Blepharoplasty
Eyelid Lift
Overview
Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of the eyes by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle.
It is a common procedure for people of all ages, but it is especially popular among older adults. As we age, the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and less elastic, and the muscles that support the eyelids weaken. This can lead to drooping eyelids, bags under the eyes, and puffiness.
An eyelid lift can also be performed to correct vision problems caused by excessive eyelid skin.
Blepharoplasty Benefits
- More youthful and refreshed appearance
- Improved vision
- Increased self-confidence
What to Expect
- Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure; in total from the time you enter the operating room until you are back in recovery will take about 1-2 hours
- In the pre-op holding area, Dr. Cho will make her initial markings for her planned excision of skin (this will in most cases be repeated once you enter the operating room as well)
- During the procedure, Dr. Cho will remove the skin that was planned to be excised and will then remove a strip of the underlying muscle
- If pre-operatively it was determined that you had a significant amount of fat in the area surrounding the eyes/eyelids, Dr. Cho will remove this fat; at this point, the skin will be closed giving you the tightened, youthful appearance that patients expect post-operatively
- The sutures used will need to be removed at your first follow-up appointment, usually within one week of surgery
Consultation
- A thorough history of general medical and ocular health, including the use of contacts, any prior eye surgery (e.g. Lasix), dry eyes, or a history of eye trauma
- Dr. Cho will perform a thorough evaluation of the face and eyes, looking for asymmetries of the eyelids (both upper and lower) as well as evaluate the position of the brow and how well the muscles of the face help to open and close the eyelids
- She will assess the extent to which the eyelid could potentially cause visual disturbances and the extent of skin laxity present in the eyelids
- If you decide to proceed with surgery, you will speak with the patient care coordinator at the end of the consultation to discuss scheduling surgery, as well as price and payment options
Recovery
- You can expect to have swelling and bruising of the eyes and cheeks for the first 3-5 days; by the end of the first week you will have some residual swelling but it will be very minimal and by 2 weeks you should have barely noticeable amount of swelling
- You may use cold compresses for up to 20 minutes at a time throughout the first 2-3 days post-operatively
- This is not a painful surgery - ice and Tylenol is all you need
- We usually recommend keeping head elevated for the first few days after surgery as this will allow quicker resolution of the swelling
- You will also be sent home with a prescription for eye lubricating ointment/antibiotic ointment
- If you wear contacts, you will be asked to limit their use especially within the first week after surgery; so expect to wear your glasses during this time
Cost
- Eyelid lift cost can vary based on the indications for the surgery
- If done for purely cosmetic reasons the price that you will be quoted will take into account:
- Surgeon’s fees
- Facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- A small number of patients require the procedure for medical reasons, which would require authorization by your insurance company
- The best way to get an accurate quote is to make an appointment with Dr. Cho to discuss your goals and the options available
Ideal Candidate
- You are in good medical health
- You are bothered by the appearance of your eyelids
- You have excessive eyelid skin that is causing vision problems
Patient Review
I finally mustered my courage to move forward with my surgery (lower eyelid blepharoplasty) and my consultation with Dr. Cho alleviated my anxiety in many ways. She was very attentive and answered your questions thoroughly; never felt rushed and just kind. She explained the process and even provided options for consideration. What made me confident is that she listened to my wishes/request of what I wanted at the end. She explained what I should expect... See full review
Kaying H. / Blepharoplasty Patient
Surgery is a Big Decision
We are here to answer any questions you have and help you determine the right choice for you. If you are considering surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Cho today. She would be honored to discuss your goals and help you achieve the look you desire.
References
- Few, J., & Ellis, M. (2018). In Plastic surgery (pp. 296–325). essay, Elsevier Saunders.