COSMETIC TOWN JOURNAL



Procedure 411 - Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

Posted October 17, 2019
Learn how upper and lower eyelid surgery refreshes the eyes

The aging process can cause changes to the appearance of the eyelids due to them stretching or the muscles becoming weaker. There can also be an increase in excess fat above and below the eyelids. The increase in excess fat can cause the eyebrows to sag along with dark circles (bags) underneath the eyes and droopy upper eyelids. In addition, the sagging skin located around the eyes can impact the field of vision of a person as well as make a person look older. In order to address these issues, many patients turn to upper and lower eyelid surgery, AKA blepharoplasty, to make the desired changes in the appearance and function of the eyelids.

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic eye surgery that repairs sagging and droopy eyelids and it can also be used to remove excess muscles, skin and fat. In order to get an in-depth look at how upper and lower eyelid surgery is performed, Cosmetic Town TV visited the Beverly Hills office of Dr. Mehryar Ray Taban. Dr. Taban is an oculoplastic surgeon and he spoke to Cosmetic Town TV about the benefits of upper and lower blepharoplasty:

Ideal Candidates for Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

When it comes to upper and lower eyelid surgery, ideal candidates include:

  • Patients with excess upper eyelid skin that impacts their peripheral vision
  • Someone with upper eyelids that are droopy or baggy
  • Patients with excess lower eyelid skin
  • People with dark circles or bags under their eyes

Ideal candidates also include patients that want to combine blepharoplasty with another cosmetic procedure such as a facelift or a brow lift.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure so patients will be able to go home following the surgery. 

Upper blepharoplasty starts with the surgeon cutting the fold of the eyelid in order to remove excess skin, fat and muscle. Once the desired amount is removed from the targeted area on the upper eyelid, the surgeon will close the incision.

Lower blepharoplasty requires an incision being made just below the lashes in the lower lid or just below the lashes in the natural crease of the eye. The cosmetic surgeon will then remove the desired amount of muscle, fat and skin before closing the incision.

In cases where the upper eyelid droops so much that it impairs the vision of the patient, blepharoplasty will be performed to give additional support to the eyebrow muscle by tightening the skin to lift the eyebrows AKA a brow lift.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Recovery, Risks and Results

Patients might need to apply cold packs at the start of the recovery process to help reduce any swelling and bruising. This should only be necessary for a few days. There will be some mild discomfort and bruising for a week or two after the surgery. Any stitches that are used to close the incisions will dissolve on their own.

Some of the common risks of upper and lower eyelid surgery include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Watery eyes
  • Numbness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Double vision
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Infection
  • Skin discoloration
  • Problems closing the eyes

The results of blepharoplasty vary between upper and lower blepharoplasty. The results of upper eyelid surgery can last anywhere from seven to ten to fifteen years. The results of lower eyelid surgery are usually long lasting and do not need to be repeated or revised.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Cost

The cost of upper and lower eyelid surgery varies according to the type of eyelid surgery performed and the extent of the work that needs to be performed. In addition, the cost can vary by the area of the country where it is performed, any fees charged by the doctor or the facility and if any of the cost is covered by insurance. Eyelid surgery is usually classified as a cosmetic surgery but, if the surgery is being performed to improve the vision of the patient, it might be deemed as “medically necessary” by medical insurance. Overall, the cost of upper and lower eyelid surgery costs anywhere form $3500-$5500.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Consultation

The first step in having upper or lower eyelid surgery is scheduling a consultation appointment with a board-certified doctor experienced in performing one or both blepharoplasty techniques. The doctor will examine the eyelids of the patient to determine if the person is an ideal patient for either technique as well as the extent of the work that can be performed on the eyelids. In addition, the doctor will set realistic expectations so the patient will not be disappointed by the final results. Patients should also ask to see “before and after” photos of actual patients so they will have a better idea of the type of results that can be achieved by the surgeon. Once the patient and the doctor are in agreement about the changes that can be achieved via upper and lower eyelid surgery, the patient will be ready to undergo blepharoplasty surgery.

MA

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