Eyelid Surgery: What To Consider

April 4th, 2016 | Posted in: Cosmetic Surgery, Eyelid Surgery | Tags: youthful

Also known as a blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that helps to improve the appearance of your eyelids. This surgery can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelids, or both depending on the severity of work that needs to be done. Eyelid surgery has both medical and cosmetic benefits, and can be used to treat functional problems with your eyelids such as eyelid cysts or facial nerve damage, or can be used to alter your appearance and rejuvenate the area around your eyes for a more youthful and revitalized look. Conditions like droopy eyelids may also cause impaired vision, so eyelid surgery in this case will both improve your vision and improve your appearance. With that in mind, here’s what you can expect from eyelid surgery, from the actual procedure, to costs and recovery.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

An eyelid surgery removes excessive skin, muscle and fat from upper and lower eyelids. In some cases, may only need only skin removed, and the procedure can be done on both the upper and lower eyelids if necessary. During the procedure, incisions will be made in the natural folds of the eyelids, which will be pretty unnoticeable once they have healed. These incisions will allow your surgeon to remove excess skin, muscle and fat as needed, and this will depend on the structure of your face and the severity of the work that you want or need done. If necessary, your surgeon might use a carbon dioxide laser to smooth out the remaining wrinkles that are now exposed due to the lifting of your eyelids.

Cost and Recovery of Eyelid Surgery

According to 2014 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of eyelid surgery is $2,874. However, this does not include the cost of anesthesia or operating room fees for more extreme eyelid surgeries. You also should check with your insurance company, as medical eyelid surgery for conditions such as dry eyes may be fully or partially covered after you meet your deductible.

Recovery is also relatively mild from most eyelid surgeries, although as with any surgery, complications can arise. You will experience mild discomfort and swelling in the days following surgery, so you need to make sure to ice and heat appropriately as detailed by your medical professional. Your eyes may also become red and bloodshot while healing, and if you feel pain you should make sure that you get a recommend pain pill prescription. Typical recovery time is four to seven days, as the sutures from the incisions will dissolve on their own.

Eyelid surgery is a big step in making your eyes a beautiful part of your facial features. For additional questions, you should consult your medical professional and see exactly what eyelid surgery can do for you.