When looking at the face, the eyes are one of the areas to age first. The aging of the skin around the eyes can cause both cosmetic and vision field issues. At Golosow Plastic Surgery, we offer blepharoplasty to patients to achieve a more youthful look and better vision.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin from above and around the eyes. The surgery can have functional and aesthetic purposes and can inconspicuously make a patient look years younger. With opening up the eye area, patients look more youthful and refreshed. This procedure can improve the peripheral vision of patients who have excess skin over the corners of their eyes. If there are any field defects to your vision, this procedure could be covered by your insurance. If this procedure is done for purely cosmetic reasons, your insurance may not cover the procedure. A blepharoplasty is a rather simple procedure that provides major anti-aging Improvement to a patient’s face.

How is Blepharoplasty Performed?

After the initial consultation with your surgeon, You will set a date for surgery and will be instructed to refrain from smoking and the taking of aspirin or other blood thinning medications. On the day of surgery, you will be prepped for your procedure and will have an opportunity to speak with Dr. Golosow before going under anesthesia. The surgical site will be marked based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Depending on the area of concern, you may wish to remove excess skin above the eye or reduce puffiness underneath the eye. The more common area to have excess skin removed is above the eye where the upper eyelid droops over the corner, interfering with peripheral vision. After removing the skin sutures will be placed in the natural creases of your eyes for the most inconspicuous scar. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and you should arrange to have help getting home after your surgery.

Recovery

Since eyelid surgery is done on an outpatient basis, your surgeon will discuss with you how to care for and clean your sutures once you get home. For a quick recovery, it is recommended that you make use of a cold compress to help bring down swelling and avoid fluid build up. Your doctor may also recommend a specific type of eye drops to keep the eyes feeling comfortable during recovery. It will also be important to keep the area clean and dry. You can keep your sutures clean by using sterile damp gauze pads to lightly wipe the area. You should plan to stay home from work or refrain from physical activity for the recommended time instructed by your doctor. Overall you should plan to take extra care and rest during the first two weeks post procedure. After your post-op check up, your doctor will give you a more specific time frame for down time based on your healing progress.

FAQ

Can Botox lift droopy eyelids?

Botox is not recommended as a treatment to lift droopy eyelids. Sometimes Botox is used to alter the contour of the eyebrows, but it does not provide any lifting effects in people who are good candidates for blepharoplasty.

Can droopy eyelids cause blurred vision?

Yes, severely sagging eyelids can block light from entering the pupil, leading to side effects like blurry vision.

Does eyelid surgery leave scars?

The incisions used for blepharoplasty are hidden in the creases of your eyes and eyelids and will not be visible to others.

Can I sleep on my side after eyelid surgery?

Dr. Golosow recommends patients sleep in an elevated position to reduce swelling for at least a week.

Can you get rid of hooded eyelids?

Yes, if your eyelids or eye area is experiencing severe drooping or sagging, leading to the appearance of hooded lids, an eyelid surgery can reduce excess skin or fat.

How long after blepharoplasty do you see results?

Results from blepharoplasty are visible immediately, although the residual swelling can obscure the final results, which can be seen after a few months.

How is eyelid surgery performed?

Blepharoplasty works by using tiny incisions in the eyelids and around the eye through which Dr. Golosow accesses and removes excess skin and fat to tighten and tone the appearance of each eye.

Is drooping eyelid surgery covered by insurance?

Eyelid surgery can be covered by insurance plans if the procedure is deemed medically necessary to address the symptoms regarding vision issues caused by drooping skin.

How long does it take for lower blepharoplasty scars to heal?

Most blepharoplasty patients are able to return to their normal lives within two weeks, although the scars from the eyelid surgery incisions can take up to a year to fully fade.

If you’re in the Fort Myers Area and are interested in learning more about blepharoplasty, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Many patients are enjoying better vision and a more of refreshed appearance with the help of a blepharoplasty by Dr. Golosow.