As one of the most prominent features on our faces, the eye region tends to attract more attention. As we age, noticeable loose skin, puffiness, under-eye bags, and drooping tissues around the eyes can create a tired or fatigued appearance. This can be especially concerning when you feel alert and rested, but your eyes appear otherwise. 

Fortunately, if you’d like to see some “eye-opening” improvement, blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, can be an effective solution. Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can help women and men reverse signs of aging around the eyes to look more vibrant and youthful. Continue reading below to learn more about blepharoplasty and its benefits from our board-certified plastic surgeon in Columbus, Jason B. Lichten, MD.

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both to remove fat and excess skin while tightening muscles, depending on your individual concerns and goals.

Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Lift)

An upper eyelid lift is designed to rejuvenate the upper eyelid areas by excising and/or repositioning fat deposits, tightening muscles, and removing loose or sagging skin. This treatment can even benefit patients who are having trouble seeing clearly due to eyelid “hooding,” a common condition characterized by excess skin hanging over the eyes and disrupting one’s field of vision. 

Lower Blepharoplasty (Lower Eyelid Surgery)

Lower blepharoplasty is focused on improving the lower eyelid areas by decreasing puffy bags, smoothing excess skin and fine wrinkles, and correcting drooping lower lids that expose the white color below the iris.

Overall, upper and/or lower blepharoplasty can provide a multitude of benefits to:

  • Refresh eyes that seem heavy or exhausted
  • Reduce wrinkles and fine lines in the eye region
  • Firm the skin around the eyes for a smoother appearance
  • Correct drooping upper eyelids that may impair vision

Generally, blepharoplasty lasts one to three hours and the majority of patients can recover within a week or two. However, it is necessary to allow an appropriate amount of time for wound healing, bruising, and significant swelling to settle before resuming normal routines and activities. Overall, patients are usually happy with the long-term results of eyelid surgery—often lasting 10 to 15 years or longer with the proper care—and the fact that the procedure typically produces little to no scarring as the incisions can be well-hidden along the natural creases of the eyelids. In fact, RealSelf members give blepharoplasty a 92 percent “Worth It” satisfaction rating.1

Although insurance will sometimes cover blepharoplasty, certain requirements will need to be met, usually a demonstration that it interferes with your vision. If you wish to pursue a blepharoplasty with Dr. Lichten through insurance, you must get a referral from a physician who has been treating you for the symptoms resulting from your drooping eyelids.

Although BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® injections can be extremely effective at lifting and rejuvenating tired eyes, at some point, injections may not be enough. Often patients who complain that their eyes make them look sad or tired may also benefit from the use of dermal fillers to restore the infraorbital hollows or flatness in the cheeks.

If you might be interested in blepharoplasty, it’s best to discuss your eyelid concerns with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Lichten. Although it is a common procedure, it is also a delicate area that should only be treated by someone with meticulous training and knowledge of the most advanced surgical techniques and patient safety protocols.

To learn more about eyelid surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lichten, please contact us today.   

1RealSelf: Eyelid Surgery Reviews