EYELID SURGERY-BLEPHAROPLASTY
As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and valuable fat and muscle can begin to weaken and sag. All these factors contribute to an appearance that can look aged, sad, or tired. Many people, both men and women, have undergone blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, to enhance the appearance of their eyelids, creating a more energetic and youthful look.
In addition to restoring a youthful appearance, blepharoplasty can improve the quality of life by enhancing the field of vision. As upper eyelids sag with age, peripheral vision can be affected, potentially posing risks while driving.
What is a blepharoplasty?
Droopy or puffy eyelids are common among older individuals and may also be genetic. Blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery, is designed to provide a more youthful appearance to the eye area by removing excess sagging skin, muscle, and fat pouches (commonly known as bags) from the upper and lower eyelids. The result is smoother, tighter skin that creates a brighter, more energetic look.
Blepharoplasty is one of the top five requested cosmetic surgeries each year in the United States due to its short operative time, quick recovery, and remarkable ability to rejuvenate the eyes. Some patients may choose to combine a facelift or brow lift with their blepharoplasty for enhanced facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Darrow can guide you in selecting the best treatment to meet your cosmetic goals. View blepharoplasty before-and-after photos of Dr. Darrow’s Brookline-area patients.
There are two types of blepharoplasty available
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper blepharoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference. Incisions are made in the natural crease of the upper eyelids and are then closed using fine sutures. During the procedure, excess fat and skin are removed, and sagging muscle tissue is tightened.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower blepharoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia and sedation if only skin needs to be removed (known as a “pinch blepharoplasty”). However, if the removal of fat pockets is required, general anesthesia is recommended to maximize the patient’s comfort. Prior to the procedure, precise markings are made on the eyelids to outline the tissues to be removed.
The incision for lower eyelid surgery is typically hidden just beneath the eyelashes or on the inside of the lower lid. After the excess skin tissue is removed, Dr. Darrow will either remove or redistribute any excess fat to resolve puffiness. The incisions are then closed with sutures that are concealed beneath the skin.
Patients have the option to undergo either the upper or lower eyelid procedure, or both. The recovery time is the same for each.
How long does a blepharoplasty take to perform?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty takes approximately one hour, while lower eyelid surgery takes about an hour and a half. If you opt for both procedures, the session can take up to two and a half hours. Additionally, if you choose to have a blepharoplasty alongside other cosmetic facial procedures, the overall procedure time will be longer.
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Written onAugust 5, 2015I promise you this is an unsolicited/unpaid testimonial ?
I had an upper and lower Blepharoplasty this past August by Dr. Darrow and I couldn’t be happier! From the minute I was introduced to Dr. Darrow by his fabulous assistant Helen, I knew I was in perfect hands. I had been to two other “Newbury St.” surgeons for consultations before seeing Dr. Darrow and both times I felt like I was being ‘pitched’ by used-car salesmen. My consultation with Dr. Darrow, was thorough, non-rushed, educational and complete stress-free. I asked him a lot of questions and he answered each one knowledgeably and fairly. As a 58 year old man, he managed my expectations (rather than ‘promise me the moon’ as the other two surgeons had done). My procedure was done professionally by a team of really caring people. The results look amazing, and as I said before, I couldn’t be happier and I recommend him without reservation!
How do you prepare for a blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is generally performed on an outpatient basis at Dr. Darrow’s private surgery center, The Brookline Center, or a hospital. Rarely does this procedure require an overnight stay.
Detailed pre-operative instructions will be provided, guiding you on how to prepare for the surgery, including dietary restrictions, skin care, medications to avoid, and arrival time. It’s also important to make arrangements for someone to bring you home and assist you for a few days if needed. Following Dr. Darrow’s instructions will facilitate a smooth surgery and recovery.
How is a blepharoplasty performed?
Let’s take a look at the procedure itself:
- Anesthesia will be administered intravenously or through general anesthesia.
- Incisions for eyelid surgery will be concealed within your natural eyelid creases or made inside the lid.
- The procedure may involve the upper lids alone, the lower lids alone, or both together.
- Excess skin will be removed, and depending on individual needs and goals, fat deposits may be repositioned or removed, while muscles and tissue are tightened.
- Incisions are closed using surgical tape, skin adhesives, or sutures (either removable or absorbable).
