What is Eyelid Surgery?
Our eyes can say a lot about us. One’s eyes can be extremely telling in what we think or how we feel. As we age, the skin around our eyes can lose elasticity and sag, resulting in a tired or worn expression. This can be frustrating, especially when you feel as though you’re full of life, yet are always asked by others if you’ve had a long day. An eyelid surgery (also known as Blepharoplasty) can return your face to a more youthful and bright-eyed image. Dr. Andres uses his precise abilities and considerable practice to grant you with features that appear more youthful and fresh during his eyelid surgery in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Eyelids and the Aging Process
The process of aging can affect every feature of the face, and the eyelids are no exception. As we grow older, the body produces less collagen and elastin, and the skin gradually loses its youthful quality and flexibility. Skin laxity, along with the force of gravity, can cause excess skin to collect in the upper and lower eyelids.
In the lower lids, excess skin can cause, bags, bulges, and wrinkles. An extra fold of loose, excess skin on the upper lids can interfere with the natural contours of the eyelid, or droop so low it is below the lashes, impairing vision.
What are the benefits of eyelid surgery?
Patients choose eyelid surgery in Scottsdale with Dr. Andres for a variety of benefits, including:
- Lift and perk up drooping upper eyelids.
- Remove non-essential lower eyelid fat.
- Reduce the appearance of unappealing puffiness from underneath the eyelid.
- Reclaim an established, clean crease of the upper lid.
- Remove excess eyelid skin, which would otherwise block one’s vision.
Am I a candidate for eyelid surgery?
If your lower or upper eyelids are sagging, creating a fatigued look, or in some cases even impairing your vision, you may be an excellent candidate for blepharoplasty. Eyelid surgery can open up the facial expression and restore a youthful-looking countenance. Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty in Phoenix are mentally and physically healthy non-smokers with no significant medical issues to contend with, such as hypertension or bleeding disorders. Lastly, patients should be positive and realistic in what they hope to accomplish with their surgery, based on a private consultation with our team.
Before & After Eyelid Surgery with Dr. Albert Andres
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery is often called an “eye lift.” This procedure should not be confused with ptosis surgery of the upper eyelid, a technique that involves tightening the tendons and muscles that elevate the upper lids. The technical term for upper eyelid surgery is upper eyelid blepharoplasty. This procedure has changed dramatically in the past two decades. Modern surgical techniques remove less skin and fat from the upper eyelids to avoid causing incomplete eyelid closure and dry eye symptoms – and an unnatural, wide-eyed look.
A deeper understanding of the upper eyelid dynamics has led to advanced surgical techniques, some originating from the surgery used in Asian double eyelid surgery. These techniques allow plastic surgeons to create a crisp upper eyelid fold at the perfect height for the individual patient.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Adults of all ages can live with puffy, baggy lower eyelids, although this cosmetic problem may appear and worsen with aging. Dr. Andres' lower eyelid surgery in Scottsdale is a simple procedure to remove excess fat and skin of the lower eyelids.
The most important aspect of lower eyelid surgery is determining exactly how much skin and fat to remove. Overly aggressive eyelid skin removal can cause lower lid retraction (pulling down of the eyelid) and other complications that can affect the health of the eye -- and create an unnatural look.
Dr. Albert Andres is a board-certified plastic surgeon with an extensive background in reconstructive and plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures of the face. He knows exactly how much eyelid skin should be removed to achieve the most aesthetic, natural appearance.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can drastically reduce the puffiness and bags in the lower lids that can give a person a tired, worn appearance. This procedure is performed on both women and men to create a look of well-being, youth, and vitality.
Functional vs. Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty may be covered by health insurance if it is performed for medical reasons. Usually, a functional eye lift is performed to remove drooping skin from the upper eyelids hanging low enough to impair vision. Baggy upper or lower eyelids can also make it difficult to wear glasses or contact lenses for vision correction.
Functional eyelid surgery may be performed to treat other medical concerns. These include:
- Forehead discomfort caused by muscles straining to lift sagging eyelid skin
- Irritation from excess skin folds in the eyelids rubbing together
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, on the other hand, is performed for aesthetic reasons. This procedure can give the entire face a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Blepharoplasty is most frequently performed for cosmetic reasons.
About The Procedure
Routinely, blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure using IV sedation or general anesthesia, which is exclusively delivered under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist. For upper eyelid surgery, an incision is positioned tactfully along the crease of the upper eyelid, so scarring is practically unnoticeable. It is through these carefully placed incisions that any extra skin as well as fat is removed. With regard to lower eyelid surgery, placement of the incision will be within the lower eyelids or along the lower lash line, depending upon what Dr. Andres deems most suitable for your individual features.
During Recovery
After eyelid surgery, any pain you experience can usually be controlled with prescription pain medication. Applying cold compresses as directed for the first 24 hours can help to minimize swelling and bruising. Additionally, it is very important to keep your head elevated as much as possible during the first week or so. Sleeping in a recliner or with extra pillows behind your head helps immensely. Whatever will be most comfortable for you.
Generally, our Scottsdale blepharoplasty patients feel inclined to go back to work between 7 to 10 days. About 3 weeks to 5 weeks after their procedure, patients may resume any strenuous exercise routines. Eye drops may also help with any discomfort you may be experiencing. Above all, please feel free to address our staff with any questions you may have regarding your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
Pricing depends on several different factors, such as the extent of the changes required and on whether the patient undergoes any additional treatments at the same time. Costs will involve the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and postoperative garment fees. We will present you with a detailed, customized quote for services during your initial consultation with the doctor.
Will insurance cover my blepharoplasty?
Insurance carriers cover procedures that they deem medically necessary, so if your blepharoplasty is strictly for cosmetic reasons, it will not be covered. However, if your vision is being impacted by low-hanging eyelids, insurance may cover part or all of your procedure.
What procedures can I combine with my eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty can be well-combined with a brow lift to comprehensively improve the look of the upper face. It can also be paired with dermal fillers and injectables to reduce lines, wrinkles, and creases. If you are interested in additional options for cosmetic enhancement, make sure to discuss your goals with your provider during your initial consultation.
During your consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Andres will want to go over your goals for facial rejuvenation, to ensure that the two of you are on the same page. Dr. Andres will then inspect the desired areas in which you’d like to have refreshed. From there, he will be able to develop a surgical treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. It suggested that you take this opportunity to voice any questions or concerns you may have regarding your procedure, so that Dr. Andres has the chance to address them accordingly. It is important that you feel confident and secure in your choice.
If you would like to discuss the available options for blepharoplasty in Scottsdale, you can request a consultation online. Or if you prefer, you can contact the office directly and one of our staff members will be able to assist you in scheduling your appointment.
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