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Your eyes are often the first things people notice about you, and are an important part of your overall appearance. Over time, the upper eyelid skin looses its elasticity and stretches, the fat bulges, the eyelid muscles weaken, and the eyelids droop. This condition detracts from your overall appearance and makes you look older or tired. The droopiness can irritate your eyelashes or even touch your glasses. And, in more severe cases, this excess skin may interfere with your field of vision and activities such as driving.
Eyelid surgery, or Blepharoplasty, is a procedure to remove this excess skin and bulging fat, and to tighten lax muscle of the upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty may restore a more youthful appearance and enhance your vision by the removal of the excessive skin. However, it is important to know that it will not remove wrinkles, puffiness under the eyes or sagging eyebrows. There are other procedures for these conditions.
The best candidates are those who are healthy and well motivated with realistic expectations. Some medical conditions may increase the risks in Blepharoplasty such as thyroid disease and patients who do not make sufficient tears to keep their eyes well lubricated.
During your initial consultation with Gulfcoast Eye Care, our experienced eye doctor, Dr. Michael Manning, will discuss your individual situation and any concerns you may have. After thoroughly discussing your expectations and the limitations of the procedure, Dr. Manning will tailor the most appropriate treatment for you.
Blepharoplasty is generally performed in an outpatient surgery center using light anesthesia. It is performed on an outpatient basis so the procedure typically only takes a few hours of your time. During the procedure, our doctor will make incisions in the natural lines or creases of your eyelids to minimize visible scarring.
The excess fat and sagging skin are then removed, weakened muscle may be tightened, & the incisions are closed with fine sutures.
After the treatment, Gulfcoast Eye Care and our experienced doctor will monitor your progress closely for the first few weeks. Patients often return to work within 7-10 days and bruising usually goes away within a couple weeks. Healing is a gradual process, and your scars may remain slightly pink for six months after surgery. Eventually, they’ll fade to thin, nearly invisible white lines. The results of your treatment will provide a functional improvement and a more youthful appearance with minimal risk. If eyelid surgery is being performed to improve your peripheral vision, the procedure may be covered by insurance. Otherwise, it is considered a cosmetic procedure and insurance normally will not cover it.
*Individual Results May Vary
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