Cosmetic and Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty (pronounced blef'ah-ro-plas-te) is a type of plastic surgery that can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids to remove excess skin and fat from around the eyes. Sagging, baggy, or droopy eyelids may be corrected at the same time.
Why is Blepharoplasty Done?
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Blepharoplasty is done to improve visual function and/or cosmetic appearance.
Excessive upper eyelid tissue can block the upper part of the visual field. This can be determined by lifting the upper lids with your fingers to see if the upper visual field improves or vision brightens. The weight of the excess tissue may cause brow ache and fatigue.
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Occasionally the excess skin can cause eye lashes to turn in and irritate the eye. In such cases, blepharoplasty is performed for reconstructive purposes.
An excessive number of wrinkled skin folds above or below the eyes can produce a sagging tired look which detracts from one's general appearance. In this situation, blepharoplasty may be considered for cosmetic reasons even though vision is not affected.
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Before Surgery
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After Surgery
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Why is it Important to Consult an Ophthalmologist when Considering Blepharoplasty?
Because blepharoplasty can affect the function and lubrication of the eye, a consultation with an ophthalmologist is important. Although other surgeons may perform blepharoplasty, an ophthalmologist is the only surgeon trained specifically to treat the eye. Therefore, he or she is uniquely qualified to help you decide whether you should consider this surgery.
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Before Surgery
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After Surgery
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How is Eyelid Surgery Performed?
After the amount of skin and fat to be removed has been determined, upper and lower incision lines are marked along natural skin creases. Incision lines generally extend into the "crow's feet" or "smile lines" at the outer edge of the eye, so that once healed, the incision lines are less visible. the excess skin and fat are removed, and the incisions are sutured. Surgery takes about 30 minutes per eyelid. There are no bandages. Sutures are removed in about one week.
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Before Surgery
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After Surgery
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Where is the Surgery Done?
It is performed in our office using local anesthesia. Our in-office surgical suite is very convenient for our patients, avoiding the adding stress and cost of having surgery at the hospital. No hospitalization or general anesthesia is required.
Our in-office surgery suite
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Before Surgery
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After Surgery
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Will my Medical Insurance cover this surgery?
If there is indeed some obstruction of vision, insurance will usually pay for upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Insurance will only cover lower eyelid surgery if there is significant sagging or mal-position of the eyelids.
If you are considering blepharoplasty or have questions about this type of surgery, please contact Cottonwood Eye & Laser Clinic.
Other Eyelid Procedures Performed at the Cottonwood Eye & Laser Clinic
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Ptosis Correction for Eyelid Not Opening Completely
- Surgery for Aging Eyelid Problems
Other Sources for Eyelid Surgery Information
Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
Information from American Society Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive Surgery
Eyelid & Eyelid Plastic Surgery
Information on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the periorbital and facial tissues including eyelids & eyebrows, cheeks, orbit, and lacrimal (tear) system.