Top 10 FAQs for Eyelid Surgery
Download a list of frequently asked blepharoplasty questions here.
What is blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excessive skin, muscle and fat in the upper eyelids to improve lid function and vision in one’s upper field. It may also provide a feeling of less eye fatigue and may improve one’s cosmetic appearance.
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
If you notice the problems addressed in the first question, you may be a good candidate. That is, your eyelids seem to touch your eyelashes, or the eyelids interfere with the application of eyeliner and mascara. In addition, raising your eyelids with your fingers seems to improve vision and relieve pressure. Any of these point to being a candidate.
Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?
It is covered by insurance, if a visual field test is performed and it shows that taping up one’s lids improves the upper visual field.
What is the recovery time for eyelid surgery?
The main recovery time is the first week. This is the time that the upper lids (and lower lids) are very bruised. Also, sutures usually are present that need to be removed after one week. During this time, a person applies ice to the eyelids and antibiotic ointment. Swimming should be avoided, as well as eye rubbing.
What are the risks and complications of blepharoplasty?
The main risk is the transient bruising which can last several weeks. Infection is a risk, but is reduced by avoiding contaminating the lids in the postoperative period as well as the use of antibiotic ointment. Sometimes additional surgery is needed to tissue that didn’t heal in the usual and expected way. Other types of poor incisional healing can occur in various ways but are uncommon.
How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?
The term used to describe excessive eyelid skin and tissue is dermatochalasis. This is usually an aging process that is aggravated by genetics. Therefore, the aging process continues, and an additional blepharoplasty may be needed at a later date.
What is the difference between cosmetic and functional blepharoplasty?
The fundamental difference is if it is covered by insurance or not. The procedure is basically the same except for perhaps some small additions in a cosmetic procedure. If the taped visual field is positive, then the procedure is likely covered by insurance. If not, it would be considered cosmetic, usually.
How is the procedure performed?
It is a surgical procedure performed in a sterile surgical area. IV or oral sedation may be given in most circumstances. The upper lids are prepped with an antibiotic solution and sterile draping is applied. The excessive and redundant skin, muscle and fat is measured and marked on each upper lid. The upper lid is infiltrated with a numbing agent and the redundant tissue is removed. The incision is closed with sutures and ointment applied. Dressings and ice packs are frequently placed immediately afterwards.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, sometimes a lid tightening procedure, eyebrow lift, or a lower lid blepharoplasty are combined. These, however, are commonly cosmetic in nature.
Will there be visible scarring after eyelid surgery?
In general, as with all surgery, there will be a scar if one looks closely. The blepharoplasty scar is within the normal upper lid fold that everyone has. This fold is usually only visible with eyelid closure. Early on, the incision is red and noticeable upon eye lid closure. Over time it will whiten and look like the typical upper lid fold. Occasionally, small cysts form in the incision line and need to be resected in the office postoperatively.