Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most rejuvenating facial surgeries performed today. In fact, upper eyelid surgery can be the best place to start with surgical rejuvenation of your face. The procedure removes excess skin and fat to give the patient a well-rested, refreshed appearance as if you had been on a great vacation. No signs of surgery are seen.
As you age, your eyelid skin can stretch and fat can accumulate, causing noticeable bags. By removing fat, excess skin and muscle through incisions in the natural eyelid crease, eyelid surgery can resolve these problems. The upper eyelids will no longer droop and look tired. Makeup is also easier to apply.
Board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Rand performs upper eyelid surgery for men and women in the greater Seattle area. Through a commitment to patient education, Dr. Rand and his expert staff at the Northwest Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery help you feel positive about moving forward with cosmetic surgery.
Lower eyelid surgery carries more risk and often leaves incomplete cosmetic results and can require prolonged healing. Consequently, Dr. Rand has chosen not to perform lower lid surgery at this time.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of upper lid blepharoplasty, please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Bellevue today for more details.
Upper Eyelid Surgery Technique
Dr. Rand has developed a specific technique over 25 years of experience to remove exactly the correct amount of skin from the upper lid. Most surgeons commit to the skin removal right from the start of the procedure, and this can result in a little under resection of skin and a lesser aesthetic result.
Alternatively, over-resection of skin can prevent proper eyelid closure and lead to devastating problems.
Dr. Rand does not commit to the final skin removal until all other work has been completed on the upper lid such as fat removal. The eye is kept closed and the excess skin that he predicted would be removable is re-draped over the incision so that the exact amount can be re-assessed and removed.
After Eyelid Surgery: What to Expect
In most cases, patients look great 2 weeks after eyelid surgery and may resume exercise after weeks. Contact lenses can usually be worn after 2 weeks. Patients should expect some tearing and sensitivity to light during recovery.
FAQ
What is blepharoplasty?
Correct drooping or puffy tired looking upper eyelids by removing excess fat, skin and muscle.
How much time is required for eyelid surgery?
Surgery time is less than 1 hour.
Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?
Upper eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance if used to correct visual field defects. Dr. Rand does not work with any insurance companies for this though.
What type of anesthesia is used during eyelid surgery?
Local anesthesia with sedation, and in some cases general anesthesia.
What are the risks of eyelid surgery?
Temporary blurred or double vision. Infection, bleeding. Swelling at the corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes. Formation of whiteheads. Slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent). Blindness (extremely rare).
What can I expect during recovery from eyelid surgery?
Reading: 2 or 3 days. Back to work: 10-14 days. Contact lenses: 2 weeks or more. Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling gone: several weeks.
Take the Next Step
We know that making a change to your face or body can be a big decision. Let us help you learn more about your options. You'll never feel pressured into making a decision and our friendly staff members are happy to answer all of your questions.
Model How long do blepharoplasty results last?
Several years. Sometimes permanently.
Are there eyelid surgery alternatives worth considering?
There are no alternatives that work like surgery for the upper lids. Occasionally, a Botox brow lift can hold off on the need for upper lid surgery by slightly elevating the brows and pulling up the eyelid skin.
Contact us today at our Bellevue plastic surgery practice for more details about eyelid surgery.
