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, realistic in their expectations, and looking to improve the appearance of puffy under eye bags or drooping of the upper eyelids.
Blepharoplastyin Albany, NY
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Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery
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. Incisions tend to be well-concealed, being located 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 eye lids fine sutures are then used to close the incisions. For further tightening of the skin a chemical peel may be applied to skin on the lower lids.
"My experience with Dr. Williams was fantastic! He's extremely thourough, professional and has a wonderful bedside manner. I've been bothered by the puffiness under my eyes and decided to have lower eyelid surgery. Dr. Williams was highly recommended and now I know why, I love my results! I don't have anyone telling me how tired I look, and my results are completely natural. I would highly recommend Dr. Williams, he's very talented and I loved the fact that he specializes in just the face. I can't thank Dr. Williams and his staff enough for making this a wonderful experience for me! "
- Ava
The Sliver Technique
Dr. Williams performs what he calls the "Sliver Technique" on either the upper and/or lower eyelids. The purpose of this procedure is to remove loose, excess skin. This excess skin can give one the appearance of aging or looking tired all of the time. This is an office procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia, similar to going to the dentist.
A fine incision is made in the upper eyelid's crease or, in the lower eyelid, just under the eyelashes. A small amount of excess skin is removed and sewn together with a very fine suture. The sutures are removed in about 6 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 8 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. 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.
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 ten 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.
Dr. Williams will discuss with you during your inital consultation any potential complications that may occur with eyelid surgery are as follows: 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.
While the blepharoplasty procedure rejuvenates the eyes, the facelift can erase the signs of aging in the entire face. Also, if you are considering treatment for both your eyelids and brow and or forehead, the browlift 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 is considered a cosmetic procedure. More severe ptosis repair can be covered by insurance. To determine whether this is a covered procedure you would have to have a field of vision study done to determine if this is a medically necessary procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure which involves the removal of excess fat, skin and muscle in order to correct droopiness of the upper eyelids and puffy bags of the lower eyelids. This procedure may be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids or just on one.
Who is the best candidate for blepharoplasty?
Good candidates for blepharoplasty include men and women who are interested in improving the appearance of drooping upper eyelids or puffy under eye bags. Patients should be physically healthy and have realistic goals and expectations.
What can I expect during a consultation for blepharoplasty?
You will meet with the surgeon for the consultation. During the consultation for blepharoplasty, the surgeon will discuss your goals and expectations, take a thorough medical history. He or she should also 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.
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?
Incisions are first 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. 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’s best to keep the head elevated as much as possible and to 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.
Will I need someone to help me out at home after my blepharoplasty procedure?
It’s best to make preparations for someone to help you out for the first day or two after surgery.
When are the stitches removed after the blepharoplasty procedure?
After blepharoplasty, stitches are typically removed within six days.
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 ten days.
When can I exercise after undergoing blepharoplasty?
Vigorous exercise, strenuous activities and alcohol consumption should be postponed for about three weeks.
What are the risks or complications that can occur with blepharoplasty?
Some of the potential complications associated with blepharoplasty are as follows: 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.
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.
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