Blepharoplasty Do you have drooping or loose skin above your eyes? Do your eyes appear smaller or saggier than they used to? Is the skin on your eyelids dull and wrinkly? Are there bags, furrows, or bulges under your eyes? Do you appear tired when you’re not? If you answer “yes” to any or all of these questions, an eye lift may be the solution you need.

Eyelid surgery (also called an “eye lift” or “blepharoplasty”) is a procedure to reshape the upper and/or lower eyelids by the removal or repositioning of excess skin, fat, and muscle, along with the reinforcement of surrounding muscles and tendons. It can be a purely cosmetic procedure as well as functional. Either way, it can make a big difference in the lives of patients who undergo this procedure.
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Why are eye lifts sometimes needed? Factors such as the natural aging process, stress, injuries, and disease processes can cause the upper eyelids to droop or create deep, puffy bags or dark circles under the eyes. Blepharoplasty can improve sagging skin and bagginess, creating a more rested, refreshed, and youthful appearance. It can also help improve vision in middle-aged and older patients whose drooping eyelids block or interfere with their vision.

Good Candidates for Blepharoplasty

An eyelift can address any or all of the following symptoms:
• Loose or sagging upper eyelids (ptosis).
• Hooded eyes.
• Lack of a natural upper eyelid crease.
• Outer corners of the eyes are lower than the inner corners.
• Excessive, loose, or puffy bags of skin on the lower eyelids.

Good candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who are in good physical and mental health and have reasonable goals for improving the eyelids and surrounding area. Most blepharoplasty patients are at least 35 years of age, but if baggy or sagging eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have this procedure done as early as 18 years of age.

Certain medical or ophthalmic conditions can make this surgery risky. These include hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves’ disease), dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. Patients with these conditions may be prohibited from undergoing blepharoplasty due to the elevated surgical risks involved. Individuals without proper orbital anatomy (insufficient bone structure to support the procedure) may also not be good candidates for eyelid surgery.

How Blepharoplasty is Performed

Eyelid surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, either in Perimeter Plastic Surgery’s state-of-the-art surgical suite or at one of the area medical facilities where Dr. Deutsch operates. The procedure may last anywhere from one hour for a standard one-lid procedure to two or three hours for a more extensive, two-lid procedure. This surgery is typically done while the patient is under local anesthesia with sedation. Patients are generally able to go home within an hour or two after the surgery.

The surgery may address only the upper eyelids, just the lower lids, or both eyelids, depending on the goals of that particular patient. For an upper lid procedure, Dr. Deutsch makes a tiny incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelids and removes loose skin and excess fat deposits. He then repositions fat or tightens underlying muscle tissue as necessary before closing up the incision with small stitches.

For a lower eyelid cosmetic procedure, Dr. Deutsch makes an incision along the lower lash line, where any scarring will be concealed. He then removes any excess skin, muscle, and fatty deposits, before stitching up the incision. If areas beneath the eyes are depressed or sunken, he may redistribute some of the fat to these areas.

When patients have both their upper and lower eyelids done at the same time, Dr. Deutsch will generally do the work on the upper lids first before doing the lower ones. When the surgery is completed, ointment and bandages will be placed over the eyes to minimize swelling and bruising.

After Your Procedure
During the first two or three days after surgery, you may experience some soreness and mild discomfort, but probably not real pain. Your eyelids may feel tight and dry, and your eyeballs may feel itchy and sticky. You might experience a slight burning sensation or numbness along the lash line. There will probably be some bruising and swelling around your eyes as well. All of these types of symptoms can easily be relieved by placing cold compresses on your eyelids.

Most patients can resume moderate activity levels within one or two days following surgery, and they can return to work within one week. Makeup and contact lenses can be worn again after two weeks, and a physical exercise program can be resumed in three weeks. Bruising and swelling usually resolve in approximately two weeks.

We recommend you wear darkly-tinted sunglasses and a special eyelid sunblock when going outdoors during the first few weeks following surgery, as your eyes will be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other airborne irritants.

There will be some slight scarring after surgery, but this will gradually fade away. At first, the scars will appear slightly pink. After about six months, the scarring will lighten to become a nearly invisible thin white line, which will only be seen when the eyes are closed.

Results
Your eye lift will brighten your face and restore a more youthful appearance. If your eyelids were hanging over your eyes, you would notice the improved peripheral vision. Realize it may take several weeks after the surgery for the swelling to go down and to be able to see the full results of your procedure.

In general, the results are very long-lasting, if not permanent. Remember that the effects of aging, lifestyle, and environmental factors will continue to act, which may eventually cause more eyelid sagging and drooping. However, you can take steps to keep this to a minimum. Dr. Deutsch will be happy to provide tips to help maintain your results, including protecting your skin when you are outdoors in the sun.

Is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
As is true with most cosmetic procedures, eyelid surgery is generally considered elective surgery and, therefore, is not covered by insurance. Patients are responsible for the full payment of the procedure.
However, if patients fail a visual field test, then they can get the procedure covered by insurance. This is something you will need to consult with your eye physician.

If you think your reasons for this procedure are more functional than aesthetic, ask to talk with one of Perimeter Plastic Surgery’s financial representatives. We will explain and assist you in determining whether insurance coverage is an option for you.

Would you like to learn more about blepharoplasty? Are you wondering if this procedure might be right for you? If so, your next step should be to schedule a consultation with Dr. Deutsch. He will help you determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure and whether you need an upper or lower eyelid lift. Call us today at 404-255-0886 to schedule your appointment, or fill out our online contact form. It’s the first step to a new and improved you!