Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty
Do your eyes always look tired, sad, or angry? Are your eyes always puffy or heavy?
The eyes can be one of the first areas of the face to show aging. Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid lift, is an extremely gratifying procedure for both patients and surgeons. Blepharoplasty can be for the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both.
Upper Blepharoplasty in Summit
The upper eyelids tend to sag, leaving a tired or sad look. Every time you blink, you stretch the eyelid skin. Over time, this can lead to really saggy skin. As well, sometimes eyelid “bags” can develop giving a further aged appearance to the eyes. Upper blepharoplasty can be performed in the office or in the operating room, particularly when done in combination with other procedures.
After numbing is applied, the excess skin is removed carefully. Then, if there is excess fat, that is also removed. Finally, the skin is stitched closed. The stitch is removed in about 5 days. The procedure itself is typically painless, and after surgery, patients usually take 1 or 2 Tylenols only. Many patients will go out for coffee the next day with “celebrity sunglasses” on. The scar is placed in the eyelid crease, becoming nearly invisible!
This procedure can restore 5-15 years of youthfulness to the eyes and results are permanent.
Lower Blepharoplasty
The lower eyelids look heavier over time as the “eyelid bags” start to sag. The eyelid bags are actually fat pushing out.
The procedure is performed in the operating room. An incision is made behind the eyelid. This is called a transconjunctival incision. The puffy fat pads are then seen. The fat is then either removed or repositioned depending on the patient’s anatomy. For some patients, the fat can be brought down into the tear trough, improving this area’s appearance. Excess eyelid crepey skin can be removed if needed either using a laser or by trimming. This procedure can also be done with other rejuvenation procedures.
Ptosis Repair
One or both of the upper eyelids can seem “lazy” or “sleepy” due to weakness of the eyelid-opening muscle. This occurs during aging, from contact lens/eye drop usage, or after eye surgery such as glaucoma or cataracts.
Summit Ptosis repair is performed in the operating room. Depending on the amount of ptosis, an incision will either be made in the eyelid crease or behind the eyelid itself. Dr. Carniol performs ptosis repair with or without upper blepharoplasty to help open the eyes.
Can Upper Blepharoplasty Be Covered Under Insurance?
Yes, upper blepharoplasty can be covered if the upper eyelid skin is limiting vision. Dr. Carniol often sends patients to their ophthalmologist or optometrist for vision testing including the visual field testing, which is needed for insurance to cover the procedure.
Can Filler Be Used Instead of Lower Blepharoplasty?
For some patients, the appearance of the lower eyelid bags can be improved by placing filler around it. This can make the area appear smoother. However, too much filler in this area looks unnatural and filler needs to be added to every year or so. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) can also be used to rejuvenate around the eyes. However, there is no substitute for a permanent improvement of the lower eyelids with lower blepharoplasty.
What is the typical recovery after Eye lid lift surgery?
Dr. Carniol will see patients the day after surgery and frequently after. The stitch will come out in 4-6 days depending on the nature of the procedure. Patients take tylenol and occasionally a stronger pain medication if needed. Patients are able to drive when they feel ready and typically can return to remote work after 3 days. The first few nights, patients sleep in the “La-Z-Boy” chair position to minimize any bruising or swelling. The bruising can often be covered with makeup by day 10 after the procedure. Light exercise can be restarted at 2 weeks.
Tired of tired eyes?
Call our office to see Dr. Paul Carniol and Dr. Eric Carniol, and see how eyes can be rejuvenated.
For patients in the Summit, Chatham, Westfield, Cranford, Springfield, Warren, Watchung, Livingston, Millburn, Short Hills area, we are a short drive away in the Medical Arts Building attached to Overlook Hospital.
Dr. Paul Carniol and Dr. Eric Carniol can discuss both the functional and cosmetic issues with your eyelids and area around the eyes. Call today 908-598-1400 to make your appointment or use our online form request a consultation.
Blepharoplasty
