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 in Blaine, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Woodbury, or Bloomington, MN, schedule an eyelid surgery consultation at one of our offices.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Your overall appearance is detracted from loose or baggy lids, which give you the appearance of aging or being tired. Drooping brows give the appearance of hooding and crow’s feet around the outer corners of the eyes, making you appear tired, angry, or sad. A severe case can result in the upper eyelid skin hanging over the lashes and obstructing peripheral vision.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
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.
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
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!
