What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts, is performed to improve the issue of excess sagging skin on the upper or lower eyelids. Under-eye puffiness and bags may also be addressed, which can often lead to patients looking older or more tired than they are. For most patients wishing to correct irregularities surrounding their eyes, blepharoplasty may be the ideal solution.
Am I a good candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery is suitable for both men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in their expectations of the procedure. Typically, patients opting to undergo eyelid surgery are thirty five years or older, although for patients with sagging eyelids that are hereditary it may be performed at an earlier age. It should be noted that individuals with serious eye conditions or that smoke may not be candidates for eyelid surgery.
Blepharoplasty – Patient 125
A woman in her mid 60’s whose vision was blocked by excess skin of her upper eyelids and drooping of the eye brows. She is shown before and again, 6 weeks after an upper eyelid blepharoplasty combined with a brow-pexy. ( “pexy” means “to fix in position” ) A brow lift would have decreased forehead lines and improved the aesthetic appearance more by elevating the brow. But a brow lift is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. She elected for a brow-pexy at the time of her blepharoplasty, which does not elevate the brows but fixes them to prevent them from dropping more when a patient sits up. As people age we lose volume in the face and the brows descend, contributing to lateral “hooding” of the brows. Her goal was to improve her blocked vision rather than to maximally improve her appearance
Blepharoplasty – Patient 124
A woman in her early 70’s whose vision was blocked by excess skin of her upper eyelids and drooping of the eye brows. She is shown before and again, 6 weeks after an upper eyelid blepharoplasty combined with a brow-pexy. A brow lift would have decreased forehead lines and improved the aesthetic appearance more by elevating the brow. But a brow lift is considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. She elected for a brow-pexy at the time of her blepharoplasty, which does not elevate the brows but fixes them to prevent them from dropping more when a patient sits up. As people age we lose volume in the face and the brows descend, contributing to lateral “hooding” of the brows. Her goal was to improve her blocked vision rather than to maximally improve her appearance
Blepharoplasty – Patient 123
Asian blepharoplasty in a woman in her early 60’s. She is shown before and again, one year after. Her creases were made more even and she has a natural but more rested appearance after surgery
Brow Lift/Blepharoplasty – Patient 122
A woman in her mid 60’s who is bothered by an aged appearance of her forehead and eyes. She is shown before and again, 7 weeks after a coronal brow lift and a bilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty. When the brows have descended and there is heaviness of the skin in the lateral brow area, this cannot be corrected with a blepharoplasty alone
Brow Lift/Blepharoplasty – Patient 121
A woman in her early 60’s who is bothered by a tired appearance. She does not like the hooded appearance of her eyes and upper face. On questioning she has problems with chronic headaches which may be related to chronic strain of the forehead muscles working to hold the eyebrows up. As we age we lose volume in the face which leads to dropping of the eyebrows. She has had lower eyelid blepharoplasty elsewhere nearly 20 years ago.
She is shown before and again, 6 weeks after bilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty and a coronal brow lift. A brow lift is a “face lift” of the upper face with the incisions hidden in the hairline. The forehead lines diminish because she is no longer working to hold her brows up with the muscles. The brows have been lifted to a natural level and she no longer has a tired appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blepharoplasty
How is Blepharoplasty done?
Blepharoplasty is completed in about an hour with the help of a local anesthetic. During surgery, any unwanted excess skin will be removed. Incisions are closed with removable sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape.
Will I have any scars?
Eyelid surgery incisions are generally placed in a location where the scars will be concealed within the natural configuration of the eyelid. Therefore, scars from eyelid surgery are not regularly visible.
What should I expect during recovery?
During eyelid surgery recovery, patients may experience light bruising, swelling, or irritation to the eyes. Any discomfort is aided with pain medication, ointment, or cold compresses. Recovery time will vary, but everyday activities can normally be resumed after 10 days. It is also imperative that patients avoid direct sunlight to the eye area until the healing process is complete. Dr. Hall will provide you with specific instructions to ensure a safe and quick recovery.
How long will results last?
Results from both upper and lower blepharoplasty are long lasting. Once fat and excess skin are removed from the lower eyelid or under the eye, it will not regenerate.
“I saw 3 surgeons before meeting with Dr. Hall and by far he and his staff was the most compassionate, thorough, professional and helpful. Can’t say how pleased and comfortable he and his staff made me feel.”
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