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Blepharoplasty

Woman being prepped for blepharoplasty

Eyelid Surgery

Would you like to rejuvenate your droopy eyelids? Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and lax muscles on the upper and lower eyelids. Sagging skin can be removed via blepharoplasty to expand the visual field and rejuvenate the eyes. 

Minnesota Eye Consultants’ oculoplastic surgeons are renowned for their eyelid surgery skills.

If you live near Blaine, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Woodbury, or Bloomington, MN, schedule an eyelid surgery consultation at one of our offices. 


Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Upper Eyelid Surgery

Baggy and loose eyelids can significantly diminish your overall appearance, creating the illusion of aging or fatigue. The presence of sagging brows contributes to a hooded effect and the development of crow’s feet at the outer edges of your eyes, making you look weary, angey, or sad. In more extreme instances, this condition might lead to the upper eyelid skin drooping over the eyelashes, potentially obstructing your peripheral vision.
But don’t worry, we can help!

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty offers a youthful appearance by removing excess skin and fat, improving vision if obstructed, and boosting self-confidence. The procedure minimizes fine lines, rejuvenates expressions, and provides lasting results. Recovery is quick, scars are minimal, and it can be combined with other treatments for comprehensive enhancement.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower eyelid surgery delivers rejuvenation by reducing under-eye bags, puffiness, and wrinkles. It enhances a rested appearance, boosts confidence, and achieves long-lasting results. The procedure’s minimal scarring and relatively swift recovery contribute to its appeal, with the option for combined treatments to comprehensively enhance the facial aesthetic.

An incision on the inside of the lower lid can be used to remove or reposition fat in the lower lid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty). Incisions are made just below the lashes if there is excessive skin on the lower lid. It is possible to remove or reposition fat using this incision, and the excess skin is also removed. Then, using fine sutures, the incision is closed.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

To determine if you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery, your Minnesota Eye Consultants oculoplastic surgeon will need to see you in our offices for an official consultation. At that time, we will do a thorough examination, determine the cause of your droopy eyes, and decide if surgery is right for you. However, as a rule of thumb, good candidates may include individuals

  • with sagging skin on their face causing folds or drooping in the upper or lower eyelid
  • with upper eyelid puffiness due to excess fat deposits
  • with bags under the eyes, or droopiness of the lower eyelids
  • is in generally good health without other eye conditions such as dry eye
  • does not smoke
  • has realistic goals and expectations for surgery

What to Expect During a Consult?

Patients wishing to improve the appearance of their droopy eyelids will first schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified, oculoplastic surgeons. Our team will obtain a detailed medical history and your doctor will take time to understand your specific concerns and goals. We will perform a thorough lid exam to determine the cause of your eyelid issues, and if necessary, will perform additional testing to rule out eye conditions or eye diseases that could make you a less-than-ideal surgical candidate.

Once we determine the cause of your sagging eyelids, we can give you customized treatment options to help you reach your goals. Depending upon your specific needs, this may involve medications, surgery, or other non-surgical procedures. Click here to request a consultation.

Does Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery?

Insurance does not generally cover eyelid surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. However, if droopy eyelids or excess skin are affecting the vision, surgery may be reimbursable in whole (or in part) by insurance. We encourage you to check with your insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage, and also note any deductibles you may be responsible for.

What Can I Expect After Eyelid surgery?

The following benefits are associated with eyelid surgery:

  • Upper eyelids open up, revealing the eyes 
  • Decreases the size of puffy bags under the eyes
  • Removes fat and loose skin of the eyelid 
  • Reduces obstruction caused by upper eyelid hooding

4 Eyelid Blepharoplasty

After Surgery

Cold compresses are applied to reduce swelling and bruising. Antibiotic ointment or drops may be prescribed. Strenuous activity should be minimized for several days. Warm compresses may be recommended after several days to increase blood flow to the area and promote healing.

Discomfort is generally mild. Non-aspirin pain relievers are usually all that is necessary postoperatively. Aspirin products, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, and other blood thinners should be avoided before and after surgery as they may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Most patients are able to return to regular activities within several days.

What are the Risks and Complications?

Excessive pain, bleeding, infection, or visual loss is extremely rare. As with any medical procedure, there may be other inherent risks that should be discussed with your surgeon.

Is Surgery Effective?

Blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery can provide both a more youthful appearance and functional improvement with minimal risk.

What to Look for in a Qualified Eye Surgeon

Patients are most commonly treated by ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons who specialize in diseases and problems of the eyelids, tear drain, and orbit (the area around the eye).

You should look for a doctor who has completed an American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) fellowship. This indicates your surgeon is not only a board-certified ophthalmologist but also has had extensive training in ophthalmic plastic surgery.

When you are ready, you will be in very experienced hands. Your surgery will be in the surgeon’s office, an outpatient facility, or at a hospital depending on your surgical needs.

Eyelid Surgery Consultation

Call us today at (952) 888-5800 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment through our online portal. However, you choose to do it, we’re eager to assist you in reaching your goals. Our team is here to help you look as good as you feel!

locations

Serving Our Community

Minnesota Eye Consultants is proud to offer patients convenient access to eye care across the Twin Cities. We have 5 locations, each with an onsite ambulatory surgery center (ASC).

11091 Ulysses St NE
Clinic: Suite 300
ASC: Suite 400
Blaine, Minnesota 55434
Additional Blaine Information
9801 Dupont Ave S
ASC: Suite 100
Laser Procedures: Suite 120
Clinic: Suite 200
Bloomington, MN 55431
Additional Bloomington Information
10709 Wayzata Blvd
ASC: Suite 100
Laser Procedures: Suite 120
Clinic: Suite 200
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Additional Minnetonka Information
12501 Whitewater Drive, Suite 310
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Additional Crosstown – Now Open Information
7125 Tamarack Rd
Clinic: Suite 100
ASC: Suite 200
Laser Procedures: Suite 250
Woodbury, MN 55125
Additional Woodbury Information