Eyelid Surgery

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR EYELID SURGERY?

Eyelid surgery candidates are usually 40 to 60 years old, but factors such as genetics make this procedure right for younger and older patients, as well. It provides several improvements, which may include one or more of the following:

• Tightening upper and lower eyelids
• Reducing fat deposits on and around the upper eyelids
• Smoothing out crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes
• Reducing puffy under-eye bags
• Improving peripheral vision that is obstructed by drooping upper eyelids

Sometimes people think they need upper eyelid surgery when their brow line is actually making their upper eyelids heavy. Your plastic surgeon will determine whether eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or a combination of both procedures will restore a refreshed look. Your doctor may also recommend non-surgical options to rejuvenate this area, such as injections of BOTOX® Cosmetic or dermal fillers, which can soften wrinkles and fill in a sunken tear troughs beneath the eyes.

HOW IS EYELID SURGERY PERFORMED?

Our plastic surgeons usually perform eyelid surgery as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia and calming relaxants. In most cases, the surgery takes only about an hour to complete. You may feel a little pressure during the procedure, but for the most part you will be quite relaxed and comfortable.

Your plastic surgeon will place the incisions along the natural creases of the upper eyelids, along the lower lash lines, or within the lower eyelids depending on the desired improvements. Within these incisions, your plastic surgeon will lift the skin, eliminate underlying fat deposits, and tighten the muscle and skin to form the new, firmer contour of your eyelids.

If you are bothered by puffy under-eye bags, your surgeon may perform transconjunctival eyelid surgery. This technique involves reducing fat deposits using small incisions placed inside the lower eyelids. Lower eyelid surgery is often combined with laser resurfacing of the lower eyelids to reduce fine lines and soften excess pigmentation.

HOW MUCH DOES EYELID SURGERY COST?

Prices for eyelid surgery depend on many factors including whether you are having the upper or lower eyelids done, or both; the complexity of the procedure; and whether your eyelid surgery is combined with other procedures. The typical range is $2,000 to $4,000. Most patients can qualify for financing through CareCredit if desired. For the most positive surgical outcome, we recommend considering your surgeon’s credentials above cost. Visit Meet the Surgeons to learn more from our exceptional team.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE AFTER EYELID SURGERY?

Keep in mind that everyone heals at their own rate; but, in general your recovery process should proceed as follows:

FIRST FEW DAYS
After your eyelid surgery, you may have some type of soothing ointment on your eyelids and a dressing over your eyes. You may experience some discomfort, but it is usually not long lasting and can be controlled with prescription medication.

5 TO 7 DAYS
After approximately 5 to 7 days, your stitches will be taken out. You also will begin to notice an improvement in the way your eyes look.

1 TO 2 WEEKS
It is normal to have bruising on the eyelids and around the eyes for the first week or 2.

SEVERAL WEEKS
The improvements from your eyelid surgery will become more and more obvious to you over the next weeks and months as swelling of the eye area and upper cheeks gradually fades.

OPTIMIZING YOUR RECOVERY
Before you return home after surgery, you will be given instructions specific to you for recovery. Be sure to follow them closely to ensure optimum healing. Helpful recommendations include:

• Propping a pillow behind your head to support it upright to help reduce any swelling
• Placing ice packs over your eyes as directed by your surgeon
• Using eye drops to soothe and moisten your eyelids

Protecting your eyes from bright light and direct sun
You’ll visit your plastic surgeon several times during your recuperation to ensure you are healing as expected and address any concerns you might have.

WILL INSURANCE COVER THE COST OF MY EYELID SURGERY?

Most of the time, eyelid surgery is considered elective cosmetic surgery and is therefore not covered by most health plans. However, there are cases when eyelid surgery may be paid for by your insurance if it is considered a benefit to your vision. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon and with your health insurance provider.

IS THERE EYELID SURGERY FOR JUST PUFFINESS UNDER THE EYES?

Yes. This is called transconjunctival eyelid surgery. This procedure does not involve the removal of any skin below the eye. Instead, the plastic surgeon makes small incisions on the inner part of your lower eyelid and reduces the fat that has accumulated there. Because the incisions are made on the inside of your lower lid, there will be no visible scars after this surgery.

WILL I BE ABLE TO WEAR CONTACT LENSES AFTER MY EYELID SURGERY?

After your eyelid surgery, you won’t be able to wear contact lenses for a couple of weeks or possibly longer. When you can wear them, they may feel uncomfortable until your eyelids complete the healing process.

ARE THERE VISIBLE SCARS WITH EYELID SURGERY?

In most cases, the scars from eyelid surgery are so carefully placed that they are virtually undetectable. Also, the scars will likely fade as time goes by and you will hardly notice them. What you will notice is your refreshed, brighter, younger-looking eyes.

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