What is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance and sometimes even the functionality of the eyelids.
Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both at the same time.
Eyelid surgery is valuable whether you desire to improve your appearance and have more youthful-looking eyes, or you have an actual visual impairment and functional problems with your eyelids.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty, which is sometimes referred to as an eye lift surgery, is a procedure to remove skin and fat from the upper eyelids. It’s ideal for those with loose or droopy eyelids that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision. A thin stitch is used to bring the skin together, resulting in a more youthful eyelid appearance. The suture line is nicely hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes the lower lid excess fat as well as tightens the lower lid skin. Blepharoplasty surgery can drastically minimize the appearance of baggy and puffy lower eyelids, resulting in a more youthful look. Often patients are concerned with their appearance because friends will tell them they look tired, even though they don’t feel tired. If you can relate, then you may be a good candidate for this procedure.
Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
You may be a good candidate if:
- You have excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids.
- You have loose upper eyelid skin that perhaps impairs your vision.
- People say you look tired or sad when you are neither.
- You have a puffy appearance to your upper and/or lower eyelids.
- Your upper eyelids are very thin and wrinkled.
- You have bags and dark circles under your eyes.
What will my eyelid scars be like?
Upper eyelid scars
Dr. Freed will mark the natural lines and creases of your eyelids and keep the scars as hidden as possible along the natural folds. Fine sutures are used along the eyelids, minimizing the visibility of scars.
Lower eyelid scars
When performing lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Freed makes the incision in an inconspicuous site along the lash line and smile creases of the lower lid.
How should I prepare for eyelid surgery?
- Discontinue all blood thinners and any medication that can increase your chance of bleeding two weeks prior to surgery. This includes ibuprofen, diet pills, herbal medications, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and vitamin E. Please discuss any prescription blood thinners with Dr. Freed prior to surgery.
- Please arrange transportation with a responsible caregiver that can take care of you during your immediate postoperative time period.
- Before your blepharoplasty procedure, stock your refrigerator with healthy food, especially foods rich in protein and fiber and low in sodium.
What can I expect for eyelid surgery recovery?
The first week of recovery
- On the day of surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed and take short walks around your home. This keeps the blood flowing and prevents blood clots. This is important if you go under general anesthesia; however, if your procedure is performed as an in-office surgery then this is not as critical.
- Apply cool (not cold) compresses to your eyes, no longer than 20-minute intervals. DO NOT apply ice or anything frozen directly on the cheeks or neck if you have had another facial surgery, such as a facelift. DO NOT apply any pressure. DO NOT apply heat.
- The day after surgery it is important that you take deep breaths periodically throughout the day, this helps prevent lung infections and improves oxygenation. Again, this information is important when having surgery in the operating room, but if you are having an office procedure it is not as critical.
- You will be given clear eye drops after surgery as well. You can use them as needed to calm the eyes as well as wash out any irritants.
- Five to seven days after surgery Dr. Freed will remove the sutures. Two weeks after surgery he will instruct you on massaging the suture lines with eye cream.
- You may wear eye makeup after the sutures have been removed.
- You may take 1-2 pain pills every 4 hours as needed for pain; however, most patients have minimal pain. On a scale of 1-10, many patients report a level 2, so many patients don’t even take pain medication for this procedure. If you do take medication, it is very important to eat a small amount of food with the pain medicine. Having food in your stomach will help prevent nausea. You may take ibuprofen for pain instead of the prescription strength medication if desired.
- After upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery your eyelids will feel tight and often significant bruising occurs but will resolve within two weeks.
- Avoid activities that may dry and irritate the eyes, including reading, watching television, wearing contacts, and using a computer.
- Avoid straining, bending at the waist, and lifting anything over 20 lbs for the first few weeks. We do not want to increase the risk of swelling, bleeding, and pain.
- Sleep slightly elevated on your back for at least the first 3 nights to help reduce swelling.
- You may shower 24 hours after an eyelid procedure.
- Please have someone with you the first time you shower. Sit at the side of the bed first, and wait until you do not feel dizzy or light-headed.
- IMPORTANT: A small amount of swelling is normal after surgery, but if one of your eyelids is significantly larger than the other, then it is important that you contact Dr. Freed immediately at 530-885-4151 or 530-889-5841
- Avoid vigorous exercise and lifting for the first two weeks following surgery.
- We recommend you wear sunglasses for the first two weeks to protect your eyes from irritation caused by sun and wind.
- Avoid hot tubs and saunas for the first two weeks.
- Call Dr. Freed immediately at 530-885-4151 if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, unusual heart rate, new pain, bleeding, or visual disturbance.
What is the cost of eyelid surgery?
If you are researching blepharoplasty cost, you will find it varies based on the surgeon, their location, and the type of facility you are having your procedure in. It can be different whether you’re in Roseville, Sacramento, or the Auburn area. It also depends on whether or not you are having your surgery in an office, surgery center, or hospital. At Freed Plastic Surgery we typically include the following in the eyelid surgery cost:
- Dr. Freed’s professional fee
- Anesthesia
- Operating room cost
- Pre, post, and all follow-up appointments
- Complimentary Makeup application
Can I finance eyelid surgery?
Financing for your eyelid procedure is an option as well. We work with a variety of excellent financing companies that can be used for all types of cosmetic procedures. CareCredit and PatientFi are both reputable companies that offer a variety of easy monthly payment plans.
Learn more about financing your blepharoplasty costs
Blepharoplasty before and after photos
We understand the importance of seeing eyelid surgery before and after pictures before choosing your surgeon. We encourage you to set up a complimentary viewing session with our patient coordinator to see eyelid surgery photos. The results are beautiful and our patients often comment how they wished they would have done this years ago since the recovery time was so much easier than they anticipated.
Why choose Freed Plastic Surgery for your eyelid surgery?
We believe that choosing a plastic surgeon is a very important decision and there are many questions that must be answered when considering cosmetic surgery. You want to make sure your physician is board-certified in plastic surgery, experienced, confidential, caring, and provides excellent care. They should be a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, as Dr. Freed is.
We have listed just a few reasons why we believe Freed Plastic Surgery is the best option for you:
- Dr. Freed and his staff have a wonderful reputation in the Roseville, Sacramento, and Auburn areas for being kind, patient-focused, and providing excellent care in a private setting.
- Dr. Freed has over 25 years of post-residency experience with this procedure, resulting in beautiful and natural eyelid results.
- Dr. Freed understands the aging process and how to create a more youthful and natural appearance.
- We have a fully accredited private operative suite on-site.
- Included in your surgery is your post-care. Eye drops, will be provided.
- We have an on-site medical spa and all cosmetic patients receive 10% savings for a year after surgery.
Schedule an eyelid surgery consultation
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Freed and his caring staff to learn if eyelid surgery is right for you.