Health

What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is also known as blepharoplasty. It is a procedure that is performed by a certified plastic surgeon such as Joel Aronowitz and helps to improve the appearance of a person’s eyelids. This type of surgery can be done on the lower lids, upper lids, or both eyelids. Many patients undergo eyelid surgery to improve their appearance or perhaps they may be having issues with the function of their eyelids.

Purpose of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery can treat a number of things including:

  • Under eye bags
  • Fatty deposits in the eyelids appear as puffiness
  • Sagging or loose skin that impacts the natural contour of the upper eyelid
  • Fine wrinkles and excess skin on the lower eyelid
  • Lower eyelids that droop

You are a good candidate for eyelid surgery if you don’t smoke, have no medical conditions, have no serious eye conditions, and have realistic goals.

Is eyelid surgery expensive?

On average, eyelid surgery costs around $4,120. However, this is only part of what you can expect to pay. This price doesn’t include operating room facilities, anesthesia, or other related costs. It is advised that you speak with your plastic surgeon’s office to determine the final amount you will need to pay.

Furthermore, the amount of your surgery will depend on the experience of the plastic surgeon, the geographic location of the office, and other factors. Most surgeons’ offices offer options for financing, so make sure that you inquire prior to paying for any procedures.

Here is a breakdown of possible factors that determine eyelid surgery costs:

  • Medical tests
  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Surgical facility costs
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Medication/prescription fees

You should also be aware that most health insurance companies do not cover any cosmetic surgery procedures.

Eyelid Surgery Consultation

When you attend your consultation for your eyelid surgery, you will discuss a number of things with your plastic surgeon including:

  • Surgical goals
  • Medical conditions, allergies to drugs, previous surgeries, and medical conditions, particularly with your eyes
  • Current list of medications including herbal supplements, vitamins, tobacco, drug use, and alcohol

Your plastic surgeon will also take pictures, go over all the surgical options with you, and recommend a course of treatment. This is the perfect time to ask any questions you may have to your surgeon as well as address any concerns. It is normal to feel some level of anxiety, but you should experience some relief following your consultation.

Risks

Every surgical procedure comes with risks and complications. This doesn’t mean that they will necessarily occur. Here are some possible eyelid surgery risks:

  • Difficulty closing your eyes
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Numbness of the eyelashes or changes in the sensation of the skin
  • Pain
  • Infection
  • Bruising and swelling
  • Scarring
  • Temporary or permanent change in vision
  • Blindness, although rare
  • Lid lag
  • Eye dryness

Recovery

Your surgeon will send you home with specific instructions so you know how to properly care for your eyes following surgery. You can expect to experience some bruising, swelling, dry eyes, and irritation that you can control with ointment, cold compresses, and medication. You should also be careful and protect yourself when exposed to the sun. You should wear dark-tinted sunglasses until your eyes have fully healed.

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