Eyelid Sugery

Information on Eyelid Surgery in Louisville Kentucky. Info on blepharoplasty, techniques, cost, recovery period, candidates, the procedure and more.

Blepharoplasty, the medical term for an eyelid lift, can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence by eliminating wrinkled, sagging eyelids and bulging bags.

Blepharoplasty, the medical term for an eyelid lift, can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence by eliminating wrinkled, sagging eyelids and bulging bags. It is one of the most commonly done plastic surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation and enhancement by both men and women.

Dr. Weeter finds that blepharoplasty, as a first procedure in facial rejuvenation, is the easiest for the patient in terms of undergoing the procedure, recovery, return to the usual activities of daily living, affordability, and value. For patients who are only ready for one procedure, blepharoplasty is the one most commonly chosen.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE

• Excessive, sagging or wrinkled upper and/or lower eyelid skin.
• Excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision.
• Loss of the natural upper eyelid crease.
• Puffy pouches of fat in the upper or lower lids that create a tired or aged appearance.

INTENDED RESULT

• A more youthful and rested appearance of the eyes.
• Removing sagging skin and muscle from the eyelids.
• Removing "bags" by trimming away excess fat bulges.
• Improved field of vision by removal of the hooding effect of upper eyelid skin.

THE PROCEDURE

• Blepharoplasty is done in the safety of an accredited, surgical facility as an outpatient. Blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia and sedation. If the procedure is combined with another facial procedure, general anesthesia may be required.

• Blepharoplasty can be done as an isolated procedure for some patients or along with a forehead & eyebrow lift and/or a facelift (rhytidectomy).

• In the upper eyelid surgery, the incision is placed in the lid crease. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision lies just below the eyelashes and parallel to the edge of the eyelid. Both incisions may extend for a short distance beyond the eyelids into the "crow's feet" area. The eyelid skin has an excellent characteristic of healing, with time, the scars usually become nearly invisible.

• One variation for the lower eyelid region is to make the incision hidden on the inside of the eyelid to provide access for bulging fat removal and possible use of laser resurfacing to tighten and eliminate wrinkles.

RECOVERY

• Sutures are removed in about 5 to 7 days.
• Preliminary mild discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication and cool water (saline) soaks.
• Makeup on or around the eye can be used 1 week post-operatively.
• Contact lenses can be worn usually within 7 to 10 days, but can be earlier if the patient is comfortable.
• Swelling and bruising can be expected and is different in each patient. Swelling usually begins to fade away with in 48 hours after the surgery.
• Light to normal activity or work can be resumed 3 to 4 days after surgery; the patient can use dark glasses to camouflage the swelling and discoloration.
• The patient will usually feel comfortable without dark glasses in about 10 days. A small amount of residual swelling may continue for many weeks, but little by little disappears.

OTHER OPTIONS

Additional procedures that can be performed along with a blepharoplasty and would provide the patient with greater results are: Forehead Lift, Face Lift and/or Laser Skin Resurfacing.

INSURANCE

Insurance policies may provide benefits for patients who have functional or visual field problems caused by excessive upper eyelid skin. Most insurance companies will require documentation from the patient's eye care physician (Ophthalmologist) regarding the necessity of the procedure. Except for patients with documented visual field obstruction, the upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty is usually considered cosmetic by insurance companies.

NOTE: The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for you may be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. All of this web site content, and any email responses to your inquiries are strictly for general informational and educational purposes. It is not medical advice and should not be taken as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical care.

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Information on Eyelid Surgery in Louisville Kentucky. Info on blepharoplasty, techniques, cost, recovery period, candidates, the procedure and more.