Eyelid Surgery: An Overview
Blepharoplasty — also called eye lift or eyelid surgery — is a type of surgery that can correct sagging or drooping eyelids. As you age, the skin around the eyes begins to lose its elasticity. Fat deposits collect under the loose skin and give your eyes a puffy, tired appearance that never seems to go away even with adequate rest. In some cases, a severely sagging eyelid can partially block the pupil and cause poor vision. Blepharoplasty can correct the vision problems that sagging eyelids can cause. It can also give the eyes a more youthful alert appearance.
How Blepharoplasty Works
Dr. Numa performs eyelid surgery as an outpatient procedure in a Boston surgery center. On the day of the surgery, you’ll arrive with a friend or family member who will drive you home and stay with you for the first night after the procedure. Upon arrival to the hospital, you will meet with a world-class team of medical professionals will help you prepare for your procedure with Dr. Numa. Medication is administered to help you relax and surgery is performed under general anesthesia, or sedation.
Eyelid surgery is performed by making incisions in your eyelids — along the natural folds, to minimize scarring — and removing the excess elements that are causing the eyelid sagging. Dr. Numa will use stitches to close the incisions.
When you wake up after the eye lift, you will feel sleepy and may experience mild swelling around the eyes. You may also experience blurred vision from the lubricating ointment used during the surgery. Dr. Numa will prescribe or give you some supplies to take care of your eyelids during your recovery. Some of the items that you’ll receive may include gauze, eye drops and antibiotic ointment. Your surgeon may also recommend or prescribe a mild pain medication.
Blepharoplasty Complications and Recovery
Blepharoplasty complications are very rare and may require a doctor’s immediate attention. If you experience anything unexpected, call your surgeon immediately for advice. Most people find the recovery period after an eye lift quite tolerable. Keep your eyelids clean, avoid swimming or strenuous activity and apply ice packs several times daily to keep the swelling down. Your surgeon will remove the stitches from your eyelids and check on your progress after a few days, but it may take several weeks until swelling fully subsides.
Blepharoplasty Cost
Your surgeon will discuss blepharoplasty costs with you during your initial consultation. The cost will depend on the extent of the work to be performed and the number of eyelids requiring surgery. Dr. Numa’s staff will help you determine whether you may qualify for insurance coverage.
Final Thoughts
If your sagging eyelids impair your vision or give your face a dull, tired appearance, you may be an ideal candidate for eye lift surgery, Dr. Numa will work with you to decide whether blepharoplasty is the right choice for you.
