With advanced eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), we can help you effectively achieve a more refreshed and youthful appearance around the eyes. The eyelid areas are some of the first facial features to show signs of age. Over time, these prominent facial regions can accumulate fat deposits and excess, hanging skin, which can ultimately make one look older and more tired than they actually are. In some cases, excess skin in the upper eyelids can even create a visual obstruction. Eyelid surgery from our board-certified plastic surgeon, Wally Zollman, MD, can help alleviate these concerns with results that look natural.
- What Is Blepharoplasty?
- Eyelid Surgery Before-and-After Photos
- What Eyelid Surgery Can (and Can’t) Do
- Types of Eyelid Surgery
- Eyelid Surgery Procedure
- Eyelid Surgery Recovery
- Eyelid Surgery Cost
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery, also known as an eyelid lift. This procedure is designed to reduce signs of age and exhaustion that can appear in the upper and/or lower eyelid regions. Eyelid surgery can remove or reposition excess fat deposits, tighten inelastic skin, and reduce the appearance of “bags” for a smoother, more rested look. For some patients, eyelid surgery can also address vision problems caused by loose skin hanging over the eyes.
Blepharoplasty Before and After Photos
What Eyelid Surgery Can (and Can’t) Do
Eyelid surgery offers a number of potential benefits, including:
- Correct sagging eyelids
- Eliminate puffy bags under the eyes
- Remove fat, skin, and muscle that is causing eyelids to droop
- Achievement of a more refreshed and youthful appearance around the eyes
This popular procedure can also be combined with facelift, dermal filler injections, or other cosmetic treatments to provide even more comprehensive enhancement results.
With the many advantages that eyelid surgery can bring to both women and men, it is important for individuals considering this procedure to also understand what it will not be able to accomplish. Eyelid surgery is not designed to:
- Eliminate wrinkles, including crow’s feet
- Remove dark circles under the eyes
- Prevent the natural aging process
Dr. Zollman will meet with you for an initial consultation to evaluate your needs and talk with you about your ultimate goals. If eyelid surgery is right for you, Dr. Zollman will develop a customized treatment plan designed to meet your expectations with exceptional results. If you are not an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery, Dr. Zollman can discuss alternative options that may be considered.
Are There Different Types of Eyelid Surgery?
The two major types of eyelid surgery are:
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery can be a good option for patients wishing to address excess skin and fat deposits in the upper eyelid regions. This treatment can reduce a “hooding” effect over the eyes, and improve general signs age and tiredness in these areas.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery can help diminish the appearance of puffiness and under-eye bags. Sagging skin and isolated bulges of fat can be reduced and the remaining skin tightened for much smoother results and a more rested appearance.
How Is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?
Dr. Zollman performs blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure. Depending on each patient’s specific needs, most eyelid surgery treatments tend to take less than one hour to complete.
During upper or lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Zollman typically creates an incision along the natural lines of the eyelids and removes the additional skin, fat, and muscle that contributed to drooping lids and puffy bags. The remaining skin will be delicately pulled taut for a smoother aesthetic. Dr. Zollman will then use small sutures to close the incisions and complete the procedure.
What Is Eyelid Surgery Recovery Like?
Many patients are able to return to their normal daily activities within 10 days; however, this will depend on each patient’s unique rate of healing and Dr. Zollman’s recommendations in each case. After blepharoplasty, minor side effects such as light sensitivity, dry eyes, and inflammation in the treatment areas are common and should subside in one to two weeks. Some temporary swelling and bruising in the eyelid regions can also be expected during this time. Cold compresses can often be very helpful for these effects, and pain medication can control discomfort. Dr. Zollman recommends that patients keep their head at an elevated level whenever possible for several days after the procedure. He also advises patients to refrain from wearing contact lenses or eye makeup for at least two weeks, and to avoid strenuous exercise for a minimum of three weeks.
What Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
Here at Zollman Plastic Surgery, the average cost of either upper eyelid surgery or lower eyelid surgery typically falls in the $4500 to $6500 range. The total price of eyelid surgery will depend on a number of factors unique to your treatment plan, including:
- Whether you have upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both in combination
- Facility and anesthesia fees
- The complexity of the operation and the techniques utilized
- Medicines prescribed after surgery
Once your treatment plan is developed during the initial consultation, a member of our friendly team will produce a total cost estimate of your eyelid surgery procedure and go over it with you in detail. The estimated price will include all associated expenses so you will have a full idea of what to expect. Our practice accepts numerous convenient payment methods and we also accept plastic surgery financing through companies such as CareCredit® and Federal Credit Union. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about how you can pay for your treatment in a way that best fits your budget.
It is important to note that, although eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons is not covered under most insurance policies, blepharoplasty performed to address vision obstruction may have at least partial coverage under some insurance plans.
For more information on eyelid surgery from our cosmetic surgery practice, we invite you to contact us today. We can provide you with more details regarding this advanced procedure, or help you schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon. Dr. Zollman and the entire staff at Zollman Plastic Surgery look forward to hearing from you and assisting with all of your plastic surgery needs.
