Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty

Eyelid contouring (also known as blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure performed to restore a more youthful appearance to the upper and lower eyelids. Many patients have excess skin that hangs from the upper eyelid, or bags (fatty deposits) of the lower eyelids that may lead to a tired-looking appearance. This extra skin and fat are removed by placement of an incision in the natural crease of the upper and lower eyelids and extends laterally to address some minor wrinkles in this area. Irvine plastic surgeon, Dr. Marguerite Bernett, offers blepharoplasty as it gives patients a rejuvenated facial appearance and it can help men and women look younger and more refreshed.

Good candidates for eyelid contouring are men or women who demonstrate:

• Bags or puffy bulges under the eyes (fatty deposits)
• Fullness of the upper eyelids (fatty deposits)
• Excess skin diminishing the natural fold of the upper eyelids
• Excess skin and wrinkling of the eyelids
• Impaired vision due to hanging skin on the upper eyelid

Blepharoplasty may either be performed on the upper eyelid only or the lower lid, or both. The most common problem with the upper eyelid is drooping excess skin. Not only does this look unappealing, but it can also obstruct vision for a patient. This is corrected with an incision that is placed along the natural fold of the eyelid and extracting any excess fat and skin. For the lower eyelid, treatment will improve any appearance of bulging and sagging below the eye. Incisions may be made just slightly below the lash line, or a transconjunctival incision may be a better option as the cut is made inside the lower eyelid, which eliminates scarring. Through either incision, fatty tissue and excess skin is removed. A lower lid lift does not necessarily improve the dark circles that may occur under the eyes. In this situation, we may recommend a skin rejuvenation procedure such as laser treatment or a chemical peel to assist with discoloration.

Eyelid surgery is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Patients will be sent home and will be advised to keep their heads elevated for the first several days. Bruising and swelling will occur and may last for several weeks. It takes approximately 3-4 weeks for the results to appear. This surgery leads to very minimal scarring due to the location of the incisions. Not only will patients look rejuvenated and refreshed, but also many will have improved vision due to the skin imperfection being removed.

Blepharoplasty averages about $6,000 if both the upper and lower eyelids are addressed. If only one eyelid is addressed, this cost will fluctuate. Because this surgery is considered cosmetic, in most cases, insurance will not apply. However, for some patients where vision was affected, insurance coverage is possible depending on the carrier.

Blepharoplasty is a common procedure that can make a big difference in someone’s life. For women in particular, putting on makeup can be difficult if hanging skin exists on the upper eyelid, and even with makeup on, the bags and circles under the eyes cannot be improved. Eyelid surgery creates beautiful, soft results that can be long lasting and life changing. For a complete consultation, we encourage you to call our plastic surgery office so that you can visit with our team and learn more.