Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty, more widely known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical method utilized to eliminate extra skin from the eyelids. People usually refer to this method as "eyelid lift" or "eyelid tuck". The weakening and stretching of the muscles that sustain the eyelids is a typical sign of aging, which leads to sagging eyebrows, drooping upper eyelids, and bags beneath the eyes. Eyelid surgery is a dramatic answer to address problems like loose or sagging skin that creates wrinkles or disrupts the normal shape of the upper eyelid, which sometimes affects vision, fatty deposits that cause puffiness in the eyelids, bags beneath the eyes, drooping lower eyelids, and surplus skin and wrinkles of the lower eyelid.

What is Eyelid Surgery?
Types of Eyelid Surgery
Why Eyelid Surgery?
What are Concerns for Eyelid Surgery?
Steps to getting your procedure
Cost of Procedure
Why Yes Doctor for This Procedure
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors that perform Eyelid Surgery procedures
Eyelid Surgery

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a cosmetic or functional surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty or lower lid blepharoplasty both have their own indications and may be performed during the same procedure or at different times. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the upper and lower eyelids is vital to identifying deformities that may lead to surgical correction while preventing unwanted complications resulting from the same surgical procedures.

The patients undergoing eyelid procedures should be examined regarding ophthalmologic pathology and receive a full eye exam, complete with a retinal examination. Specifically, patients should be asked about their visual acuity before the procedure, symptoms of dry eyes, and any visual obstruction. Furthermore, the patient's complete medical record should include any history of thyroid disease, diabetes, hypertension, or inflammatory diseases treated with steroids. A history of bleeding or clotting disorders should also be elicited. 

Eyelid surgery is a common procedure among individuals with drooping or sagging eyelids, making them look tired, older, or sad. The surgery involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the eyelids to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. 

The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis using either general or local anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours to complete. The incisions for the procedure are made in natural creases or folds of the eyelids and are typically well-hidden after healing. The results of eyelid surgery are usually long-lasting, although some natural aging and changes may occur over time. The procedure has a relatively low risk of complications, and most people experience minimal pain and discomfort after the procedure. The results of an eyelid surgery make a significant difference in one's overall appearance and confidence.


Procedure steps

A typical eyelid surgery involves the following steps:

Anesthesia

Typically the procedure is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to provide you comfort during the procedure. 

Incisions

The incision lines for the procedure are designed in such a way that the scars are well hidden under the skin folds or within the natural structures of the eyelid. 

When performing an upper lid blepharoplasty, the doctor needs to remove a small piece of skin from the upper eyelid. Care must be taken to make sure 1.5-2 cm of skin is left between the top of the cut and the eyebrow to avoid any hollowing of the eyelid from having too much skin taken away.

Lower lid blepharoplasty is one of the most variable procedures in plastic surgery. it is quite an extensive procedure. In general, the technique involves skin resection, post-septal fat resection, blunting of the lid-cheek junction, and tightening of the lower lid tarsoligamentous complex. Not all patients will require the entire procedure. However, each will be addressed separately.

Closing the incisions

The incisions are typically closed with sutures or skin adhesives. The sutures are removed within a week. 

Postoperative care

The patient should rest their head elevated to reduce swelling. Cold compresses can be applied to the eyes to reduce swelling and discomfort. Antibiotic ointment should be applied to the incisions as directed by the surgeon to prevent infection. Strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting and exercise, should be avoided for several weeks following the procedure. Sun exposure should be minimized, and sunglasses should be worn to protect the incisions from UV light. It's necessary to keep follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and ensure proper recovery.

Types of Eyelid Surgery

  • Which Eyelid Surgery is Right for You?

    Blepharoplasty is a common procedure that can improve a patient's visual fields and help achieve cosmetic goals. The type of eyelid surgery right for you depends on your individual needs and goals. There are several different eyelid surgery procedures, including upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), lower eyelid surgery, and double eyelid surgery. The best way to determine which procedure is correct for you is to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your eyes, discuss your goals and concerns, and recommend the best treatment plan for you. Knowing the complications can also help patients get the correct pre- and post-operative treatment.

  • Lower Eyelid

    Lower eyelid surgery, also known as lower blepharoplasty, is not a straightforward operation. It encompasses a range of procedures that seek to improve the look of the lower lids. 

