What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, which is also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to reduce the frustrating effects of loose or sagging skin around the eyes. This surgical procedure can be used to address a variety of concerns, such as:
- Bags under the eyes
- Droopiness around the lower eyelids
- Excess skin around the lower eyelids
- Fat deposits around the upper eyelids that create puffiness
- Fine wrinkles around the lower eyelids
- Loose or sagging skin around the upper eyelids
Each person’s eyelid surgery will be different. Your needs may require upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both. Key factors that often affect which procedure may be more appropriate for you include the distribution and location of unwanted soft tissue, your natural facial geometry and eye shape, and any functional impairments caused by excess tissue (obscured vision, etc.).
Even after an approach has been narrowed down, there are still several techniques that can be employed during upper and/or lower eyelid surgery to best accommodate your presentation and expectations.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
Upper Blepharoplasty
This form of upper eyelid surgery focuses on the upper eyelid. It is designed to remove excess skin and fat, which can improve vision and give a rejuvenated appearance. While the main goal of every blepharoplasty procedure is consistent—to remove and/or tighten tissue of the upper eye area—different techniques may be required depending on the situation.
For example, when the upper eyelids are resting in a low enough position to affect your aesthetic and/or partially obscure your field of vision, an upper blepharoplasty will target the excess tissue that is forcing the eyelid into that position.
In other cases, the primary concern may center less on the position of the eyelid and more on the elasticity and appearance of the superficial skin layers. When the eyelid is wrinkled, for example, the surgeon may take a slightly different approach that focuses more on tightening the skin in such a way to drastically reduce the appearance of fine lines in the area.
Finally, people without natural eyelid creases, or for those with creases that they want to enhance in some way, an upper blepharoplasty technique that involves strategically placed sutures can create a pronounced, yet natural-looking eyelid crease. These are just a few of the most common techniques employed during an upper eyelid surgery. During the consultation and planning process, our team at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery and Longevity center will determine the best approach in a collaborative and transparent manner so that you can be confidently informed about your own care.
Lower Blepharoplasty
In lower blepharoplasty, we target the lower eyelid to address issues like under-eye bags. This technique involves the careful removal or repositioning of fat and skin to enhance the under-eye area.
There are two major approaches to lower eyelid surgery, differing in the location of the incisions, aesthetic concerns treated, and potential after-effects. The transcutaneous approach involves making an incision on the lower eyelid, typically for the purpose of removing and repositioning fatty tissue.
The transconjunctival approach requires making an incision on the inside of the eyelid. This approach is typically more effective when it comes to concealing the scar. Patients with poor skin laxity may require a transconjunctival approach. Both the transconjunctival and transcutaneous approaches can remove and recontour excess soft tissue under the eyes for a more pleasing overall aesthetic.
Combination Blepharoplasty
Combination blepharoplasty addresses both the upper and lower eyelids in one comprehensive procedure so that you only have to have one eyelid surgery recovery period. This allows you to achieve a fresh-faced appearance while keeping the results as natural-looking as possible.
As you might expect, combining upper and eyelid treatments multiples the number of factors that may affect which approach(es) is best. As with single eyelid procedures, patient presentation is still a central driving factor in which techniques are used, in addition to how and where they are applied. If you think you may be a well-suited candidate for combination blepharoplasty, our physician-led team at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery and Longevity Center is here to guide you along the evaluation, treatment, and post-treatment experience as smoothly as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Blepharoplasty?
Improved Vision
Excess skin from the upper eyelid can sometimes impede vision. Blepharoplasty efficiently removes this skin, resulting in a clear, unobstructed view. This enhancement not only improves aesthetics but can also improve your quality of life. Especially if the issue has been present for a number of years, you may be surprised at how much of a difference it makes to drive, walk around in public, and go about your daily activities with an unobstructed field of vision. This is especially true for those who had to compensate by constantly lifting the brow.
Youthful Appearance
Over time, the eyes can show signs of aging, but eyelid plastic surgery offers a solution. By removing excess skin and fine wrinkles around the eyes, this surgery can restore a more youthful, vibrant look. As we will cover below, this effect can be enhanced and complemented by a variety of non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including dermal injectables and chemical peels.
Correction of Drooping Eyelids
Drooping eyelids, even if they aren’t impeding vision, can give a tired or aged appearance or make one eye look different from the other. Through our corrections, we can adjust the eyelid position for a more alert and open look to the eyes, enhancing overall facial expression. This is all done to harmonize with your natural facial geometry, producing dramatic results that blend in seamlessly with your aesthetic.
Improved Symmetry
Blepharoplasty is not just about enhancing the aesthetics of the eyes; it’s also about creating balance and symmetry. The procedure can correct asymmetrical eyelids, ensuring that both eyes look harmonious and proportionate, which can help with facial balance.
