Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is performed by Dr. Potter to correct sagging eyelids, remove fatty pouches beneath the eyes and remove excess skin from the upper eyelids. This procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift, a brow lift or laser skin resurfacing.
Your eyelid surgery consultation
The initial consultation will consist of discussing your current condition, your expectations, and the probable outcome of the surgery. With the help of before and after photos from patients with similar conditions, you will be shown examples of the surgery. Before and after photos may be taken of your treated area in order to track and document your results.
The eyelid surgery procedure
Blepharoplasty is generally preformed under local anesthesia but can be performed under general anesthesia. Upper eyelid is corrected with fine incisions in the crease above each eye where a tin crescent of excess skin and muscle is removed. To remove the fatty deposits beneath the eyes, the incisions are placed just inside the lower eyelid. After the fat is removed, the incisions may be closed with absorbable sutures or may be left to heal naturally. When excess skin and muscle needs to be removed from the lower lids, the incisions are placed in the natural smile crease below the lash line. depending on the extent of the surgery the procedure can take between 1 – 2 hours.
Even in younger people, eyelid problems are common. When eyelid problems interfere with your vision, correction may be covered by your health insurance. Cosmetic eyelid surgery may not be covered in part or in whole by your health insurance. It is the patient's responsibility to check with their insurance provider for the information on the degree of coverage.
What about insurance for eyelid surgery?
What about recovery for eyelid surgery?
When Dr. Potter performs your eyelid surgery alone, and not with a facelift, it is generally done under local anesthesia. After surgery, the area around your eye will be bruised and swollen for about 2 weeks. Patients should keep their heads up and place cold compresses on their eyes periodically. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed. Patients cannot wear contact lenses for about two weeks since the eyelids may be stiff and sore. Make-up may be worn after about 10 days. The resulting hairline scars, which follow the natural contour of the eyelids, tend to fade in about two months. After cosmetic surgery, our patients have a softer, more youthful look to their faces. Many seem to have a new spring in their step after facing their fresher reflections in the mirror.