    Traditionally, lower blepharoplasty was a reduction surgery that eliminated skin or fat to lessen wrinkles, extra skin surplus, and fat protuberances in the lower lids. This involves making incisions in the lower eyelid and removing or relocating unwanted skin, fat, and muscle. Afterward, sutures are used to close the incisions and a bandage is put on the area. 

    The operation may be done with local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The duration of recuperation could range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the process.

  • Double Eyelid

    Blepharoplasty, which is also referred to as "Asian blepharoplasty" due to its widespread use in the East Asian population, is an elective operation that is done to give a supra-tarsal crease (a skin fold or crease in the upper eyelid) to those who have concerns with their physical appearance. This surgery results in a more noticeable, symmetrical, and almond-shaped eye. The elevation of the upper eyelid crease can be changed to match the patient's preference and facial anatomy.

    This technique may be combined with epicanthoplasty, which is a procedure that involves extending the inner corner of the eye towards the nose. The combination of these two operations will broaden and lengthen the eyes for a more aesthetically pleasing look.

  • Upper Eyelid

    Blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids, commonly known as an eyelid lift, is a surgical operation intended for improving the look of the upper eyelids. Reasons for the surgery include the presence of drooping and baggy skin that disrupts vision or creates aesthetic issues in the patient. Those who experience drooping, saggy or exhausted-looking eyelids that disrupt their daily life are usually the best candidates for this procedure.

    The surgical procedure involves removing extra skin and fat to create a more energetic and rejuvenated look. This operation is usually carried out using local anesthesia or with sedation, and takes an hour or two to complete. The time it takes to recover can vary, but most people can resume their regular activities in one to two weeks.

Why Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of the eyelids. Signs of aging, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and puffiness, can make individuals appear tired or older than their actual age. Eyelid surgery can help rejuvenate the eyes' appearance and enhance one's overall facial appearance.

In addition to cosmetic reasons, eyelid surgery can also be performed for medical reasons. Excess skin and fat on the upper eyelids can obstruct vision, making daily activities such as reading, driving, or using a computer difficult. Lower eyelid surgery can correct herniated fat, creating a tired or puffy appearance under the eyes. Moreover, many other reasons govern your candidacy for the blepharoplasty procedure, like eyelid laxity or redundancy leading to irritation or dryness, eyelid skin that has become inelastic and wrinkled, or inherited characteristics that cause a heavy, drooping appearance of the upper eyelids.

The procedure is performed by an oculoplastic or plastic surgeon, who determines if the procedure is to be performed for medical reasons. 

A few common causes of undergoing eyelid surgery are:

  • Puffy eyelids
  • Loose skin
  • Excess skin
  • Fine Wrinkles
  • Puffy bags in lower eyelids

What are Concerns for Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty is a form of surgery that is used to alter the shape of the upper and/or lower eyelids in order to give the person a more youthful look. This involves the removal of surplus skin, muscle, and fat. Additionally, supporting structures are made more firm. The surgery is thought to be secure, but there are risks due to the intricate nature of the eyelids. Before the operation, it is important to do a detailed assessment and proper planning, and it is essential to recognize the causes of complications in order to avoid them. Finally, it is just as significant to manage any complications that arise as it is to use the correct surgical techniques. Prior to undergoing eyelid surgery, the surgeon needs to make sure that the patient is aware of the potential hazards related to this procedure. As the doctor executing the surgery, it is essential to be conscious of the possible issues that may arise. These side effects of blepharoplasty could either be minor or serious. The level of danger in a given complication may be perceived differently by the patient and the surgeon. Building trust and open communication is the foundation of a good doctor-patient relationship, especially for an elective, aesthetically focused operation with lofty goals and standards. After the operation, dealing with the patient's worries can vary from merely reassuring them to actually going through a surgical procedure, depending on the concern. Following are the infrequent but potential risks and concerns associated with eyelid surgery

  • Anesthesia Risks

    Blepharoplasty, which is also referred to as eyelid surgery, is a type of cosmetic surgery that requires the removal or rearrangement of extra skin, fat, and muscle from both the lower and upper eyelids. During the procedure, anesthesia is used to reduce any pain or uneasiness; the particular kind of anesthesia used can be either local or general, depending on the scope and type of the operation. Risks associated with anesthesia during blepharoplasty include: Allergic reactions to the anesthetic agents used Breathing difficulties, especially in individuals with pre-existing respiratory problems Nausea and vomiting Temporary changes in heart rate and blood pressure Headache and sore throat (with general anesthesia) Drowsiness and confusion (with general anesthesia)

