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Introduction
What is a Blepharoplasty (Eyelid) Lift?
The Facial evaluation
The Eyelid-Blepharoplasty procedure
Recovery and healing
Cost of surgery
Introduction
Heaviness of the eyelids and eyebrows can result in droopy looking skin that can make you look tired, sad, or aged. How we feel is often conveyed by the appearance of our eyes. Why not present a confident rested look?
Typically the upper eyelid skin thins and becomes looser with age. Many times at an early age, this area can be “cleaned up” with a minor procedure in the office. The goal always is to have a fresh clean non-operated look.
For those with more advanced findings, Dr. Ress will carefully evaluate your brow and upper lid areas which generally are considered part of the same “cosmetic unit”. [see also Brow Lift]
On the lower eyelids, ageing progresses differently: fatty bulges can occur along with dark pigment and development of the “tear trough”. Dr. Ress develops a unique treatment plan for each patient based on his or her individual anatomy and goals.
In general, a good age to begin eyelid rejuvenation is in your forties followed by maintenance procedures thereafter. While women most frequently seek eyelid improvement, more and more men are seeking eyelid consultation.
What is a Blepharoplasty (Eyelid) Lift?
Upper Eyelid surgery removes excess upper eyelid skin and bulging fat, creating a nice clean look.
Lower Eyelid Surgery involves cleaning up bulging fat pads, conservatively removing excess skin, as well as sometimes lifting the cheeks.
The Facial evaluation.
Dr. Ress will spend time with you to discuss your areas of concern and to make recommendations for how to maximally improve your upper facial and eyelid appearance in order to achieve your goals.
These treatments may range from non-surgical options such as using Botox® and Restylane®, skin peels, to facial surgical procedures that maximally restore youth.
Part of the evaluation will review your health history, current medications, use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs. The best candidates for surgery are healthy individuals who, if they have any medical conditions, have them well managed and well controlled; non-smokers; and individuals who have a positive outlook and specific and realistic goals in mind. You will be asked about your vision and medical conditions that may impact performing eyelid surgery.
Part of the evaluation involves accurately identifying and quantifying typical problem areas including skin type, amount of sun damage, skin excess, brow and eyelid position, presences of wrinkles, fatty bulges etc.
Dr. Ress will frequently have his patients undergo an ophthalmologic check-up to make sure the internal workings of the eye are fine, before operating on the external eyelids.
The Eyelid-Blepharoplasty procedure.
Dr. Ress custom designs each patient’s eyelid procedure. Except for a minor upper eyelid surgery, the procedure itself is done in a certified operating room either in an outpatient center or at the hospital on an outpatient basis. The procedure itself takes approximately 1-2 hours to perform for upper or lower eyelids, or 3 hours if upper eyelid surgery is performed as well.
Sometimes creating a more definitive eyelid crease is done. When a patient has a low positioned eyebrows, a Brow Lift is usually recommended at the same time [link to Brow Lift]. When the skin has a cobble
Recovery and healing.
After surgery, you will notice a small plastic tube in place that removes fluid from the surgical area and helps reduce swelling more quickly. You will experience surprisingly little discomfort afterwards. Swelling is ameliorated with ice packs. Stitches or clips are removed around one week after surgery.
Healing continues for several weeks as swelling resolves. Any numbness resolves over 6 weeks or so. Some bruising may be expected on the forehead or cheeks and resolves spontaneously over several weeks’ time.
Cost of surgery.
At the time of your initial consultation you will be quoted a price of Dr. Ress’ fee as well as the fee for the hospital, anesthesiologist and the direct cost of the implants themselves. Fees are due in full at least two weeks prior to surgery and a security deposit will reserve a specific time and date for your surgery.
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