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Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure to rejuvenate the eye area of the face. It often involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids. The procedure can help correct signs of aging and the “tired look” of drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes. A forehead lift is commonly performed in conjunction with blepharoplasty to improve the overall appearance of the eyes. Blepharoplasty is often combined with other cosmetic procedures as well, such as a facelift and/or fat grafting to surgically enhance the appearance of the face. This procedure is commonly performed on both men and women.

How is the Blepharoplasty (upper or lower eyelid surgery) procedure performed?

The eyelid surgery procedure is performed through hidden incisions within the natural creases of the upper eyelid, below the lash line of the lower eyelids, or inside the eyelid itself without skin incisions. The location of scars will vary depending on your needs. Recovery from blepharoplasty usually requires a week off work and two weeks for any bruising to subside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sleep on my side after eyelid surgery?

We recommend sleeping elevated for approximately 2 weeks after surgery to minimize post-operative swelling as much as possible.

Can you get rid of hooded eyelids?

Hooded eyelids can be a result of excess skin at the upper eyelids. An upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes this excess skin from the upper lids. There are less invasive treatments, such as Botox or Upneeq, that can be used to help open the eyes, providing a more alert and youthful appearance.

How do you reduce bruising after eyelid surgery?

Patients can minimize their risk for bleeding and bruising by following our pre-operative instructions regarding medications to avoid. We recommend patients avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. We also encourage patients to eliminate alcohol consumption in the week prior to surgery. These are easy measures to reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising as much as possible.

How is upper eyelid surgery performed?

An upper blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure that removes excess upper eyelid skin. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we use MAC anesthesia for optimal patient comfort and safety during surgical procedures. By making a small incision at the upper eyelids, Dr. Coan will carefully remove excess skin to provide a lifted appearance to the eyes. You can expect to be at our surgery center for approximately 1-2 hours for the entire procedure.

Can Botox lift droopy eyelids?

While Botox to the crow's feet region can serve to open the eyes, Botox cannot dramatically correct true eyelid ptosis. Droopy eyelids, or eyelid ptosis, can be addressed with surgical procedures that either repair the muscle ptosis or remove excess skin.

How long are eyes blurry after blepharoplasty?

Postoperative blurry vision is largely due to the lubricating eye drops we recommend for patients. This ophthalmic ointment is used post-operatively to avoid excessive drying of the eyes, and it can sometimes cause incidental blurred vision. We typically recommend using this ointment for about 3-5 days after surgery, so this is about how long you can expect blurry vision.

Why is my vision blurry after a blepharoplasty?

Postoperative blurry vision is largely due to the lubricating eye drops we recommend for patients. This ophthalmic ointment is used post-operatively to avoid excessive drying of the eyes, and it can sometimes cause incidental blurred vision. We typically recommend using this ointment for about 3-5 days after surgery.

Can you go blind from blepharoplasty?

We always recommend choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for any elective procedure. While there are always risks and complications with any surgical procedure, the likelihood of total blindness is relatively low in the right hands.

Can droopy eyelids cause blurred vision?

If severe enough, droopy eyelids can impede an individual's ability to see. If your vision is impacted by eyelid ptosis to a certain degree, a corrective procedure can oftentimes be covered under insurance. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we are out-of-network with all insurance companies.

Does eyelid surgery leave scars?

While there are different techniques for upper blepharoplasty, typically the scar utilized is well-concealed within the crease of the upper eyelid. It is important to note that every patient is different, but these scars typically heal quite nicely. They can also be easily covered with the use of make-up.

How do you fix droopy eyelids?

Eyelid ptosis refers to the drooping of the lid. This can be corrected with surgical procedures. There are noninvasive options that can help to lift the eyelids. Upneeq is a prescription eye-drop medication used to treat acquired eyelid ptosis. It works to lift the upper eyelids approximately 1-2 mm to give a more alert and awake appearance to the eyes. This is a great option for patients who may not be suited for surgical intervention.

How long after blepharoplasty do you see results?

You can see blepharoplasty results immediately after surgery; however, it is normal to expect some degree of swelling post-operatively. This may obscure results, making it more difficult to see your immediate outcome. We find the majority of patients are fully healed by about 3 months after surgery, which is when we take final photos and judge your final results.

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Dear Dr. Coan, Heartfelt thanks for your TLC and excellent skills ~ especially your knowledge and appreciation of micro-surgical techniques! Your feedback gave me a lot of confidence and assurance regarding my healing process. I am slowly re-introducing activity, and feeling great. Mary Ann

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Everyone here at Care plastic surgery are completely amazing people. They all made me feel very comfortable and safe in their hands. Dr. Coan is an amazing surgeon and does his absolute best to make sure you leave here looking and feeling amazing. -Mary John

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