Are you considering eyelid surgery (a.k.a., blepharoplasty) to rejuvenate your eye appearance and give you brighter and more alert-looking eyes? If so, you probably have questions about the procedure and what to expect. Here, Dual Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Jonathan Grant answers some of the most frequently asked questions about eyelid surgery.
What can eyelid surgery achieve?
Upper eyelid surgery can remedy loose, sagging skin, obscuring the natural fold of the eyelid. Sometimes this skin is so loose that it actually droops over the upper eyelashes into the line of sight. Upper eyelid surgery creates a firmer and flatter upper eyelid.
Lower eyelid surgery fixes sagging eyelids that may reveal white under the pupils. It can also repair puffiness or deep grooves or bags underneath the eyes.
Upper and lower eyelid surgery can be combined as needed.
Where are the eyelid surgery incisions made?
Upper eyelid incisions are typically created in the natural folds and creases of the lid. Lower eyelid incisions are usually created inside the lower lid and sometimes in pre-existing grooves or lines just under the lower eyelid eyelashes.
Does eyelid surgery leave noticeable scarring?
Because the incisions are generally made in the natural creases and lines of the lids, scarring is typically not discernible.
Does eyelid surgery hurt?
Anesthesia is used during surgery to numb the patient and prevent any pain or discomfort. After surgery, patients may have mild to moderate discomfort that is easily managed with prescription painkillers.
How long is the recovery from eyelid surgery?
Recovery from eyelid surgery varies by patient. But generally, patients resume work and most of their regular activities within about two weeks. The exception is exercise, which should be postponed for two to three weeks. Around the two-week mark, patients may have residual bruising and swelling but most of the post-operative symptoms have resolved.
Can I wear contacts after surgery?
Most facial plastic surgeons recommend avoiding contacts for at least a week after surgery. Patients find that swelling dissipates quicker when they don’t wear contacts.
How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?
The results of eyelid surgery usually last a long time and the procedure typically only needs to be performed once (as opposed to repeating Botox® or filler treatment regularly). Although surgery does not stop the clock on facial aging, it does create a more youthful looking eye appearance. The eyes continue to age but always look younger than they did before surgery.
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery depends on the specific procedure and surgical technique used. Pricing is discussed at the time of consultation.
Contact Dr. Jonathan Grant
If one of your questions about eyelid surgery was not answered in this post, or you would like to schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Grant, please contact our Mt. Vernon facial plastic surgery practice today.
