Lower eyelid surgery improves the contour of the eyelid underneath to eliminate droopy tissue and undereye bags. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery when needed. Patients can have one surgery and one recovery period at home when both procedures are done at the same time.
There are two types of eyelid surgery. You may have one or both types of surgery. These surgeries can be done on one or both of your eyes.
Double Eyelid Surgery: In a double eyelid surgery, a crease is made in the upper eyelid, creating a wider, larger-looking eye. This is the procedure that's gained so much popularity in East Asia, and the one most often referenced in relation to blepharoplasty as a whole.
Your eyelid may be swollen and bruised for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. The appearance of your eye may continue to get better for 1 to 3 months. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days.
Most patients never have another surgery. But Dr. Teitelbaum sees patients who had an upper blepharoplasty fifteen or twenty years earlier who are coming in for something else and decide to do a tweak. But usually that is just a minor touch up rather than an entire redo of the blepharoplasty.
What Is the Ideal Age for Blepharoplasty? Droopy eyelids appear when you get beyond 30. This is the ideal age for blepharoplasty, though younger people can also go through it. However, most plastic surgeons recommend one to be at least 18 to undergo the procedure.
SURGEON PROFILE
In the hands of an experienced surgeon, lower lid blepharoplasty is safe and produces excellent results. In very mild cases, some laser treatments can be effective in resurfacing and tightening the lower lid skin.
Local anesthesia numbs the eyelid and surrounding area, while keeping you sedated but awake during surgery. General anesthesia keeps you asleep throughout the entire procedure. You can discuss which type of anesthesia you would like with your surgeon.
One can qualify for eyelid surgery, covered by medical insurance, if it is deemed medically necessary. The main reason cited is impaired vision is caused by excess upper eyelid skin which can make everyday activities such as driving, reading and using telecommunication devices much more hazardous.
Eyelid surgery is among the least painful cosmetic procedures. Aside from minimal discomfort on the day, you'll have a quick recovery and see the results swiftly. So the procedure isn't very painful, but you may have other questions.
The average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery is $4,120, according to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Procedure Details
Blepharoplasty takes 1-2 hours if both upper and lower eyelids are done at the same time, depending on whether fat is repositioned or if there is additional work to lift cheeks. There will be a stitch in both upper lids that will remain for about a week.
Possible risks of eyelid surgery include: Infection and bleeding. Dry, irritated eyes. Difficulty closing your eyes or other eyelid problems.
Yes, most patients agree that their upper blepharoplasty was worth the cost and recovery time, and eyelid surgery carries a 95% “Worth It” rating on RealSelf. Patients list these reasons for their happiness with the procedure: Upper blepharoplasty is a relatively affordable procedure.
It is best to avoid long-distance travel for the first several weeks following blepharoplasty. Because initial healing from the procedure can take up to two weeks, it is best to wait at least 14 days before traveling by plane. For longer distances, it is best to wait for 30 to 60 days.
Your eyelids will probably look puffy after surgery. The incisions will probably look red, too. The swelling and bruising involved with blepharoplasty recovery tend to resemble a black eye.
People who are not ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are those who suffer from chronic dry-eye, hypertension, circulation disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes or heart disease. Individuals who have glaucoma are advised to speak with their doctor before considering the surgery to find out if it is safe for them.
Insurance companies do not generally cover the lower eyelid blepharoplasty, but upper blepharoplasty can be covered in cases where an examination by an ophthalmologist determines that droopiness of the upper eyelid impairs vision or the functionality of the eye.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. However, most lower eyelid blepharoplasty is performed in the outpatient surgery center under a twilight (MAC) anesthesia. Given the length and nature of the procedure, MAC anesthesia is usually more comfortable for the patient.
The lower lid blepharoplasty usually involves removal of fat, which contributes to the under-eye bags, as well as sometimes removing a small amount of skin. The incision may either be on the inside of the eyelid or on the outside underneath the lower eyelashes.
Local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are frequently used for patients undergoing upper eyelid surgery, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. The local anesthetic is usually administered as a diffuse superficial slowly subcutaneous injection along the upper lid skin crease.
Lower eyelid surgery is typically performed under light intravenous sedation. When conducted alone, the procedure usually takes an average of about 30–50 minutes to complete.
A lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is an outpatient procedure where the surgeon readjusts the fat in the lower eye area and tightens the muscle and skin to create a smooth appearance. In most cases, a lower eyelid lift gets rid of under-eye bags for life — it's rare for people to need future touch-ups.
Recovery from lower eyelid blepharoplasty usually takes 10-14 days. It is more of a social recovery, i.e., most of my patients feel fine but might avoid certain social situations because they “look rough.”