EYELID PROCEDURES

The most common eyelid surgery is the blepharoplasty. This procedure, done on the upper, lower, or both upper and lower eyelids, involves removing excess skin and small pockets of fat from the eyelid. This drooping, saggy skin can cause irritation and negatively impact your vision. This procedure may be considered cosmetic, but in some case may be considered medically necessary and could potentially be covered through health insurance. Many patients who choose this procedure have noticed drooping eyelid skin has increased with aging, or have hereditary factors that have contributed to this issue. 

If excess eyelid skin is bothering you, you should consider a blepharoplasty to restore a smoother, more youthful looking contour to your upper or lower eyelid. You may be a good candidate for a blepharoplasty if you are a relatively healthy adult who is looking to change the appearance or functionality of their eyelids. It is vital that you have realistic expectations and a positive outlook. Achieving a blepharoplasty is impossible without a scar. Patients typically have an incision along the crease in their eyelid or below the lower lash line, but most patients feel the scar is not noticeable and well worth the benefits of surgery.

BENEFITS OF SURGERY

•  Eliminates excess eyelid skin
• Removes pockets of fat to decrease puffy appearance
• Gives a tighter, smoother contour to the eyelid
• Reduces irritation
• Restores fuller field of vision

WHAT TO EXPECT

Once the decision is made to move forward with surgery, our team will schedule a pre-procedure visit and select your surgery date. A blepharoplasty may be performed under local anesthesia, meaning the area is numbed, or general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep for the operation. Dr. Szymanski will discuss the pros and cons of these options. Surgery typically takes about two hours to complete. You will have a scar along the crease of your upper eyelid or below the lash line of your lower eyelid where the excess skin was removed, but patients most often find the benefits outweigh the scar. You will go home the same day as surgery to recover. We recommend you plan for extra help around the house for the days following your procedure as you adjust and recover. Recovery for each patient varies and depends on your lifestyle.

YOUR CONSULTATION FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY

If you are considering an upper or lower blepharoplasty or wondering if it may be the right procedure for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Szymanski to review your goals and desired results. It is important that you understand and have realistic expectations for the procedure before moving forward. During your appointment, Dr. Szymanski may have you undress to more fully evaluate the area and talk through you concerns. 

Deciding if a plastic surgery procedure is the right choice for you is your individual decision. We want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Before your first consultation with our office, we recommend you write down any questions you have and bring your list with you. It can also be beneficial to bring someone with you who is supportive and a good listener. If you find you have a lot of questions after your consultation, a second appointment to address your questions with Dr. Szymanski is always an option.