Long-Lasting Results
One of the most significant advantages of eyelid surgery is how long it can last. While some cosmetic treatments require regular upkeep, the results of blepharoplasty are long-lasting, providing a sustainable and satisfying enhancement to the eye area. Keeping the skin moisturized, protecting your skin from sun exposure, adhering to general wellness practices consistently, and other efforts can safeguard your results for even longer while imparting benefits elsewhere in the body.
Minimal Scarring
The techniques used in blepharoplasty are refined and minimally invasive, resulting in very little scarring. The incisions are strategically placed to be concealed within the natural structures and folds of the eyelid so that any signs of the procedure are virtually undetectable.
Blepharoplasty Vs Ptosis Repair: Understanding the Difference
Often used interchangeably when they are in fact not the same thing, those new to corrective eyelid surgeries are sometimes confused by the distinction between blepharoplasty and ptosis repair.
Eyelid ptosis is a condition characterized by drooping upper eyelids. This is caused by one or more of the following factors:
- Age-related soft tissue separation
- Hereditary causes
- Congenital causes
- Some neuromuscular disorders
When advanced enough, ptosis requires a person to raise their eyebrows in order to see clearly, which in turn can produce headaches, eyestrain, and other irritating symptoms. The main difference between ptosis repair and upper eyelid blepharoplasty is that one is primarily focused on functionality, while the other is more focused on aesthetics.
Ptosis repair targets the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid in order to return the eyelid to a more elevated resting position, thereby restoring a full field of vision. While an upper eyelid surgery may target the same areas, this procedure is more focused on reducing fine lines, repositioning and/or removing soft tissue, and other aesthetically focused changes.
Can Blepharoplasty Be Paired With Other Treatments?
The short answer is yes: blepharoplasty can be paired with other treatments. When carefully integrated into a comprehensive anti-aging treatment plan, blepharoplasty and other cosmetic treatments, both invasive and non-invasive, can complement each other’s effects for more complete and longer-lasting results. But which treatments can be combined, and how does one manage multiple treatments successfully? First, let’s take a look at a highly popular combination: blepharoplasty and brow lift.
Forehead Lift + Blepharoplasty
There are several scenarios in which a forehead lift may be just the addition your blepharoplasty needs to create a more comprehensively rejuvenated look. First, as mentioned, more severe cases of drooping eyelids can encourage forehead lines as the brow is constantly raised to open your field of vision. In these cases, a blepharoplasty and forehead lift combination can restore a smooth, youthful aesthetic to the upper and middle thirds of the face.
Sometimes, drooping eyelids are not directly caused by an issue on or directly around the eyelid itself, but by being constantly weighed down by a sagging eyebrow. This is called eyebrow ptosis, and is directly addressed to great effect by a forehead lift. If both issues (soft tissue problems around the eyelids and a sagging brow) are present to some degree, combining these treatments helps to create an alert and refreshed appearance more effectively.
Facelift + Blepharoplasty
Simply put, combining a facelift with a blepharoplasty will allow you to cover a larger area for a more seamless result. Namely, the lower third of the face—including the cheeks, chin, jawline, as well as the upper area of the neck—are now eligible to be worked on, thanks to the facelift.
In cases where the patient is able to have both procedures done simultaneously, recovery time and cost are often significantly reduced compared to having a facelift and blepharoplasty done separately (not to mention the weeks of waiting in between). Finally, having both procedures done at the same time will better allow us to provide a highly symmetrical, proportional, and effortlessly natural-looking result.
Tips for Aftercare, Long-Term Maintenance, and More
Blepharoplasty is not a highly invasive procedure, but like all surgeries, aftercare is important for managing acute post-surgical effects, recovering in the mid-term, and protecting your skin in the years to come. The key disclaimer here is that every patient’s experience is unique, meaning the protocols you are given from our team may not match this breakdown exactly.
Short-Term Aftercare
Routine swelling, redness, and mild to moderate discomfort is to be expected in the first few days following your blepharoplasty procedure. These effects are typically managed with cold compresses and/or prescription pain relievers. It’s also important to know how to position yourself when lying down, as not doing so can exacerbate swelling. You will also be provided with eye drops and/or an ointment to manage irritation, dryness, and possible infection.
Positioning guidelines, cold compresses, protecting your eyes from the sun (with sunglasses), and abstaining from applying makeup or contact lenses to/around the eye are important practices to maintain for the first several days following your procedure.
1-3 Weeks Following Surgery
During this time period, you may be cleared to resume most of your routine activities, but avoiding strenuous exercise is still required. Within or near this window of time, you will be asked to return for a follow-up visit, in which we will carefully evaluate your skin, sutures, and other key factors.
