Our eyelids are usually the part of our face that ages first. As our eyelid skin stretches and becomes excessive, our muscles weaken and “bags,” which represent bulging fat, become apparent. We tend to look tired, angry, or sad because of this excess eyelid tissue. Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is designed to correct these changes and reveal a more youthful and energetic appearance. Excess skin is excised, fat pockets are removed and muscles are tightened. The best candidates for this plastic surgery procedure are men and women who are in their 30s or older. Contact our plastic surgery practice in Dallas to learn more about the eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, procedure.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Prior to surgery, Dr. Pin marks the areas where the incisions will be made. To minimize scarring, these marks follow the natural lines and creases of the upper and lower eyelids. Fat, excess skin, and muscle may be removed during the procedure, and fine sutures make the incision almost invisible.
This eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can be performed in an office-based facility, an outpatient surgical center, or hospital. It is usually done on an outpatient basis, not requiring an overnight stay. Local anesthesia is typically used with some intravenous sedation. The procedure can take one to three hours, depending on the areas being treated.
In a standard blepharoplasty, a crescent of excess skin is precisely removed from the upper lid to create a sharper contour. Some fat is also removed, particularly at the junction of the upper lid and the nose. Carefully placed sutures allow the incision to be concealed in the upper lid crease. Lower eyelid treatments commonly use an incision beneath the lash line to remove and reposition the fat deposits that form the unsightly bulges. To reduce the risk of recurrent bags, the lower lid muscle is usually tightened. Upper and lower eyelid surgery is almost always completed within one to two hours. When performed alone, it is almost always done as an outpatient.
In younger patients it is now possible to remove fat from the lower lids by employing a procedure known as transconjunctival blepharoplasty. This facial plastic surgery procedure consists of making incisions inside the lower eyelid that leave no visible scar. This procedure works best on younger patients whose skin is elastic.
Blepharoplasty can be done as an isolated procedure or in conjunction with other facial procedures such as a facelift or browlift. Anesthesia for the operation can be either twilight or general anesthesia.
After Eyelid Surgery – The Recovery Process
Postoperative pain following blepharoplasty is usually mild and relieved with oral medications. Exercise should be avoided, and elevation of the head is required while sleeping, as is the use of cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. These side effects subside in a few weeks.
The sutures will be removed within the first week of surgery. After 10 to 14 days, most of our Dallas eyelid surgery patients feel comfortable in public and return to work and social situations.
The positive effects of eyelid surgery can last for years.
Risks of Eyelid Lift Surgery
As with any medical procedure, there are certain inherent risks which should be discussed with a qualified physician. Costs vary depending upon the extent of the surgery and areas treated.
Blepharoplasty Recovery and Results
Most patients experience very little pain with this type of surgery, and it is easily managed with oral medications, head elevation, and cold compresses. Mild swelling and bruising are to be expected and usually last one to two weeks. After the first week, bruising can usually be concealed with makeup. Due to eye irritation, some patients use eye drops temporarily to soothe their eyes. The vast majority of blepharoplasty patients experience a very positive benefit that lasts for years. Please let us know if you think you might be a candidate for this operation.
Eyelid Surgery Costs
The blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery, procedure can be used to remove drooping skin and wrinkles around the eyes. The procedure is extremely popular among men and women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, and was the third most popular plastic surgery performed in the United States in 2009, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dallas plastic surgeon Paul Pin charges patients about $5,500 to $6,500 for the full blepharoplasty treatment. The price of eyelid surgery includes Dr. Pin’s surgeon fees, the cost of an experienced anesthesiologist, and the surgical facility. If our patients choose to undergo cosmetic eyelid surgery in conjunction with another treatment, such as facelift or browlift, Dr. Pin offers price deductions to make the cost of plastic surgery more affordable to our patients.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of the skin surrounding your eyes, you may be a good candidate for upper and lower eyelid surgery. Contact the practice of Dr. Paul Pin today to schedule a blepharoplasty consultation and learn more about the risks and benefits of treatment.
Dallas Eyelid Surgery Consultations
Dr. Paul Pin is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon qualified to perform your eyelid lift surgery procedure. Contact our Dallas practice to schedule your eyelid surgery consultation.