Do your eyes look tired, droopy, and old? Does sagging eyelid skin impede your vision? You may be the perfect candidate for blepharoplasty.
Also known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty gives a more rested, refreshed, and youthful look by eliminating or reducing eyelid droopiness. In the USA, blepharoplasty is the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery procedure, and its popularity is even higher among older patients wanting a more youthful appearance.
Eyelid surgery can be performed on your upper or lower eyelids (or both), depending upon choice or medical need. For some people blepharoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure, but for others it can be a medical necessity, particularly in cases where vision is impeded by hanging, drooping lids.
For a surgical procedure with stiches, blepharoplasty has a reasonably short recovery period. On the upper eyelid excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, leaving only a paper-thin scar that is hidden in the natural crease of the lid. The lower eyelid incision is just below the lash line for removal of excess skin and fatty tissue. Stitches come out within a week, and women can wear makeup following their removal. Even without makeup patients can resume their normal routine often in a week or less. There may be some bruising or swelling, but this quickly fades. You are left looking younger, fresher, and more relaxed.
What’s different about lower lids?
Since lower lids do not impede vision, blepharoplasty of the lower lids is often considered a cosmetic procedure. On the lower lids, excessive skin causes sagging, wrinkles, and a tired appearance. Your doctor will make a series of outward incisions, following the natural contour of your lower lids. Excessive fat and skin can be removed or tightened to achieve a youthful, natural look, especially if performed at the same time as upper eyelid surgery or combined with a facelift.
Do your eyes look tired, droopy, and old? Does sagging eyelid skin impede your vision? You may be the perfect candidate for blepharoplasty.
Also known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty gives a more rested, refreshed, and youthful look by eliminating or reducing eyelid droopiness. In the USA, blepharoplasty is the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery procedure, and its popularity is even higher among older patients wanting a more youthful appearance.
Eyelid surgery can be performed on your upper or lower eyelids (or both), depending upon choice or medical need. For some people blepharoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure, but for others it can be a medical necessity, particularly in cases where vision is impeded by hanging, drooping lids.
For a surgical procedure with stiches, blepharoplasty has a reasonably short recovery period. On the upper eyelid excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, leaving only a paper-thin scar that is hidden in the natural crease of the lid. The lower eyelid incision is just below the lash line for removal of excess skin and fatty tissue. Stitches come out within a week, and women can wear makeup following their removal. Even without makeup patients can resume their normal routine often in a week or less. There may be some bruising or swelling, but this quickly fades. You are left looking younger, fresher, and more relaxed.
What’s different about lower lids?
Since lower lids do not impede vision, blepharoplasty of the lower lids is often considered a cosmetic procedure. On the lower lids, excessive skin causes sagging, wrinkles, and a tired appearance. Your doctor will make a series of outward incisions, following the natural contour of your lower lids. Excessive fat and skin can be removed or tightened to achieve a youthful, natural look, especially if performed at the same time as upper eyelid surgery or combined with a facelift.
Puffiness
Puffiness around your eyes gives you a weary, tired appearance. This may be exaggerated by allergies or swelling from edema. Dark, puffy eyes can affect your self-esteem. Surgery of the upper and lower eyelids removes excess fat and tightens your lids for a greater sense of happiness and a more vibrant, youthful appearance.
Blepharoplasty: Medically necessary or cosmetic?
To validate the medical necessity of blepharoplasty, a visit to your eye doctor may be necessary. If your eye doctor agrees that droopy eyelids are obstructing your vision, then your insurance will likely pay for the procedure to be performed by a plastic surgeon. NOTE: Always consult your insurance company before you schedule any surgical procedure.
Once medical necessity is established, your plastic surgeon will remove the unnecessary skin and fatty deposits, clearing out any visual obstructions and improving your field of vision. A fringe benefit to this procedure is that your eyelids can look years younger!
If the procedure is not deemed medically necessary, it will be considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. However, if you are dealing with poor self-esteem, anxiety, or depression concerning your appearance, you may find renewed confidence through the more youthful appearance blepharoplasty can achieve.
For many patients, eyelid surgery is a voluntary, cosmetic procedure to correct concerns about the appearance of their eyes. For others, the procedure may be necessary to correct vision dysfunction and improve the quality of their lives. Whether medically necessary or cosmetic, blepharoplasty improves the look of the areas around your eyes, resulting in a more youthful appearance and an improved self-image.
Request a consultation
Dr. Draper Plastic Surgery offers an extensive menu of surgical and non-surgical procedures. Click here to make an appointment and explore how to become a more beautiful and vibrant YOU.