Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty

What You Should Expect During Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty may be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. You should wear comfortable clothing on the day of the surgery and arrange for a trusted companion to transport you home. During the procedure, Dr. Jabor or Dr. Reynolds will make tiny incisions along the natural lines of your eyelids, which will leave scars that are practically invisible. The location of the incisions and the specific steps of the procedure will depend on whether you are having surgery on your upper eyelids, your lower eyelids or both.

For upper blepharoplasty, your physician will place the incision in the crease of the upper eyelid. The length and contour of the incision are determined by the degree of extra skin that will be removed to re-define the eyelid crease. Excess fat may also be removed during the procedure. The incisions will be closed with fine sutures once the necessary adjustments have been made.

For lower blepharoplasty, your physician will make the incision along the lower lash line or behind the lower eyelid. This discreet placement minimizes or eliminates visible scarring after the procedure. Through these incisions, fat deposits can be removed or repositioned, the underlying muscles can be tightened and excess skin can be removed.

Healing Once Your Blepharoplasty Procedure Is Finished

After your eyelid lift, you will be able to return home to recuperate in comfortable surroundings. The initial stage of recovery may involve swelling, bruising, redness, discomfort, eye dryness and eye fatigue. You may also temporarily experience tearing, blurred vision or light sensitivity. Over-the-counter medications are often all that is needed to manage pain. Your instructions for postoperative care may include the use of cool compresses and lubricating eye drops, keeping your head elevated during sleep and avoiding strenuous physical activities.

Take it easy and give your body all the rest it needs to heal. Do not drive or participate in activities that require uncompromised vision until you have been cleared by Dr. Jabor or Dr. Reynolds to resume them. Do not wear contact lenses or makeup around your eyes until your physician approves their use. Wearing sunglasses can help manage light sensitivity and protect your healing incisions from UV exposure.

Blepharoplasty patients can expect to require a week away from work and daily activities. Your recovery progress will be carefully monitored by your physician and the Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso team as you visit our office for follow-up appointments. You are welcome to contact our friendly staff at any time if you have any questions or concerns about your eyelid lift recovery.

Life After Your Eyelid Lift

Blepharoplasty patients enjoy a younger and more attractive facial appearance. The skin around the eyes is smoother and tighter, projecting youthfulness and a warmer, well-rested expression. Blepharoplasty surgery can also reduce or eliminate vision problems that make it difficult to perform certain tasks and enjoy life to the fullest. Because the incisions are placed strategically in the natural folds and creases of the eye area, scars are virtually invisible once they have healed. Dr. Jabor and Dr. Reynolds go to great lengths to ensure patients receive natural-looking results.

The results of an eyelid lift can last for many years, perhaps even a lifetime. Your skin will continue to age, and for some patients, minor sagging reappears in the years following their procedure. If this occurs, it is less extreme than it would have been without surgery. You will always benefit from the years your blepharoplasty has taken off your appearance.

Blepharoplasty FAQs

Is blepharoplasty surgery covered by insurance?

The majority of eyelid lifts are elective cosmetic procedures that are not covered by health insurance. If, however, you are undergoing a functional blepharoplasty that is deemed medically necessary, your insurance plan may pay for the surgery or a portion of it. Your insurance carrier will likely require proof that your visual field is restricted or that you are struggling with physical symptoms as a result of excess eyelid skin. Check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage. If you have concerns about paying for your procedure, our helpful staff will be happy to discuss the financing options that are available to you.

Do I need an eyelid lift or a brow lift?

When someone is unsatisfied with the appearance of their eye area, we must determine whether the source of the problem is excess skin in the upper eyelids or drooping eyebrows. Aging causes the forehead and browline to descend, causing bunching of the upper eyelid skin and accentuating any excess skin that is already in that area. If the brows are in a good position, we can perform an upper blepharoplasty by itself. If not, the patient may benefit from combining an eyelid lift with a brow lift. For these patients, performing an eyelid lift without a brow lift will achieve only partial improvement and may yield disappointing results.

What procedures are related to blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is designed to improve one very specific area of the face. For more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, eyelid surgery can be paired with other surgical or nonsurgical procedures. A brow lift is a popular choice. A facelift is also a popular choice for patients who want to improve signs of aging in both the upper and lower face. Nonsurgical treatments that complement eyelid surgery include injectables, chemical peels, facial fat transfer and laser skin resurfacing. Dr. Jabor and Dr. Reynolds can create a personalized treatment plan based on your goals.

Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?

Men and women who do not like the way their eyelids look or who have symptoms as a result of drooping eyelids are potential candidates for blepharoplasty. Although these concerns are often associated with aging, younger patients may also be candidates. There is no “right” age for undergoing eyelid surgery if there is enough excess skin to make it beneficial. This procedure is appropriate for a range of individuals at many stages of life provided they are healthy and comfortable with everything that surgery entails. Most blepharoplasty patients are over 40.

Blepharoplasty with Experienced Providers in El Paso

Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso offers a wide variety of surgical and nonsurgical services to give you the best results possible. When you visit our office in El Paso for your eyelid lift procedure, we will discuss your needs and goals to create a plan that works for you. Our doctors and their knowledgeable staff are always available to answer your questions. Contact us today to request a consultation with Dr. Jabor or Dr. Reynolds for blepharoplasty surgery. Or, for more information, call 915-543-5600 to speak with one of the doctors’ staff assistants. We look forward to helping you achieve the results you desire.