WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY ?
Blepharoplasty is a surgery that corrects drooping eyelids, medically known as "ptosis." Our Miami blepharoplasty surgeons trim away any excess skin and fat on the lower and/or upper eyelids during eyelid surgery to reopen and brighten the eyes. An upper blepharoplasty targets sagging eyelids, while a lower blepharoplasty fixes undereye bags and dark circles. Drooping eyelids and undereye puffiness are caused mainly by age and genetics but can also result from trauma or medical disorders. Regardless of the cause, our board-certified surgeons at Body Aesthetic Center will design the most effective treatment plan to restore your facial harmony and confidence.
BENEFITS OF EYELID SURGERY
Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper and lower eyelids for cosmetic and medical reasons. Blepharoplasty is worthwhile for individuals who want to look younger and more rested around the eyes. Our patients enjoy dramatic, long-term results with an easy recovery after treatment.
Cosmetic Benefits of Blepharoplasty
- Eyebag removal
- Elimination of dark circles
- Reduced puffiness
- Lifted eyelids
- Diminished lines and wrinkles
Medical Benefits of Blepharoplasty
- Cured ptosis (eyelid sagging over the eye)
- Improved field of vision
- Reduced strain on forehead muscles
- Firming of lax muscles
- Improved quality of life
FUNCTIONAL VS. COSMETIC BLEPHAROPLASTY
Eyelid surgery can be performed for two reasons: functional and cosmetic. While cosmetic blepharoplasty aims to replenish the eye's appearance, functional blepharoplasty remedies ptosis. Ptosis refers to sagging of the eyelids, which often droop and block the patient's vision; this results in pressure on their forehead muscles as they lift their brow to see clearly. Skin loses elasticity and sags with age, creating a barrier that makes it difficult to see. Functional eyelid surgery removes this obstruction and alleviates the discomfort of strained forehead muscles.
TYPES OF BLEPHAROPLASTY
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty is often called an "eyelid lift" or "droopy eyelid surgery" since it opens the eye by removing skin excess in the upper regions. It makes patients look younger and prevents vision problems caused by ptosis (eyelids hanging over the eye). Upper eyelid surgery can be performed alone or with lower blepharoplasty to revitalize the face.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, treats puffy and/or sunken areas below the eyes. This type of eyelid surgery is often called "eye bag removal surgery" since it erases bags and dark circles in the undereye. It can be performed independently or combined with upper blepharoplasty for a completely regenerated look.
Double Eyelid Surgery
Double eyelid surgery creates a natural crease in monolid eyes. A monolid is a skin fold in the upper eyelid that hangs over the eye, creating the illusion of one eyelid fold instead of a double lid. The eyelid surgeon will lift and mold the surplus of skin to create double eyelids.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND LASER ?
Laser eyelid surgery uses a CO2 laser instead of a scalpel to create the incisions. The laser is specifically designed to make precise incisions in soft tissue and produces minimal bleeding since it seals blood vessels as it moves through the tissue. In comparison to traditional methods, laser eyelid surgery reduces post-surgical bruising, swelling, and discomfort, leading to a quicker healing process.
BLEPHAROPLASTY INCISIONS AND SCARS
The incisions for eyelid surgery are designed to conceal scars within the natural lines and contours of the eye. Upper-lid blepharoplasty incisions are made approximately 6 to 8 mm above the eyelash crease, while lower-lid incisions fall immediately below the lower lash line. The Miami blepharoplasty surgeon will trim sagging skin and remove excess fat around the eyes. Once the excess tissues have been removed, they will stitch the skin and bandage it for healing. The scars will fade from red to pink following your eyelid surgery, eventually becoming white or skin-colored. In many cases, patients cannot even identify their own scars!
BLEPHAROPLASTY RECOVERY
The recovery time for eyelid surgery is approximately 10 days, and your final results will be visible after six weeks. You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your eyelids after blepharoplasty surgery, including how to apply cold compresses properly. While we provide our patients with personalized plans, there are some general guidelines all patients should follow to ensure a smooth recovery:
- Rest with your head elevated: Use several pillows to support your head and neck while you rest; this minimizes swelling and bruising around the eyes that peaks in the first week after blepharoplasty.
