect some bruising and/or swelling for up to several weeks. Although you will have little discomfort and may feel well enough to return to work a few days after surgery, you should avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least two weeks.
Will there be a scar?
Incisions are made along the eyelid crease of the upper eyelid and possibly along the eye’s outer lower eyelid. The upper blepharoplasty incisions follow the natural fold of the lid crease and are difficult to see. As with all scars, it takes three to six months for the thin scar to fade from pink to white. Take care to protect your delicate eyelid skin from sun exposure during this time.
Are there any restrictions after a blepharoplasty?
You must avoid swimming and hot tubs for three weeks. It is important to keep the area clean and use the ointment as recommended. You may shower and bathe normally, but do not rub the eye area. Although you will have little discomfort and may feel well enough to return to work a few days after surgery; you should avoid heavy lifting, bending, strenuous activities and exercise for at least two weeks. Avoid wearing contact lens and makeup for three weeks. Further instructions for post-operative care are provided after your surgery.
What are the risks associated with blepharoplasty?
As with any surgery, blepharoplasty carries some risks such as infection or reaction to anesthesia, temporary numbness of the eyelid skin, dry, irritated eyes, scarring and other risks. Drs. Agnone and Morrison will discuss risks specific to your situation.
Are the results permanent?
The results of blepharoplasty last a long time for many people. For others, advancing age, genetic factors and body chemistry may cause additional bothersome excess and drooping eyelid skin to form requiring another procedure.
Is blepharoplasty covered by insurance?
Blepharoplasty is covered by insurance when the upper eyelid skin causes a significant loss in your visual field. It is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance if no problem exists with your visual field. A lower eyelid blepharoplasty is never covered by insurance. Our office has financing available for cosmetic procedures.
Are there other ways to tighten my eyelid skin?
Yes. There are injectable fillers, topical creams, gels, and vitamins that Drs. Agnone and Morrison can prescribe for your specific need. Often times these items are used to enhance and aid a blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid skin and sometimes fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve baggy skin, sinking upper eyelids, or drooping skin/eyelashes that impair vision.
As we age, skin loses elasticity, excess skin forms in the eye area and fatty tissue can protrude under the skin. These normal aging processes leave the eyes looking tired, wrinkled, or puffy and can interfere with peripheral (side) vision. Genetic factors and body chemistry can cause these aging effects in relatively young people. A blepharoplasty helps restore a youthful and refreshed appearance to your eyes and can improve the range of your side vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid skin and sometimes fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve baggy skin, sinking upper eyelids, or drooping skin/eyelashes that impair vision.
What are the symptoms of excess eyelid skin requiring a blepharoplasty?
Symptoms include excess eyelid skin which is cosmetically unpleasing to you, decreased visual field, muscle ache and fatigue from tilting your head back or using forehead muscles to raise your eyebrows and minimize the impact of the extra skin on your vision.
Will a blepharoplasty fix an eye that won’t open well or becomes droopy when tired?
No. When the edge of upper eyelid falls into the line of sight, with or without a lot of excess eyelid skin, a surgery can be performed to reattach the muscle back into a more normal position. Sometimes this repair is needed as well as a blepharoplasty to remove excess skin.
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| Ptosis is caused by a slipped/weakened eye muscle. | A blepharoplasty removes excess eyelid skin. |
Will a blepharoplasty fix eyebrows that droop from advancing age?
No. Blepharoplasty treats drooping eyelids, but not drooping eyebrows which require a different surgery. Some patients require both to look and see their best.
Will I be asleep for the procedure?
The blepharoplasty procedure is performed under local anesthesia — while you are numbed, sedated, relaxed and awake — in an outpatient surgery center or hospital. There will be an anesthesia doctor present to monitor your heart, breathing and blood pressure during the procedure and to make sure you are completely comfortable. Patients typically return home within hours after the surgery.
Is the procedure painful?
No. You will be sedated and the area will be numbed before the procedure. Afterwards, usually Tylenol or ibuprofen controls the small amount of discomfort associated with the surgery. More intense pain should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Is there anything I should do prior to surgery?
At your pre-operative visit, report all medications (prescribed and over the counter), vitamins, supplements, and herbs you take as some can increase your risk of bleeding. Aspirin, aspirin-containing products, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, St. John's Wort, large amounts of supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E should be discontinued for one to two weeks prior to surgery to decrease the risk of bleeding. Your complete list of medications, supplements and herbs will be reviewed during your appointment to determine what if anything you should discontinue prior to surgery.
What can I expect after a blepharoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, there can be swelling and bruising. You can expect some bruising and/or swelling for up to several weeks. Although you will have little discomfort and may feel well enough to return to work a few days after surgery, you should avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least two weeks.
Will there be a scar?
Incisions are made along the eyelid crease of the upper eyelid and possibly along the eye’s outer lower eyelid. The upper blepharoplasty incisions follow the natural fold of the lid crease and are difficult to see. As with all scars, it takes three to six months for the thin scar to fade from pink to white. Take care to protect your delicate eyelid skin from sun exposure during this time.
Are there any restrictions after a blepharoplasty?
You must avoid swimming and hot tubs for three weeks. It is important to keep the area clean and use the ointment as recommended. You may shower and bathe normally, but do not rub the eye area. Although you will have little discomfort and may feel well enough to return to work a few days after surgery; you should avoid heavy lifting, bending, strenuous activities and exercise for at least two weeks. Avoid wearing contact lens and makeup for three weeks. Further instructions for post-operative care are provided after your surgery.
What are the risks associated with blepharoplasty?
As with any surgery, blepharoplasty carries some risks such as infection or reaction to anesthesia, temporary numbness of the eyelid skin, dry, irritated eyes, scarring and other risks. Drs. Agnone and Morrison will discuss risks specific to your situation.
Are the results permanent?
The results of blepharoplasty last a long time for many people. For others, advancing age, genetic factors and body chemistry may cause additional bothersome excess and drooping eyelid skin to form requiring another procedure.
Is blepharoplasty covered by insurance?
Blepharoplasty is covered by insurance when the upper eyelid skin causes a significant loss in your visual field. It is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance if no problem exists with your visual field. A lower eyelid blepharoplasty is never covered by insurance. Our office has financing available for cosmetic procedures.
Are there other ways to tighten my eyelid skin?
Yes. There are injectable fillers, topical creams, gels, and vitamins that Drs. Agnone and Morrison can prescribe for your specific need. Often times these items are used to enhance and aid a blepharoplasty.