As you progress through weeks two and three, you may be cleared to resume wearing eye makeup and contact lenses (it varies), but it’s still important to protect your eyes from the sun and abstain from heavy lifting and other strenuous activities.
Long-Term Blepharoplasty Aftercare
Post-blepharoplasty or otherwise, it’s always a good idea to liberally apply a high-quality sunscreen when venturing outdoors. This will protect your eyes from damage. The same goes for smoking cessation, which will allow the skin to repair and maintain itself more efficiently. These go alongside general skin care practices, including keeping the skin moisturized and healthy, to significantly prolong your results.
Finally, managing eye strain is also a helpful way to not only preserve the effects of your blepharoplasty treatment, but to prevent headaches and other issues. For those who regularly work with computers or other screens for longer shifts, one handy tool is the “20-20-20 rule.” Every twenty minutes, focus on a point twenty feet away from your screen for twenty seconds. This can make the difference between eye strain symptoms and going about your day comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty
What Can I Expect From My Blepharoplasty Procedure?
Eyelid surgery procedures are performed with careful attention to detail. Small incisions are made to allow for the manipulation and removal of excess tissues and sagging skin.
There may be some downtime associated with treatment, and you may experience some bruising or swelling following your blepharoplasty procedure. We will provide you with all of the instructions you need about eyelid surgery recovery and prep to take care of yourself before and after your appointment.
Results achieved with each eyelid surgery procedure will vary for each person based on the specific concerns addressed. However, results can be enjoyed as soon as the swelling and bruising go away, and they are intended to be permanent.
Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Most healthy adults with realistic expectations may qualify as candidates for blepharoplasty. It is important for candidates to have healthy facial muscles and tissues. This may be a good choice for those who are frustrated with the appearance of the skin around their eyes as well as the impact it is having on their vision.
How Can I Make My Eyelid Surgery Results Last Longer?
To extend the benefits of your eyelid surgery, you should focus on having a comprehensive skincare routine and leading a healthy lifestyle. Protecting your skin from sun damage is the first step; always wear sunscreen and consider wearing sunglasses to shield the delicate skin around your eyes. Maintaining a stable weight and avoiding smoking can also play a significant role in preserving the results. You will also want to stay hydrated and use quality skincare products that nourish the skin around the eyes. You can get recommendations from your doctor for the best products for you.
What Is the Best Age for Getting Eyelid Plastic Surgery?
There isn’t a universal “best age” for eyelid plastic surgery, as it largely depends on the individual’s unique circumstances and reasons for undergoing the procedure. Generally, patients who seek this surgery are in their 30s, 40s, or older, as this is when the signs of aging often begin to appear around the eyes. However, if droopy eyelids are affecting vision or if a person has specific aesthetic concerns at a younger age, they may also be suitable candidates. You will simply need to consult with your surgeon to determine the right timing based on your goals and health.
What About Side Effects and Risks?
Blepharoplasty is a safe and widely well-tolerated procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks and side effects to watch for. These include, but are not limited to the following:
Common After-Effects
- Dry eyes
- Swelling, redness, and irritation
- Blurry vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Mild to moderate discomfort
These more common effects are easily managed with standard aftercare practices, per above (cold compresses, etc.), and in some cases, resolve on their own in a few days or weeks.
Rare After-Effects
- Infection
- Scarring
- Inability to close eyelids
- Bleeding
At Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery and Longevity Center, we strictly adhere to industry-leading standards of safety and quality in order to minimize the risk of adverse effects as much as possible. To learn more, contact our team and we will be happy to give you a more detailed explanation of what to expect from blepharoplasty treatment, how to care for your eyes post-treatment, and more.
Is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
Like most other procedures categorized as cosmetic and/or elective, those who undergo a blepharoplasty solely for aesthetic reasons are unlikely to receive coverage. However, in this case especially, it is sometimes possible to justify the treatment as medically necessary because of the functional benefits it provides.
For example, patients who present with impaired vision, ongoing eyelid spasms, and other more medically relevant concerns are more likely to receive insurance coverage for a blepharoplasty. Neither case (purely aesthetic or functional + aesthetic) is a guarantee when it comes to insurance coverage, so make sure to carefully evaluate your policy if you intend to have the procedure covered. This includes complying with any pre-authorization requirements, if coverage is offered.
Schedule Your Blepharoplasty Consultation Today!
Interested in learning more about how blepharoplasty may help rejuvenate your appearance? Contact us today at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery and Longevity Center and schedule your consultation to learn more about the benefits of eyelid surgery! Dr. Michele Zormeier and her qualified staff proudly serve Noblesville, IN, Shelbyville, IN, Danville, IL, Healdsburg, CA, and Ukiah, CA. Fill out our online form or call us at (317) 699-8848.