  • Vision Changes

    It is incredibly uncommon for vision problems to arise from blepharoplasty operations, but it is still a possibility. It is estimated that it happens 1 time in every 2,000 to 25,000 surgeries. There are a few risk factors that can increase the likelihood of vision loss after the procedure, like high blood pressure, taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, long and complex operations, and any reoperation performed on scarred tissue. To reduce the chance of vision loss, it is suggested that the patient stays in the hospital for observation and that their eyesight is monitored closely, with the addition of elevating the head, using ice water compresses, and intravenous steroids until their vision is stable for a full 24 hours.

  • Scarring

    The area around the eyes usually has the best healing results from any other place on the body; however, external wounds on the eyelids need to be stitched together accurately to stop any misalignment or scarring. In some cases, the scar may seem to have enlarged (enlargement of muscles is known as hypertrophy), especially in individuals who are prone to keloid formation. For Asian and Black people, a CO2 laser can be used inside the skin to remove fat without endangering the skin. Nevertheless, laser cuts should not be used on these people due to the increased risk of scar enlargement and discoloration. If the scar remains thick and red until the fourth week, massaging and using vitamin E cream can be of great help. In rare cases, topical or injected steroids can be used, as it is quite uncommon for the eyelid skin to have true keloids.

Steps to getting your procedure

Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Cost of Procedure

According to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of eyelid surgery is $4120. However, this is just a part of the actual cost. Actual cost depends on several other factors like the extent of the surgical procedure, anesthesia provider's fee, geographical location of the doctor's office, pre-operative and post-operative medicines and dressings, medical tests, surgeon's fee, and most importantly, their experience. Please consult your healthcare provider for the final cost of the procedure. Being a cosmetic procedure, eyelid surgery is generally not covered by insurance plans. Insurance companies focus on medical necessities instead of purely elective cosmetic procedures performed for aesthetic reasons. However, insurance companies might consider covering the cost if the procedure is performed for resectioning excess eyelid skin, causing a visual obstruction. It is important to carefully review your insurance plan before proceeding with the surgery.

Why Yes Doctor for This Procedure

Yes Doctor serves as a financial bridge between the patient and the provider. Yes Doctor offers loans to patients to help pay for medical procedures, including eyelid surgery. 

We provide a way for individuals to finance the cost of their procedure when insurance does not cover it. We offer flexible repayment options, low-interest rates, and quick approval processes. With our Buy Now Pay Later offer, individuals can pay for their eyelid surgery in manageable monthly payments rather than having to pay for it all at once. Interest as low as 0% makes the healthcare journey straightforward and pocket-friendly. However, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of our financing agreement before signing up.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can qualify for eyelid surgery if you are 18 years or above. However, people who get eyelid surgery are usually in their mid-30s. It is because the aging process starts affecting the eyelids in most people by this time. However, if you are at least 18 years old and have genuine concerns about the appearance of your eyelids, this procedure may be right for you. The decision to have eyelid surgery is personal and should be made in consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. The surgeon will evaluate the patient's overall health, the appearance of their eyelids, and the patient's goals for the procedure to determine if eyelid surgery is appropriate and when the best timing may be.
Eyelid surgery is one of the low-pain surgeries. Patients may feel mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure. Whereas after the surgery, recovery is typically painless and swift. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area to comfort the patient during the surgery. In some cases, patients may also receive oral or intravenous sedation to help them relax during the procedure. After the surgery, the patient may experience some soreness, swelling, and bruising around the eyes, but this typically subsides within a few days to a week. Pain medication can be prescribed to manage any discomfort during the recovery period. Most patients find that the benefits of eyelid surgery outweigh any temporary discomfort or pain experienced during the recovery period.
Eyelid surgery can be performed under either local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient and surgeon's preference. Local anesthesia numbs the surgical area, allowing the patient to stay awake during the procedure. On the other hand, general anesthesia puts the patient to sleep and results in complete unconsciousness.
Findings of a study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal report that over 95% of patients who underwent eyelid surgery reported being satisfied with their results. The study found that patients reported improved appearance and self-confidence, enhanced vision, and a more youthful, alert, and rested appearance. Most people are generally happy with the results of their eyelid surgery, as the procedure can significantly improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping or sagging skin that can create a tired, aged appearance and remove excess skin and fat that can interfere with vision.