Enhancing your appearance with eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, and give a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making you look more rested and alert. Blepharoplasty can be both a functional and cosmetic surgical procedure depending on the amount of eyelid skin present.

Specifically, eyelid surgery can treat:

• Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
• Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids
• Bags under the eyes
• Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris (colored portion of the eye)
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

What happens during eyelid surgery?

Blepharolplasty is generally performed using a light sedation (or twilight sleep) and local anesthetic in the lids. The incision lines for eyelid surgery are designed for scars to be well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region.

Droopy conditions of the upper eyelid can be corrected through an incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid allowing repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles and tissue, and/or removal of excess skin.

If your surgery is on your lower eyelids, Dr. Cuite will make small incisions just below the eyelashes and will then tighten the excess skin and muscle that is creating the appearance of bags, creating a more vibrant and youthful appearance. This technique is known as Transcutaneous Blepharoplasty. As this incision heals, the fine scar should become barely visible.

You may experience some bruising and swelling up to a month after the surgery. Cold compresses and head elevation will help reduce these effects. Contact lens and makeup use are limited after surgery.           

The results of eyelid surgery will appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region, and an alert and rejuvenated appearance.

Expectations

The decision to have blepharoplasty is an important one that only you can make. If you decide that blepharoloplasty is an option for you, you will be given additional information about the procedure that will allow you to make an informed decision. We are here to answer all of you questions regarding the blepharolplasty procedure.

Blepharolplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure in some patients. In many cases however, most insurance companies will pay for the procedure if your droopy lids are limiting your vision. We will be happy to contact your insurance carrier to determine if they will cover the procedure in your particular case.

To find out if blepharoplasty is right for you, call Michelle at 309.243.3875 to set up your appointment or request information here.