Your eyes are one of the first features people notice on your face — unfortunately, they are also one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Genetics, gravity, sun exposure, stress and other damaging factors can wreak havoc on the delicate skin around your eyes, causing dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles and drooping lids that age your entire face.
Eyelid lift surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat — usually along with excess skin and muscle — from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct droopy upper lids and heavy bags below your eyes, features that make you look older and more fatigued than you feel and may even interfere with your vision. If you are ready to restore a rested, refreshed appearance to your eyes, blepharoplasty surgery at Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso offers you the care and expertise you deserve.
You will have an initial consultation with either Dr. Jabor or Dr. Reynolds. This is your chance to have all of your questions about eyelid lift surgery answered.
Dr. Jabor or Dr. Reynolds will evaluate your overall health to make sure you are a candidate for blepharoplasty and not at risk for any unnecessary complications during the procedure or the recovery.
You will be provided with directions you must follow prior to surgery. You may need to avoid smoking, certain vitamins and drugs, and some food or drink.
Blepharoplasty surgery can correct cosmetic concerns as well as functional issues. Cosmetic blepharoplasty restores a more open and youthful appearance to aging eyes. The following are common reasons why patients consider this type of eyelid surgery:
Functional blepharoplasty is performed for medical reasons. In most cases, it is done to improve a patient’s vision when the skin of the upper eyelid has become so heavy that it impairs their ability to open their eyes. Functional blepharoplasty is also done to alleviate irritation caused by folds of excess eyelid skin rubbing together or forehead discomfort caused by overused muscles straining to relieve the pressure of sagging skin weighing down the upper lid.
Blepharoplasty does not eliminate dark circles under your eyes, remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles, or lift drooping eyebrows. While it can add an upper crease to Asian eyes, it will not erase evidence of your ethnic or racial heritage. Eyelid surgery can be combined with other facial surgery procedures if you desire improvements to areas or concerns that blepharoplasty cannot address.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CareCredit® and Prosper are both options for financing your healthcare services. El Paso Plastic Surgery accepts both! Please visit the company websites to learn more.
At Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso, we pride ourselves in the fact that all new consults meet with the surgeon and will be seen by the surgeon from start to finish. Schedule your personalized consultation for any of our cosmetic surgery procedures. Consultation fees are due at the time of scheduling (Dr. Mark Jabor: $200.00; Dr. Dale Reynolds: $200.00; Dr. Jaime Aburto: $150.00) and go toward the cost of any procedure or surgery.