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Blepharoplasty
As you age, your eyelids can begin to droop and sag, affecting both your appearance and potentially your vision. Blepharoplasty can offer a solution for those seeking to rejuvenate their look and restore their field of vision.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure often performed for cosmetic reasons, though it can also address certain functional issues and be performed for medical reasons as well. As you age, droopy or saggy eyelids become more common due to loose excess skin, weak muscles, or a combination of both.
This natural aging process can not only affect your appearance but may also reduce your peripheral vision, making daily activities more challenging. Whether you’re seeking to improve your field of vision or simply want a more youthful appearance, our oculoplastic surgeon at Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates in San Antonio, Dr. Rowden, can evaluate your needs during your initial consultation and explain what can be enhanced through surgery to accomplish your desired look.
As an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Rowden focuses on creating natural-looking results that align with your aesthetic goals while addressing any functional concerns.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty is a specialized procedure that focuses on removing excess muscle, skin, and fat from your upper eyelids. When these excess tissues are removed, your tired, droopy eyelids are rejuvenated, helping you appear younger and more awake.
During the procedure, Dr. Rowden strategically places incisions within the natural crease of your eyelid, ensuring they are discreet and hard to notice. This careful technique allows her to reshape the area while minimizing any visible scarring, resulting in a natural-looking rejuvenation of your eye area.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
During lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Rowden focuses on removing excess tissue and under-eye bags to enhance the contour of your eyelid. The procedure begins with a careful incision made below your lash line to remove any extra skin.
From there, Dr. Rowden skillfully tightens and lifts the skin, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. This technique effectively addresses concerns like under-eye puffiness while maintaining a natural look.
What Happens During the Blepharoplasty Procedure?
During an upper blepharoplasty procedure, Dr. Rowden uses local anesthesia with mild sedation to ensure you are comfortable. First, she will place incisions in the natural crease above each eye.
Then, she will carefully remove excess skin, muscle, and possibly fat before closing the incision. For lower eyelid blepharoplasty, Dr. Rowden places the incision just below your lash line, where she can access and remove excess tissue and under-eye bags while ensuring any scarring remains hidden.
In most cases, the blepharoplasty procedure will take about an hour to complete. One of the advantages of eyelid surgery is that the skin in this area heals quickly for most people, with scars becoming almost less and less visible over time.
While you can expect some initial bruising and swelling, these side effects typically go away over the course of a few weeks once you’ve healed.
How Do I Know if I am a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
You might be an ideal candidate for eyelid surgery if you experience one or more of the following:
- Excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with your vision
- Persistent bags or puffiness under your eyes
- Drooping upper eyelids that create a tired appearance
- Lower eyelid wrinkles or excess skin
- Upper eyelid heaviness that makes you look older than you feel
Your reasons for considering eyelid surgery may be about improving your vision, enhancing your appearance, or both. If drooping eyelids are affecting your daily activities by limiting your vision, your procedure might be considered medically necessary and could be covered by your insurance.
On the other hand, if you’re mainly interested in achieving a more youthful, refreshed look, the procedure would be considered cosmetic. During your consultation, Dr. Rowden will listen to your concerns and examine your eyes to recommend the best approach for your unique situation.
She’ll also review your health history to ensure eyelid surgery is a safe choice for you.
What is Recovery Like After Blepharoplasty?
Recovery from blepharoplasty is straightforward in most cases, though it requires patience as your body heals. Initial bruising and swelling are normal and typically resolve within a few weeks.
You can usually return to your daily activities within 7-10 days, though complete healing may take several weeks. During your recovery period, it’s essential to follow Dr. Rowden’s instructions carefully, including using cold compresses, keeping your head elevated, and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain amount of time.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery varies depending on your individual needs and whether the procedure is being performed for medical or cosmetic reasons. Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates offers several payment options to help make eyelid surgery more accessible, including accepting checks, credit cards, and CareCredit, a healthcare-specific credit card.
During your consultation at Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates, our team will discuss the many payment options with you. Schedule a consultation to receive a personalized cost estimate and explore which financing solutions best fit your needs.
Do you want to learn more about blepharoplasty or determine if you might be a good candidate for the procedure? Schedule a consultation at Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates in San Antonio, TX, today!
