Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

The eyes are the most engaging and colorful attraction of the face – inviting eyes are essential to a youthful appearance…

Early signs of aging are revealed in the eyes more than any other part of the body, due to squinting, sun damage, and heredity.  The lower eyelids are one of the first areas of the face to show age-related changes.  Skin begins to slacken - muscles start to droop and tissues around the eyes weaken.  This creates shadowy hollows below the eyes as wrinkles, bags, and excess fat become more prominent.  The upper eyelid skin loses its elasticity, resulting in a crepey appearance, and the lid may actually descend downward and rest on the eyelashes.  This descent highlights dramatic aging while it can also affects vision.   CCI recommends eyelid surgery to patients who want to effectively address these concerns – and restore a more youthful, vital appearance to the eyes.

Are You A Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
If you are concerned with any or all of the items listed above, you are in otherwise good health, and you have realistic goals and expectations – you could be a perfect candidate for CCI’s eyelid surgery.  This will be determined during your personal consultation. 

First consults are critical for the patient and the surgeon – they are always done face-to-face with the surgeon.

Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Surgery Overview:
Upper eyelid surgery is performed through an incision hidden within the crease of your upper eyelid.  Working through this incision, we will reposition fat deposits, tighten muscles and tissue, and remove excess skin if needed.  This will create a firmer upper eyelid contour.  The incision for the lower eyelid is hidden inside the lower eyelid.  Through this incision CCI will redistribute or remove excess fatty deposits and tighten sagging muscles.  When you wake up your eyes may be lubricated with ointment and covered with gauze dressing.  Cold compresses may be applied to help reduce swelling and minimize discomfort. 

There are some limitations to Blepharoplasty.  It will not correct fine wrinkles from crow’s feet – nor will it fix partially descended eyebrows.  Many patients choose to combine their eyelid surgery with another age erasing procedure for optimal results.

Common Questions about Blepharoplasty Surgery

What Does Blepharoplasty surgery accomplish?
CCI recommends this surgery to remove excess fat, skin, and muscle from the lower and upper eyelids.  This restores a more youthful, vital appearance to the eye area.  Eyelid surgery is also performed to improve vision for patients with excess drooping skin of the upper-eyelids when this interferes with vision.

Is anesthesia required for blepharoplasty surgery?
Yes. Local anesthesia with sedation is most commonly used.

Where will CCI  perform my Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Your surgery will be performed in a state-of-the-art surgery center, as an out-patient. This surgery center is certified and fully equipped with the most advanced technologies and is able to handle any out-patient surgery.

Will I have scars from my eyelid surgery?
Yes.  You will have scars, but they are well hidden since the incisions are made within the normal creases and folds of the eyelids.

Will Blepharoplasty surgery take care of lines, wrinkles, sagging brows, and more?

No. Eyelid surgery corrects the eyelids only.  A Browlift/Forehead lift is used to correct crow’s feet, sagging eyebrows, furrows and wrinkles. 

Can Eyelid surgery get rid of the dark circles under my eyes?
No.  You may notice slight improvement but CCI recommends certain skincare products to most effectively lighten dark areas.

Will the results last forever?
CCI’s patients enjoy long-lasting, more youthful looking results.

Will insurance pay for this surgery?
If your surgery is performed to correct cosmetic problems – insurance does not cover it.  If your surgery is used to correct impaired vision caused by excess, droopy skin of the upper eyelids, your insurance may cover it.

How long will I be out of work after my eyelid surgery?
Bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort are normal for a few days.  You are typically presentable and able to return to work in about 7 days.  Any discoloration from bruising can be easily concealed with cosmetic, mineral make-up which actually aids in the healing process.  You will need to avoid rigorous, strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks or until CCI tells you otherwise.

When will CCI remove my stitches?
Typically within 3-5 days after your eyelid surgery.