- Results will gradually become apparent as you heal and the swelling and bruising subside.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. It’s crucial to understand these risks and discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your plastic surgeon. After the procedure, you’ll need to adhere to specific restrictions while you heal. If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.
View Eyelid Surgery Gallery.
Common Issues Associated with Eyelid Surgery
Let’s explore some common issues that eyelid surgery addresses:
- Removal of excess skin from the lower eyelid
- Removal of excess fatty deposits or puffiness in the upper eyelid
- Reduction of bags and droopiness in the lower eyelid
- Improvement of the appearance of the white in the eye under the iris
- Tightening of drooping muscles
- Enhancement of visibility by removing excess sagging skin from the upper eyelid
What is Ptosis correction using functional blepharoplasty?
When eyelid surgery is utilized to correct sagging that affects a person’s field of vision, it is known as functional blepharoplasty. This approach addresses upper eyelid ptosis, a medical condition where the levator muscles weaken, making it difficult to lift the upper eyelids effectively. Ptosis repair involves making a small incision, followed by shortening and tightening the upper eyelid muscle to facilitate lifting. This correction can be performed simultaneously with cosmetic blepharoplasty, thus preventing the need for two separate procedures.
While cosmetic eyelid surgery is generally not covered by health insurance, functional blepharoplasty for ptosis correction usually is covered.
Who is a good candidate for a blepharoplasty?
Patients aged 40-75, who are healthy, non-smokers, and have good skin elasticity and muscle tone, are ideal candidates for cosmetic blepharoplasty. Those with loose, excess skin on the upper and lower eyelids, as well as fat pockets, will see the most significant improvement in their eyelid appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Darrow will assess your condition and determine the best approach for rejuvenating your eyes based on personal factors.
Dr. Darrow will discuss what to expect from your surgery and assess your medical history to create a treatment plan aimed at achieving optimal outcomes from your blepharoplasty. If you are taking any medications, be sure to inform Dr. Darrow beforehand, as certain medications may interact with the surgery. Candidates should not have any chronic illnesses that could lead to surgical complications. Those with realistic expectations for the blepharoplasty procedure are likely to be more satisfied with the results.
Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are in good physical health, do not have life-threatening illnesses, medical conditions, or eye diseases, and should be non-smokers with positive, realistic expectations regarding the outcome.
What are realistic expectations for a patient undergoing a blepharoplasty?
The procedure will improve excess and sagging tissue, reducing skin folds of both the upper and lower eyelids and removing fat pockets. This will result in a more rested and alert appearance. Incision lines will be well camouflaged in the natural creases of the upper eyelid and beneath the lashes of the lower eyelid. The smoothing and tightening of the eyelid skin will restore youthful contours, and results will be long-lasting. Dr. Darrow’s cosmetic eyelid patients consistently report high satisfaction with their refreshed look, often stating they appear “more alert” and “less tired.”
What are common reasons patients seek a blepharoplasty?
Common reasons patients feel self-conscious and seek a cosmetic blepharoplasty with Dr. Darrow in Brookline include appearing tired and sleepy, as well as feeling that their eyelid appearance ages them. Additionally, some individuals opt for a blepharoplasty if their upper eyelids obstruct their field of vision due to eyelid ptosis.
How long does it take to recover from a blepharoplasty?
After your eyelid surgery, it’s essential to rest with your head elevated and apply cool compresses to minimize bruising and swelling. Adhering to Dr. Darrow’s post-operative instructions will make your recovery smoother.
It is recommended to have a friend or family member assist you for the first few days post-surgery. Cool compresses and limited activity are advised for the first week. Dr. Darrow will schedule a follow-up appointment approximately one week after the procedure to monitor your progress.
Most patients can resume light activities after one week, return to work within ten days, and return to full activity within two weeks if cleared by Dr. Darrow. Protect your eyes from sunlight during recovery. Wearing sunglasses is advised to shield your eyes and prevent wind irritation to the healing tissues.
How much does a blepharoplasty cost?
The total cost of blepharoplasty is determined based on various factors, including medical examinations, the surgeon’s fee, hospital charges, post-surgery garments, and anesthesia. The specific techniques used and the duration of the surgery also impact the overall cost.
What to do next?
To schedule a consultation and learn more about cosmetic blepharoplasty with board-certified Brookline plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Darrow, call Darrow Cosmetic Surgery at 617-267-0710 .
