The eyes are the window to the soul, they say, and it is also exactly where we first notice subtle signs of aging. Of course, genetics, sun exposure and decreased skin elasticity play their part, too.
Loose skin on the upper eyelids that you can pinch, or that messes up your eye makeup can be aggravating to look at in photos or on your video calls. Under-eye bags or bulging fat make it even worse. Being asked routinely if you are tired or angry can eventually make you tired and annoyed. This goes double when you feel just fine, like you always do, but your outward facial appearance gives a different impression.
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, addresses these changes while preserving the natural character of your eyes.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes extra, loose, or crepey eyelid skin. During this surgery, a lot of other things happen that are critical to achieving a beautiful result. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will also make a plan for the underlying fat bulges that make eyelids look puffy, and she may need to address the muscle of the upper and/or lower eyelids.
Depending on your anatomy and goals, eyelid surgery may involve:
- Upper blepharoplasty to treat extra skin of your upper lids
- Lower blepharoplasty to treat bags under your eyes, extra under-eye skin
- Upper and lower blepharoplasty when both areas contribute to an aged or tired appearance
- Upper blepharoplasty and Browlift to treat sagging eyebrows that are making the upper eyelid skin worse.
- Fat repositioning or conservative fat removal to remove the puffy bulges of upper or lower eyelids (in the corner of the upper eyelid, or under the eyelids above the natural crease where your cheeks start)
- Combination procedures to address a heavy, low brow, forehead, cheeks or face that are contribute to the overall appearance of the eyes (do not worry – many times these are nonsurgical treatments to improve the canvas of your skin)
Every eyelid is different. The appropriate technique depends on your anatomy, skin quality, eyelid position, brow position, facial proportions and desired outcome.
You may be a candidate for blepharoplasty if you are bothered by:
- Loose, extra skin that you can pinch on your eyelids
- Heaviness of the upper eyelids interfering with your vision
- Under-eye bags, or puffiness under the eyes
- Loose skin beneath the eyes
- A tired appearance around the eyes
Good candidates are generally healthy enough for surgery, have realistic expectations and understand that eyelid surgery is designed to improve specific signs of aging rather than stop the aging process.
There is no single “right age” for blepharoplasty. Some patients develop significant eyelid concerns in their 30s or 40s because of genetics, while others may not benefit from surgery until later. The right time for you depends more on your anatomy and concerns than your age. This is why it is important to see an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who takes a multidisciplinary approach to your face.
Before and After Photos of Blepharoplasty Patient
This is a common concern, and it is an important one.
Natural-looking eyelid surgery requires more than simply removing as much excess skin as possible. Over-removal of skin or fat can create an unnatural or hollow appearance and, in some cases, affect eyelid function. At Tannan Plastic Surgery, the goal is a refreshed appearance that still looks like you. Your eyes should remain expressive and appropriate for your face. This is why we take a conservative, judicious approach to treating your eyelids.
As with any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery carries potential risks and complications.
These can include:
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Infection
- Swelling and bruising
- Temporary or persistent changes in sensation
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Asymmetry
- Changes in eyelid position
- Difficulty completely closing the eyes
- Scarring
- Need for revision surgery
- Changes in vision, which are uncommon but potentially serious
Lower eyelid surgery requires particular attention to eyelid support and position. Your anatomy and surgical plan will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
Can Eyelid Surgery Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes. Because the eyelids, brows and midface work together aesthetically, blepharoplasty is sometimes combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures.
Depending on your needs, this may include:
The best combination is determined by your anatomy and goals, not by a predetermined package of procedures.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of blepharoplasty varies based on the type and extent of surgery, anesthesia, facility fees and whether additional procedures are performed.
Because every patient’s surgical plan is different, there is no single price that applies to every blepharoplasty patient.
During your consultation, we will provide a personalized surgical plan and detailed fee information. Unfortunately, we all know that insurance coverage is never a guarantee. If Dr. Tannan believes that your problem is likely to be covered by insurance, she will give you recommendations for surgeons she trusts that accept insurance at hospitals in the area.
How Do I Choose a Blepharoplasty Surgeon?
Your eyes deserve specialized attention. When researching a surgeon for your eyelids, consider:
- Board certification in Plastic Surgery, Oculoplastic Surgery, or Facial Plastic Surgery
- Surgical training and experience
- Experience performing eyelid surgery
- Before-and-after results in patients with anatomy similar to yours
- Surgical facility and anesthesia safety
- Whether the surgeon performs a comprehensive facial evaluation
- Whether the surgeon discusses both surgical and nonsurgical options
- Whether you feel comfortable with the surgeon’s approach to natural-looking results
A consultation should be a conversation about your anatomy, your goals and the appropriate treatment, not simply a discussion of a procedure.
Not everyone who is concerned about their eyelids needs blepharoplasty. Some patients have structural changes that surgery is better equipped to address. While others have skin-quality concerns. There are specific, nonsurgical preventative treatments that can minimize the need for surgery.
At Tannan Plastic Surgery in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Shruti Tannan works hand-in-hand with her nurse injector to take a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. Rather than treating the eyelids in isolation, they evaluate the relationship between your eyelids, brows, forehead, cheeks and midface to determine what will create the most balanced, natural-looking result.
Depending on your anatomy and goals, nonsurgical options may include:
- Medical-grade skin care with hyaluronic acid to internally plump dry, perimenopausal skin.
- Laser treatments to improve surface texture and sun spots, stimulate surface collagen and elastin and simultaneously brighten and tighten loose skin
- Microneedling to stimulate deeper tissues to tighten (fat, collagen, elastin) as they heal and to break up acne scars and pits
- Neuromodulators such as Botox to address dynamic wrinkles
It is important to understand that these treatments can improve skin quality and fine lines, but they cannot reproduce the effect of removing excess eyelid skin or repositioning deeper tissues. At TPS, we focus on matching the treatment to the problem, and work within your budget and schedule to find the solution that addresses your concerns that bother you the most.
The goal of eyelid surgery is not to create a different face.
It is to address the changes that make you look tired, heavy or older while preserving the features that make your eyes uniquely yours.
At Tannan Plastic Surgery in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Tannan evaluates the eyes as part of the entire face. By considering the eyelids, brows, forehead, cheeks and overall facial proportions together, she can determine whether surgery, nonsurgical treatment or a combination of approaches makes the most sense for you.
If you are considering eyelid surgery in Raleigh, NC, schedule a consultation with Tannan Plastic Surgery to learn which approach is appropriate for your anatomy and goals – (919) 797-0996.
