Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty
Melissa Hu, MD
BOARD CERTIFIED FACIAL PLASTIC SURGEON
It's natural to take steps to look your best
Eyelid Surgery
The eyes are often considered the window to our souls. Loose skin is often a normal part of aging. However, it can make you look older, more tired, and worn especially when it involves the eyelids. Blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess skin, bags, and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. The result is an overall more rejuvenated and brighter appearance.
What Can Eyelid Surgery Address?
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Loose skin of the eyelids
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Puffy upper eyelids
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Lower eyelid bags
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Improve field of vision
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Improve application of eye makeup
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Create a fresh and brighter appearance
Internal vs. external approach is typically dictated by the problem area. Excessive skin and deep lower eyelid bags is best addressed with an external skin incision. Fullness of the lower eyelids due only to fat may be addressed with an internal incision.
Other procedures can be combined with blepharoplasty through a single incision such as ptosis repair, Asian eyelid (double eyelid) surgery, midface suspension.
It takes about two weeks to recover from upper eyelid surgery. The lower eyelids may take 3-4 weeks for recovery due to decreased drainage of the lower eyelids.
Stop aspirin and other NSAIDs at least 10 days before surgery. Arnica which is an herbal supplement which has shown to help swelling and bruising may be started a couple days before your scheduled procedure. Smoking should be completely discontinued 6 weeks before surgery.
Keep your head elevated for the first week. Apply ice for the first 3-4 days. Continue arnica until bruising resolves. Ensure good nutrition. Smoking cessation should continue for 6 weeks after surgery.
Depending on the severity of the problem, whether the upper eyelids or lower eyelids are being addressed, the cost for this procedure typically ranges from $1500 - $3500.
What Does it Entail?
Internal vs. external approach is typically dictated by the problem area. Excessive skin and deep lower eyelid bags is best addressed with an external skin incision. Fullness of the lower eyelids due only to fat may be addressed with an internal incision.
What Does it Entail?
Recovery
It takes about two weeks to recover from upper eyelid surgery. The lower eyelids may take 3-4 weeks for recovery due to decreased drainage of the lower eyelids.
Recovery
Combining Procedures
Other procedures can be combined with blepharoplasty through a single incision such as ptosis repair, Asian eyelid (double eyelid) surgery, midface suspension.
Combining Procedures
Preparing
To decrease bruising, it is advised to stop aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen at least 10 days before surgery.
Preparing
After Care
Keep your head elevated for the first week.
Apply ice for the first 3-4 days.
Continue arnica until bruising resolves.
Ensure good nutrition.
Smoking cessation should continue for 6 weeks after surgery.
After Care
Cost of a Blepharoplasty
Depending on the severity of the problem, whether the upper eyelids or lower eyelids are being addressed, the cost for this procedure typically ranges from $1500 - $3500.