Eyelid surgery, which is also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that is performed to address issues with either the skin and/or the muscle that is located below the eye and to remove excess skin from the upper eyes. The surgery repositions the “bags” located under the eye and places them in a better position so the patient does not look as tired as in the past. The removal of excess, sagging skin from the upper eyes can also help to improve the vision of a patient. As the skin ages, it will start to lose its elasticity and, combined with the pull of gravity, excess skin will start to collect on both the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can provide a more youthful and alert appearance to the eyes and the eyelid surgery discussion below will discuss both upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty.
As a person ages, the upper eyelids can start to feel heavier because of excess eyelid skin or the eyebrow descending thanks to the pull of gravity. An upper blepharoplasty can be performed for cosmetic reasons (to reduce the appearance of aging) and/or for functional reasons (to improve the vision of a patient by reducing the obstruction of the vision that occurs due to skin that is overhanging).
During lower blepharoplasty, the surgeon address fat that protrudes under the eyes which are known as “bags”. The procedure also treats fine lines and wrinkles that create an older look and sagging that causes the lower eyelid to move away from the eyeball so more of the white section below the iris begins to show. The goal is to improve the appearance of eyes that are tired-looking or puffy by tightening the skin that is located around the eyes.
The total cost of eyelid surgery depends on if the surgery is upper blepharoplasty or lower blepharoplasty. The cost also depends on the amount of work that needs to be performed, if the procedure is being performed for aesthetic or functional reasons (or both), fees that are charged by the doctor or the facility and the area of the country where the procedure is performed. In general, the cost of upper blepharoplasty is anywhere from $2000-$5000 while the cost of lower blepharoplasty is in the range of $3500-$5000. Part of the cost might be covered by insurance if the procedure is performed to help improve the vision of the patient (functional reason).
In general, the cost of eyelid surgery is:
The amount of downtime and recovery after eyelid surgery depends on the individual patient as well as the type of eyelid surgery performed by the doctor. The recovery time for lower eyelid surgery can take anywhere from 10-14 days while upper eyelid surgery recovery can take up to six weeks.
The first week after the surgery will see some swelling and puffiness around the eyes. These conditions should subside in 7-10 days. The incisions around the eyes will be pink and visible to others and the eyelids might feel numb for the first week. The eyes can be sensitive to light and any bruising around the eyes might create the appearance of a “black eye”.
In order to reduce swelling around the eyes, patients should place ice or cold compresses on the eyes for the first few days. They should also avoid wearing contacts for the first week or two (but glasses should be okay) and dark sunglasses should be worn outside.
Patients usually take a week or two off work in order to recover and fully rest after the surgery. They should avoid excess time in front of a screen as this might strain the eyes or make them too dry.
Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least two weeks and lifting and bending should also be avoided in order to prevent the increase of blood flow to the eyes.
The amount of downtime and recovery after eyelid surgery depends on the individual patient as well as the type of eyelid surgery performed by the doctor. The recovery time for lower eyelid surgery can take anywhere from 10-14 days while upper eyelid surgery recovery can take up to six weeks.
The first week after the surgery will see some swelling and puffiness around the eyes. These conditions should subside in 7-10 days. The incisions around the eyes will be pink and visible to others and the eyelids might feel numb for the first week. The eyes can be sensitive to light and any bruising around the eyes might create the appearance of a “black eye”.
In order to reduce swelling around the eyes, patients should place ice or cold compresses on the eyes for the first few days. They should also avoid wearing contacts for the first week or two (but glasses should be okay) and dark sunglasses should be worn outside.
Patients usually take a week or two off work in order to recover and fully rest after the surgery. They should avoid excess time in front of a screen as this might strain the eyes or make them too dry.
Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least two weeks and lifting and bending should also be avoided in order to prevent the increase of blood flow to the eyes.
Temporary blurry vision
Eyes that are dry
Infection
Scarring that is noticeable to others
Trouble closing the eyes
Eye muscle injury
Temporary double vision
Changes in skin sensation
Eyelid asymmetry
The results of both upper and lower eyelid surgery provide a more youthful and rested look to the patient. The removal of excess skin and fat makes a person look less tired as the eyelids are no longer droopy and/or sagging in appearance. If the doctor uses fillers in the treatment, the patient will also enjoy a less hollow look to the area under the eyes.
The length of the results of upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery are not the same. Lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be performed more than once so the results can be considered to be long-lasting and even permanent.
The results of upper eyelid surgery are also long-lasting but they vary per patient. The skin that is removed will not grow back but the aging process will continue to impact patients. In general, the results can last 5-7 years although some patients report longer results that can even last a lifetime.
The results of both upper and lower eyelid surgery provide a more youthful and rested look to the patient. The removal of excess skin and fat makes a person look less tired as the eyelids are no longer droopy and/or sagging in appearance. If the doctor uses fillers in the treatment, the patient will also enjoy a less hollow look to the area under the eyes.
The length of the results of upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery are not the same. Lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be performed more than once so the results can be considered to be long-lasting and even permanent.
The results of upper eyelid surgery are also long-lasting but they vary per patient. The skin that is removed will not grow back but the aging process will continue to impact patients. In general, the results can last 5-7 years although some patients report longer results that can even last a lifetime.
Fractional Laser or Radiofrequency Devices
The use of fractional lasers or radiofrequency devices is best for patients who only have a minimal amount of skin that they want to tighten. In general, these treatment options do not address any issues with the muscle and fat located underneath the skin. Radiofrequency energy can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin under the skin to create a healthy look to the skin. Fractional lasers also improve the production of collagen which can improve the appearance of the skin and reduce or eliminate dark circles under the eyes.
Fillers
This treatment option is also known as “nonsurgical blepharoplasty” because the surgeon does not have to make an incision to achieve the desired changes in the look of the eyelids. Injectable filler replaces volume that has been lost underneath the eyes and is an ideal option for patients with lower eyelid hollows or fine lines under the eyes. It is not a good option for patients with “bags” under the eyes as fillers cannot address issues pertaining to fat under the lower eyelids. Botox can also be used as the combination of neurotoxins and fillers can reduce wrinkles or Crow’s feet around the eyes while also eliminating the look of dark circles or hollows under the eyes.
Skin Resurfacing Treatments
These treatments are performed to help lessen the look of wrinkles, lines and folds around the eyes as well as give loose skin a firmer look and feel. Some of the most popular skin resurfacing treatments include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), chemical peels, microneedling, microdermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing.
The next step in the eyelid surgery process is finding the best surgeon in your area who is experienced in providing natural results for both upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery. In order to help you find the best cosmetic doctor for your preferred eyelid surgery, please use our “Find a Doctor” search page.
