Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can restore a more youthful, alert, and health look to your eyes. Sometimes referred to as a “mini-face lift”, blepharoplasty has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both men and women because of its high level of patient satisfaction.
Insurance does not cover cosmetic eyelid surgery. However, if your eyelids are encroaching upon your field of vision, the procedure may be covered as “medically necessary” surgery.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
In upper eyelid surgery, an incision is made externally in the upper eyelid crease to remove excess eyelid skin and fat. The original incision is then closed with fine, dissolvable sutures. Because the incisions are made in the eyelids’ natural contours, they are barely visible and fade with time. There is a mild amount of bruising and swelling following surgery, but this is usually gone within 7 to 10 days. Patients can typically resume work within three days after the procedure.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
In lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon makes the incision in an inconspicuous site along the lash line and creases of the lower lid. Excess fat, muscle, and skin are then trimmed away before the incision is closed with fine sutures.
Fat in the lower lid can be removed or repositioned through an incision hidden on the inner surface of the lid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty). Laser resurfacing or a chemical peel can be performed at the same time if desired, to smooth and tighten the lower lid skin.
If there is excessive skin in the lower lid, the incision is made just below the lashes. Fat can be removed or repositioned through this incision, and the excess skin is removed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures. Recovery times are similar to upper eyelid surgery.