Eyelids/Blepharoplasty
The eyes are one of the most noticeable features on a person’s face. Unfortunately, years of aging can cause wrinkles and sagging skin around the eyes. This may impair vision and make an individual have a tired or even an angry facial appearance. In fact, the aging process involving the eyes is one of the first to appear, usually starting in our thirties.
Blepharoplasty is a popular surgical treatment that restores a youthful and alert appearance to the eye area. Also known as eyelid surgery, this procedure is regularly performed in conjunction with other facial procedures to attain total facial rejuvenation.
During a consultation, Dr. John Mancoll will review your health history and conduct an evaluation of your face. He will then discuss the options that you have with blepharoplasty and help you decide if the procedure is right for you.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals in good physical and emotional health. All smoking and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, should be discontinued at least 4 weeks before surgery to decrease the likelihood of complications arising. Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcome of their results.
Blepharoplasty may be a good option if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Sagging upper eyelids
- Drooping lower eyelids
- Puffiness under the eyes
- Excess skin around the eyes
- Wrinkles in the eye area
- Areas of bulging fat in either the upper or lower eyelids
Procedure
Dr. Mancoll performs blepharoplasty on an outpatient basis usually with deep sedation. Tiny incisions will be made in the creases of the upper and lower eyelids, where excess skin and tissue are removed. The incisions are closed after the remaining skin is tightened to reduce wrinkles and provide a smoother appearance to the eye area.
Costs
The total cost of blepharoplasty depends on several factors, including:
- Facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical fees
- Prescriptions for medication
In some instances, insurance providers may cover upper lid blepharoplasty if one’s visual fields are being blocked by the presence of too much skin. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Mancoll will be able to determine if your surgery is covered by insurance.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with blepharoplasty, such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Although significant complications are uncommon, patients should understand that any surgery, performed for any reason, has risks and should not be taken lightly.
Recovery
Once surgery is complete, bandages and ointment will be applied to the incisions to speed up the healing process and minimize swelling. Ice packs and prescribed medication will be used to alleviate any pain or discomfort that exists while your body makes a full recovery. Typically, patients return to work after about a week, but strenuous exercise and activity should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks.
Results
The results of blepharoplasty will not be immediately apparent after surgery due to swelling and bruising. However, the eye area will appear more youthful over the coming weeks, and patients can feel confident knowing that their eyes no longer give off a tired appearance. To ensure that the results of blepharoplasty are long-lasting, sun protection should be worn whenever possible.
To schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, please call (757) 305-9185 or fill out our online contact form. Dr. John S. Mancoll regularly performs blepharoplasty for many patients in the Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads area. He is devoted to helping each individual patient achieve the best results possible. We look forward to meeting you soon.
