Eyelid Surgery

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What is Eyelid Surgery?

As they age, many individuals experience lax eyelid skin which can cause drooping upper or lower eyelids. In some cases, the droopy skin is severe enough that it impairs an individual’s line of vision. If you are bothered by the appearance of your eyelids, you may be able to benefit from eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a procedure to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids.

Eyelid surgery can treat the following:

  • Sagging skin on the upper eyelids which can impair vision
  • Bags under the eyes
  • Fatty deposits that can cause the eyelids to look puffy
  • Droopy lower eyelids
  • Excess skin on the lower eyelid

Who can Benefit from Eyelid Surgery?

Healthy adults who are looking to improve the appearance of drooping eyelid skin may be able to benefit from an eyelid lift. Ideal candidates will be nonsmokers without serious eye conditions who have realistic cosmetic goals. Please contact our office today to schedule your consultation appointment to learn if this procedure is right for you.

The Procedure

Eyelid surgery is performed under IV sedation or local anesthesia. The incision lines for this procedure may differ depending on if the upper or lower lids are being treated. Your surgeon will conceal any incision within the natural structures of the eyelid area.

Upper Eyelid Surgery:

An incision will be created within the natural crease of the lid. This allows for the surgeon to remove or reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles, and eliminate excess skin.

Lower Eyelid Surgery:

An incision is created inside of the lower eyelid, through which excess fat is removed or redistributed.

All incisions will be closed with sutures, which are usually removed within one week of surgery.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Following eyelid surgery, you may have an ointment applied to your eyes which may be covered with gauze. Swelling, bruising, dry eyes, and discomfort may occur, which can be controlled with medication, cold compresses, and ointment. Most people are able to read or watch television after 2-3 days. Scars may appear pink for about six months before fading.

Our team will provide you with specific recovery instructions to ensure that you receive the best possible results. It is important that, as your eyes heal, you wear darkly tinted sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun.

Can Botox lift droopy eyelids?

Yes. Botox can create a subtle lift to give you a more alert, refreshed appearance.

Can droopy eyelids cause blurred vision?

Yes. Botox can create a subtle lift to give you a more alert, refreshed appearance.

Can I sleep on my side after eyelid surgery?

It is recommended that you sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for about two weeks after eyelid surgery. Sleeping on your side can increase swelling and prolong the healing process.

Can you get rid of hooded eyelids?

Yes! Eyelid surgery is a great solution for hooded eyelids or sagging lids caused by aging.

Can you go blind from blepharoplasty?

It is extremely rare that any patients go blind from blepharoplasty. The risk is less than 1%.

Does eyelid surgery leave scars?

Like any surgery, eyelid surgery will leave small scars, but these are hidden within the natural folds of your eyelid and will not be visible.

How do you fix droopy eyelids?

Droopy eyelids can be fixed with Botox or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Moderate to severe drooping is best treated with surgery since the excess, sagging tissue is removed.

How do you reduce bruising after eyelid surgery?

To reduce bruising after eyelid surgery, keep your head elevated, stay hydrated, wear sunglasses when outside, and use cold compresses as needed.

How is eyelid surgery performed?

For upper eyelid surgery, an incision is made in the natural crease of the lid at the top of the eye. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made inside of the lower eyelid. With each procedure, excess fat and skin are removed to improve a drooping appearance.

How is upper eyelid surgery done?

Upper eyelid surgery is performed with an incision made along the top crease of the eyelid. Excess fat will be removed, or repositioned, excess skin is removed, and the muscles are tightened to lift the lid.

How long after blepharoplasty do you see results?

Blepharoplasty results can be seen after 4-6 weeks once the swelling has completely gone down.

How long are eyes blurry after blepharoplasty?

It is not uncommon for patients’ vision to be blurry for 2-3 days after blepharoplasty.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

Eyelid surgery takes about 1-2 hours, depending on whether you receive surgery on both the upper and lower lids or just the upper lids or lower lids.

How long does it take to heal from upper eyelid surgery?

Most patients can return to work and most of their daily activities (except strenuous exercise) after 1-2 weeks. However, it can take 4-6 weeks for the swelling to completely reduce and up to 6 months for the scars to fade.

Is eyelid surgery safe?

Yes! Eyelid surgery is considered a safe procedure, especially when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Is drooping eyelid surgery covered by insurance?

It is possible that eyelid surgery is covered by insurance if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Patients receiving eyelid surgery to improve blurry vision may have their procedure covered by insurance but others receiving surgery for cosmetic reasons will often not be covered by insurance.

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Eyelid Surgery Testimonial

Paul's Story

All of the staff that I have interacted with are professional, friendly and very good at what they do. Also, I have never been kept waiting for more than a few minutes.

Patient reviews

State of the art Surgical Facility

Our operating facility is conveniently located on the sixth floor of the Exhibitor’s Building adjacent to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our surgical facility is accredited by the AAAHC, or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. This association is committed to improving quality care provided to patients by reviewing standards, performance, and safety of our facility.

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To learn more about eyelid surgery and how it can benefit you, contact Plastic Surgery Associates in Grand Rapids, MI today!

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