SHOP NOWWith age, the delicate skin of our eyelids tends to sag, wrinkle, and accumulate fat, leading to a tired or aged appearance. Blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery) performed by Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Tal T. Roudner rejuvenates and refreshes the eye area with results that accentuate the natural beauty of the eyes.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, is a plastic surgery procedure performed on the eyelids. Blepharoplasty is performed to enhance the appearance of the upper eyelids or lower eyelids, addressing common age-related concerns such as droopy excess skin, under eye bags, and puffiness.1
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery focuses on removing excess skin and excess fat from the upper lids. This procedure restores a more youthful, open look to the eyes and can improve vision obstructed by drooping skin.
For most patients, upper blepharoplasty is an elective cosmetic procedure. However, when droopy eyelids (ptosis) are extensive enough to interrupt a patient’s visual field, upper eyelid blepharoplasty can have functional benefits as well.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery targets the area around the lower lids. This procedure reduces bags, puffiness, and dark circles, rejuvenating the appearance and creating a smoother transition from the eyelid to the cheek. In some patients, lower lid blepharoplasty is performed as a reconstructive surgery procedure to correct lower eyelid retraction or laxity from trauma, burns, chronological and facial fractures or due to skin cancer
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty offers numerous aesthetic and functional benefits:
- Reduction of droopy or sagging eyelids
- A firmer, more youthful appearance to the eye area
- Elimination or reduction of under eye bags, puffiness, and dark circles
- Enhancement of peripheral vision, often hampered by excessive eyelid skin (ptosis)
- Boost in self-esteem
- Long-lasting results that age gracefully with the patient
Candidates For Eyelid Surgery
Good candidates for blepharoplasty typically include individuals who:
- Are troubled by droopy eyelid skin
- Have puffiness or bags under the eyes
- Experience impaired vision due to excess eyelid skin (ptosis)
- Seek to rejuvenate their eye area for a refreshed appearance
- Enjoy overall good health, without serious eye conditions
- Hold realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery2
Preparing For Eyelid Surgery
Preparation is a crucial step towards ensuring a successful blepharoplasty surgery and exceptional patient experience. During the initial consultation, Dr. Tal T. Roudner will discuss your specific goals and evaluate your suitability for eyelid surgery. It is important to share your complete medical history, including any past facial treatments or surgeries, and any medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. Dr. Roudner might advise an eye examination with an ophthalmologist to ensure optimal results. He will also provide detailed preoperative instructions, which could include temporarily discontinuing certain medications or supplements to reduce bleeding risks. Additionally, patients are advised to avoid smoking and alcohol before the procedure to aid in recovery. It’s essential to arrange for someone to drive you home post-surgery and to assist during the initial recovery period. Adhering to these guidelines and Dr. Roudner’s advice is key to a smooth eyelid surgery experience.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Blepharoplasty surgery with Dr. Roudner is an outpatient procedure, typically performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the individual case. For an upper eyelid lift, incisions are made in the natural creases of the eyelids, allowing for discreet scarring. In lower eyelid surgery, incisions are strategically placed just below the lash line or inside the eyelids (transconjunctival incision). Through these incisions, Dr. Roudner meticulously removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and muscle, enhancing the eye’s contour. The procedure concludes with fine sutures to minimize scarring. Dr. Roudner’s precision and attention to detail ensure that the results are both natural and aesthetically pleasing.
Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
After blepharoplasty, patients can expect some swelling and bruising in the eye area, which is normal and subsides gradually. Any discomfort during the recovery period can typically be managed with prescribed medications and cold compresses. Most patients are able to resume non-strenuous activities and return to work within about a week. Dr. Roudner will prescribe eye ointment and eye drops to aid in the healing process and will recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity for a few weeks post-surgery. Following these post-operative care instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal healing.
Blepharoplasty Results
The transformative results of an eyelid lift with Dr. Roudner begin to emerge within a few weeks post-surgery, with the final outcome visible once swelling and bruising fully resolve, usually within three to six months. Patients enjoy a more refreshed, youthful appearance, with the eye area looking rejuvenated. Following Dr. Roudner’s post-operative care advice is essential to maintain the surgery’s effectiveness and ensure lasting results.
Eyelid Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have scars after eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty incisions are carefully placed in discrete areas, such as the natural eyelid crease or inside of the lower eyelid. As a result, there should be no visible scarring after eyelid surgery.
Is blepharoplasty covered by insurance?
In most cases, blepharoplasty is considered to be an elective cosmetic surgery procedure and is not eligible for coverage by medical insurance. However, if a patient’s visual field is interrupted by droopy eyelid skin (ptosis), functional blepharoplasty may be covered.
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
The cost of blepharoplasty is dependent on each patient’s unique treatment plan. We will go over the cost of your eyelid surgery during your consultation.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Certainly. For patients seeking more pronounced facial rejuvenation, Dr. Roudner may combine blepharoplasty with facial plastic surgery procedures such as brow lift, facelift, or neck lift. Dr. Roudner also offers non-surgical options such as BOTOX®, dermal fillers, and lip augmentation. During your consultation with Dr. Roudner, you will have the opportunity to discuss all of your cosmetic goals. He will help you learn more about the options available to you, and together you will create a customized treatment plan.
What are the risks of eyelid surgery?
Like all surgical procedures, eyelid surgery is associated with risks and complications, though these can be minimized by working with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Tal T. Roudner. Possible complications of blepharoplasty include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Dry eye
- Visible scarring
- Impaired eyelid function
- Eyelids that roll outwards (ectropion)
- Lid lag (downward turn of the lower eyelid, often temporary)
- Blood clots
- Changes in skin pigment
- Changes in skin sensation3
Contact Us
If you live in the Miami area and are interested in reducing signs of aging to reveal eyes that appear more youthful, refreshed, and alert, contact us today to schedule a blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. Tal T. Roudner.
References
1 Mayo Clinic. Blepharoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174. Accessed January 19, 2024.>
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/candidates. Accessed January 19, 2024.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty). Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8409-eyelid-surgery-blepharoplasty. Accessed January 19, 2024.
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Dr. Tal Roudner has either authored or reviewed and approved the content on this website.
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