Inevitably, the effects of aging show up on the face. A few creases here, some loosening along the jawline there, bagging above or below the eyes. This last effect can be particularly concerning when you realize that aging eyelids can change the overall appearance of the face. If you feel energetic and youthful, you want your eyes to reflect this. They are the key feature on the face to do so. If your eyes are no longer accurately reflecting your vibrancy, surgical correction may be the best solution. We are proud to offer surgical eyelid rejuvenation in our Winchester, VA ophthalmology office!
Your eyes say a lot about you! If you are ready to meet with an experienced surgeon for eyelid rejuvenation, contact us at 540-722-6200.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is the term used to describe surgical eyelid rejuvenation. The same term is used when discussing the upper eyelids or the lower eyelids. Upper blepharoplasty focuses on refining the skin in this area to reveal the natural crease and, sometimes, to release the eyelashes from the weight of drooping tissue. Lower blepharoplasty refines loose skin under the eyes, thereby eliminating puffiness and bags.
Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
If you are concerned about loose skin on your upper or lower eyelids, and you want a long-term solution to the problems that loose skin causes, you may be a great candidate for blepharoplasty. Ideally, we prefer that you not smoke. If you smoke, your doctor will advise you to quit well in advance of surgery. Doing so gives your body time to regain adequate oxygenation abilities. This means that you have enough oxygen-rich blood to support tissue as it heals. Your pre-operative instructions may also outline certain medications and supplements that the doctor would like you to avoid. Provided that you are in good health, will avoid smoking, and understand the scope of blepharoplasty in terms of your doctor's expected outcome, you should have no problem achieving your desired improvements through this procedure.
What are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
The blepharoplasty procedure is immensely rewarding. Performed as an outpatient treatment, blepharoplasty takes an hour or two. After a brief time of recovery during which you may need to avoid certain activities, you can expect the results of your surgery to endure for many years.
What Should I Expect at my Blepharoplasty Consultation?
When you visit our friendly office for your blepharoplasty consultation, you can expect your doctor to take the time to listen to your concerns and objectives. The conversation that you have with your doctor is the jumping-off point to get to your best outcome. It is important to also discuss your medical history, lifestyle habits, and expectations. The doctor will describe the procedure and how it would be performed to address your unique facial anatomy and degree of tissue laxity. They will inform you about downtime, the type of anesthesia involved, and potential risks. If you have any questions, jot them down before your consultation so you can leave this appointment with all of the information you need to feel confident in your decision regarding treatment.
How is a Blepharoplasty Procedure Performed?
To begin your blepharoplasty procedure, the doctor administers a local anesthetic. You may also receive a mild sedative. This prevents nerve transmissions from the eye area to the brain and also helps soothe your nervous system. You will not feel any pain during your blepharoplasty procedure, but you will most likely feel the doctor working, just as you feel the dentist working on a numbed tooth. To restore a youthful shape to your eyelids, the doctor makes the appropriate incisions. For the upper eyelids, this is done in the natural crease. For lower blepharoplasty, the incision may be at the lash line or just inside of the lower eyelid. The superficial fatty tissue beneath the skin may be smoothed to enhance contours. Some of this tissue may be removed. The overlying skin is then carefully tightened and your incisions are closed.
What are the Risks of Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is carefully performed and is generally a very conservative procedure. That said, it is surgery. Where incisions are made, there are inherent risks of bleeding, infection, and poor wound healing. Your doctor utilizes precise techniques to improve the safety and outcome of your surgery. With appropriate aftercare, which you can achieve easily by following your post-op instructions, your risks of post-surgical complications are minimal. The vast majority of patients who undergo blepharoplasty with a highly trained doctor enjoy outstanding results that last for many years.
How Long After My Blepharoplasty Procedure Will I See My Results?
You can expect some degree of post-operative swelling and bruising after your blepharoplasty procedure. Initially, these side effects will obscure the gorgeous new shape of your eyes. After about seven to 10 days, you will notice a significant reduction in these conditions, at which time, you'll begin to see a new, refreshed version of yourself. While some amount of swelling tends to linger, taking several weeks to fully resolve, this is usually so mild that it has little bearing on your appearance. After your first week of recovery, you may feel well enough to return to work. At that time, you can disguise minor residual bruising with makeup and feel great about your refreshed look.
Are Eyelid Surgery Results Permanent?
The results of blepharoplasty are permanent in that tissue is removed to tighten the eyelids and does not grow back. Aging is unstoppable, though. At some point, you may notice a subtle recurrence of age-related cosmetic changes around the eyes. Typically, the progression of aging has a mild effect on the eyelids after blepharoplasty. Most people do not repeat this procedure. If you take good care of your skin and protect the delicate eyelid tissue from sun exposure, you can enjoy near-permanent results from your eyelid rejuvenation procedure.
Can Blepharoplasty Improve My Vision?
Yes, blepharoplasty can improve your field of vision by removing excess skin from the upper eyelids, which can droop severely and hinder your sight. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those who have hooded eyelids (also known as ptosis) that impair their ability to see fully. By restoring the natural contour of the eyelid, not only is vision improved, but patients often find daily activities such as driving and reading to be easier.
Can I Combine Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty?
Combining upper and lower blepharoplasty is common and can provide a harmonious rejuvenation of the entire eye area. Doing both procedures at once not only enhances the aesthetic result but also minimizes overall downtime and recovery compared to having two separate surgeries. Your surgeon will assess your facial structure and recommend the best approach for achieving a natural, refreshed look.
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?
The cost of blepharoplasty can vary widely, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether you are having upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both corrected. All costs are discussed during a consultation so that you know what to expect upfront.
While most cosmetic eyelid surgeries are not covered by insurance, procedures that are performed to eliminate vision obstruction might be partially covered. Patients are encouraged to consult their insurance providers to understand the specifics of their coverage and check if pre-authorization for the surgery is needed.
Is There a Non-Surgical Alternative to Eyelid Surgery?
For those hesitant to undergo surgery, non-surgical alternatives like Botox or fillers may offer a temporary solution. These treatments can help raise the eyebrow and reduce the appearance of drooping by tightening the skin around the eyes. However, these methods cannot remove excess skin or alter the eyelid's structure as effectively as surgery. These alternatives are best suited for those with mild sagging or for patients seeking a temporary solution before committing to surgery. Fortunately, blepharoplasty is a subtle procedure with a relatively short recovery and imperceivable scarring.
How Can I Have the Most Successful Surgery?
To ensure the best outcome from your blepharoplasty, follow pre- and post-operative instructions closely. For two weeks before your surgery, avoid medications that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin and certain supplements. Quitting smoking and ensuring good control of any systemic health issues like diabetes are also crucial. After the surgery, keep your head elevated, use cold compresses to reduce swelling, and avoid strenuous activities as recommended by your surgeon.
Why Should You Choose Shenandoah LASIK and Cataract Center for Blepharoplasty?
Choosing Shenandoah LASIK and Cataract Center for your blepharoplasty means entrusting your vision and aesthetic goals to highly skilled ophthalmologists with a deep understanding of ocular anatomy. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology, ensuring precise and safe procedures. Moreover, our team's extensive experience in both vision correction surgeries and cosmetic procedures allows us to provide tailored solutions that respect both your health and your appearance. Our commitment to patient care and satisfaction is evident in our thorough consultation process and personalized follow-up care.
Schedule A Consultation
Our providers have considerable training and experience performing delicate eye surgeries. To learn more about eyelid rejuvenation surgery, call 540-722-6200 and schedule an appointment in our Winchester, VA office.