- Avoid sneezing, coughing, and vomiting: They can raise your blood pressure and cause your incision sites to bleed.
- No heavy lifting: Do not bend at the waist or lift items heavier than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) for at least one month after your operation.
IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR EYELID SURGERY
An ideal candidate for eyelid surgery does not smoke or have chronic ailments of the eyes, heart, lungs, nerves, and skin preventing them from undergoing anesthesia. Your surgeon will order laboratory testing and review your medical history to confirm your candidacy for blepharoplasty. They will inform you of any factors that might affect your surgery and recovery process and give you customized preparation and aftercare instructions to achieve your best result.
BLEPHAROPLASTY RESULTS
AT Body Aesthetic Center
Your final blepharoplasty results will begin to show at the 6-week mark. The skin around your eyes will be lifted and wrinkle-free; you will feel as rejuvenated as you look! You will no longer have bags or dark, puffy circles beneath the eyes. Upper-lid blepharoplasty scars typically appear 6 to 8 mm above the eyelash crease, while lower-lid blepharoplasty scars sit directly below the lower lash line. The scars will fade from red to pink, eventually paling to near invisibility. Our patients report full satisfaction with their blepharoplasty results, claiming the surgery made it easier for them to apply makeup, put on contacts, and perform other daily tasks. The results of an upper eyelid lift last up to seven years, but lower-lid surgery yields lasting results and seldom needs to be repeated.
EYELID SURGERY FAQS
The average cost of eyelid surgery at Body Aesthetic Center falls between $2,000 to $5,000USD, depending on the patient's desired results. Our blepharoplasty surgeons in Miami will provide you with personalized pricing at your initial consultation.
Eyelid surgery is considered elective and will not be covered by medical insurance when performed solely for cosmetic reasons. It can, however, be covered by medical insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. Insurance providers use their own medical criteria and parameters to decide whether patients are eligible for surgical coverage. Body Aesthetic Center offers a variety of financing options that allow you to make manageable monthly payments if you do not meet this criterion.
Your blepharoplasty surgeon will assess your medical history to determine if any conditions may interfere with the eyelid surgery or recovery process. If you are eligible to undergo eyelid surgery, the surgeon will advise you to stop smoking at least one month before surgery and cease taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood-thinning supplements at least 2 weeks prior. Our medical staff will deliver further instructions to help you prepare for your blepharoplasty procedure. Strict adherence to these guidelines will reduce risks, promote faster healing, and safeguard your beautiful results.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) poses risks associated with any general surgery, such as the possibility of an adverse reaction to anesthesia and possible blood clots. Other possible complications specific to blepharoplasty include (but are not limited to):
- Infection and bleeding
- Dry, irritated eyes
- Temporarily blurred vision
- Difficulty closing the eyes
- Eye muscle damage
- Skin discoloration
Body Aesthetic Center's eyelid surgeons will discuss how these risks apply to you at your initial consultation.
Upper eyelid surgery lasts for at least 5 to 7 years, whereas lower eyelid surgery seldom needs to be repeated. However, blepharoplasty does not halt the aging process; if your lids sag again after some time, a forehead lift may be more effective.
A non-surgical eye lift combats signs of aging through dermal fillers and Botox. Even though it eliminates wrinkles and fine lines, dark circles, and sunken eye bags, it is not long-lasting and does not correct ptosis. In cases of sagging skin and strained muscles, blepharoplasty surgery is required.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) addresses excess skin and fat in the upper and lower eyelids, whereas a brow lift adjusts the shape and height of the brow. Candidates for a brow lift will have sagging eyebrows caused by a drop in the forehead and flattening of the arch over time.
If your eyebrows are flat or the ends fall lower than the central part of the brow, a brow lift will reconstruct a youthful arch. In contrast, if you only suffer from excess eye tissue, eyelid surgery will remove the sagging excess, reduce fine lines, and "reopen" the upper and lower lids. Your surgeon will determine whether the problem is excess skin in the upper eyelids or if the brows have changed position and recommend the best option.
Yes, Body Aesthetic Center safely and successfully performs eyelid surgery on male and female patients. Our board-certified blepharoplasty surgeons cater to the anatomical differences between the two sexes to achieve a more youthful appearance.