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BlepharoplastyEyelid Plastic Surgery in Latham, New York

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Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty is a facial plastic surgery procedure designed to correct droopiness and wrinkling of the upper eyelids along with puffy under eye bags. This is achieved by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle or volumizing with fat transfers.

Blepharoplasty may be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both.

Good candidates for blepharoplasty include men and women who are physically healthy and looking to improve the appearance of puffy under eye bags or drooping of the upper eyelids.

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About the Blepharoplasty Surgery

Eyelid surgery typically takes between one and two hours to complete and may be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center such as New England Laser and Cosmetic Surgery Center, or a hospital. Local anesthesia with sedation is often used, though general anesthesia may also be used when needed.

Incisions tend to be well-concealed, being in the fold of the eyelid for the upper eyelids and inside of the lower eyelid for the lower eyelids. Once the incisions are made, excess fat is removed, and sagging skin and muscle may be trimmed.

If excess skin needs to be removed from the lower eyelids, fine sutures are used to close the incisions.
For further tightening of the skin a chemical peel may be applied to skin on the lower lids.

The Sliver Technique

Dr. Williams performs what he calls the “Sliver Technique” on the upper and/or lower eyelids. The purpose of this procedure is to remove loose, excess skin. This excess skin can give someone the appearance that they are aging or constantly looking tired. This is an office procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia, anesthesia that patients would also receive at the dentist.

A fine incision is made in the upper eyelid’s crease, or just under the eyelashes in the lower eyelid. A small amount of excess skin is removed and sewn together with a very fine suture. The sutures are removed in about six days.

Bruising and swelling is common and lasts about a week, but, for some patients, longer. This bruising can typically be camouflaged with makeup at around the eight-day mark, if still present.

It is important to keep in mind that everyone heals differently.

Patients will typically take Tylenol for any discomfort they may have. Post-care instructions are given to the patient on how to care for their incision lines, how often to apply ice and to keep their head elevated for the first few nights while sleeping.

As long as the patient does not request oral sedation, they are able to drive themselves home after the surgery.

Blepharoplasty Surgery Recovery Information

After eyelid surgery, some tightness and soreness of the eyelids can occur and may be controlled with prescription pain medication. Patients should keep the head elevated as much as possible during the first few days and regularly apply cold compresses to help reduce swelling and bruising.

Dryness, itchiness, burning, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and blurred or double vision can occur during the first week. It typically takes ten days for the bruising to fade. Patients can usually resume reading within two to three days, and the stitches will be removed within six days.

Work and most normal activities may be resumed within seven to 10 days, while contact lenses may be worn after two or more weeks. More strenuous activities and alcohol consumption should be avoided for about three weeks.

While the blepharoplasty procedure rejuvenates the eyes, a facelift can erase the signs of aging in the entire face. Also, if patients are considering treatment for both eyelids, brow, and/or forehead, the brow lift can elevate the position of the eyebrows and reduce the lines and wrinkles in the forehead.

Ptosis Repair

Drooping of the upper eyelids is referred to as ptosis. Eyelid ptosis usually occurs when the muscle of the upper eyelid is not strong enough to raise the eyelid.

Mild ptosis repair is considered a cosmetic procedure. More severe ptosis repair can be covered by insurance. To determine whether this is a covered procedure, patients may have to have a field of vision study done to determine if this is a medically necessary procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What can I expect during a consultation for blepharoplasty?

    During a blepharoplasty consultation, prospective patients will meet with Dr. Edwin Williams to discuss their goals and expectations and take a thorough medical history. Dr. Williams will explain all details of the surgery including the technique, the anesthesia, the facility, the costs and the risks.

  • Where is blepharoplasty surgery performed?

    Blepharoplasty may be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. At The Williams Center, blepharoplasty procedures are performed at the New England Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Center.

  • What type of anesthesia is used for blepharoplasty?

    Blepharoplasty may be performed with either local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia.

  • How is blepharoplasty performed?

    First, incisions are made, either in the fold of the upper eyelid or in the inside of the lower eyelid. Excess fat is then removed, and skin and muscles may be trimmed. Finally, very fine sutures are then used to close the incisions.

  • How long does blepharoplasty take to complete?

    Blepharoplasty typically takes between one and two hours to complete.

  • Are there scars after blepharoplasty?

    The incisions made during blepharoplasty will result in scars, though they tend to be well-concealed. They are made in the fold of the upper eyelid or in the inside of the lower eyelid. While the scars may appear slightly pink at first, they will fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line within six or more months.

  • Is blepharoplasty a painful procedure?

    Some tightness and soreness of the eyelids can occur, but pain medication can be prescribed to help control any discomfort that patients experience.

  • What is the recovery like after blepharoplasty?

    Patients may experience some tightness or soreness of the eyelids right after surgery which can be controlled with prescription medication. In addition, some dryness, itchiness, burning, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and blurred or double vision can occur during the first week.

    To help reduce swelling and bruising, it is best to keep the head elevated as much as possible and use cold compresses during the first few days.

    Bruising may take anywhere from ten days to two weeks to fully fade. Stitches are usually removed within six days, while reading may be resumed within two to three days. Patients who wear contact lenses may do so after two or more weeks.

    Patients can typically return to work within seven to ten days, though more strenuous activities and alcohol consumption should be avoided for about three weeks.

  • Will I be able to drive myself home after my blepharoplasty procedure?

    It’s best to make preparations for someone to drive you home after your surgery and help you for the first day or two after surgery.

  • How much time will I need to take off from work after undergoing blepharoplasty?

    Most patients find that they can return to work and most other normal activities within seven to 10 days.

  • When can I exercise after undergoing blepharoplasty?

    Vigorous exercise and strenuous activities should be postponed for about three weeks.

  • What are the risks or complications that can occur with blepharoplasty?

    Potential complications that may occur after eyelid surgery are: bleeding, difficulty in completely closing the eyes, dry eyes, infection, pulling down of the lower lids, slight asymmetry in healing or scarring, swelling at the corners of the eyelids, temporary blurred or double vision, and whiteheads.

    Dr. Williams will discuss any potential complications during the initial consultation.

  • Does insurance ever cover the cost of blepharoplasty?

    Blepharoplasty procedure performed solely for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance. However, some degree of coverage may be available in cases where drooping of the upper lids interferes with vision.

  • Is it possible to get financing for a cosmetic procedure?

    Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures. For more information, contact us.

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