Blepharoplasty (Eyelift Surgery)
The eyes are an important focal point of your facial features, and help us to communicate our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. It is also one of the areas most prone to facial aging. Heavy, sagging lids or tired appearing eyes can unintentionally convey that you are sad, aged, or tired. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, reverses this appearance by removing skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids, removing heavy lids and the baggy appearance under your eyes. Natural creases appear more open and inviting, and you will look more awake and rejuvenated.
The brow position also plays an important role in the fullness or heaviness of the upper lids. If you brow has dropped enough, it can contribute to upper eyelid fullness – the correction for this issue may be a browlift in conjunction with eyelid surgery. Allow our skilled plastic surgeons to determine whether this combination is relevant to your anatomy.
Often, patients complain of heaviness of the upper lids contributing to loss of vision in the upper lateral portions of the visual fields. If this becomes severe enough and is documented through visual field testing, portions of the operation may be considered medically necessary and can be covered through your insurer.
The incisions used for the eyelid lift operation hide in the natural creases of the upper eyelid. For the lower eyelid, incisions are located immediately below the lash line, or alternatively can be placed simply through the inside of the lower lid. This is considered a transconjunctival, or “scarless” approach as there are no external incisions. This is used only when the surgeons recommend simple fat removal.
Eyelid lift surgery can be done under either general or local anesthesia, the scars hide very easily, and the procedure lasts only 1-2 hours. Recovery time is typically 1 week, but may vary depending on your individual healing characteristics.
For more information on eyelid lift surgery, or to schedule a complimentary appointment with Dr. Sohn or Dr. Hankins, contact our office at (702) 948-7595.