Introduction

Both men and women seek eye lifts or tucks to help them look more refreshed and to regain a more youthful appearance. The effect of drooping eyelids may be obscured vision that may interfere with daily tasks that require clear vision such as reading or driving. Many patients complain that the droopy eyelids also give them a tired appearance. Blepharoplasty is the medical term for an eyelid surgery which corrects the drooping or sagging tissues of the upper and lower eyelids. The surgery involves removing skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids with the goal to deflate the upper eyelid fold, sharpen the crease and restore the lower eyelid concavity.

Who is a good candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Good candidates for Eyelid Surgery may notice:

• Tired looking eyes
• Upper eyelid skin hanging over your normal lid crease
• Bulges, bags or furrows under your lower lids
• Smaller or more saggy appearing eyes

Functional Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Medicare and other commercial insurances may cover upper eyelid blepharoplasty if it is causing a functional problem that interferes with your vision. Many patients complain of decreased field of vision and poor vision for daily tasks such as driving or reading. Special tests are performed by Dr. Jones and his staff to determine the level of vision loss that might be occurring due to droopy upper eyelids. The results of these tests along with your confidential consultation with the surgeon will be used to determine if the upper eyelid droopiness is sufficient for Medicare or your insurance to cover the treatment.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Loose skin and puffiness under the eyes can be addressed with a lower blepharoplasty which will deflate the lower eyelid fold and restore the natural concavity. Lower blepharoplasty will result in decreased puffiness under the eyes and will help to restore a more rested and youthful appearance. However, the lower eyelids rarely interfere with vision and lower blepharoplasty is not typically covered by Medicare or insurance. Often times, patients will combine a lower blepharoplasty with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty in order to minimize downtime.

Cosmetic Blepharoplasty

Eyelid Tucks and Lifts – Many patients desire eyelid surgery because the droopy or puffy eyelids give the appearance of being tired or unrested.  Many patients are reluctant to consider cosmetic eyelid surgery due to fear of what may be considered a “surprised or unnatural look.”  However, Dr. Jones’ specialized training, experience and personal approach will ensure that you receive your desired level of cosmetic correction of the lid and brows areas with a natural appearance.

What can cause the need for eyelid surgery?

With age, the skin and muscles of the eyelid can sag and droop. In addition, the fat that surrounds and cushions the eyeball can bulge forward through the skin of the upper and lower lids. Excess skin, muscle, and fat can weigh down the upper lid and in some cases block your vision. This can lead to fatigue, eyestrain, skin irritation, and loss of peripheral version.

Where does Dr. Jones perform eyelid surgery?

Dr. Jones performs eyelid surgery procedures at North Florida Surgery Center, conveniently located only a few minutes away from our Center for Sight office.

How is the blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) performed?

During upper eyelid blepharoplasty, incisions are made within the natural creases of the eyelids. This allows for removal of redundant skin and fat of the upper lids.  In a lower lid blepharoplasty, incisions can be made below the lower lash line, or hidden on the inside of the lower eyelid. Through the external incision, excess skin and fat can be removed.  Using an internal approach hides the incision and allows for fat removal but does not allow extra skin to be removed.  The best approach for the lower eyelids can be discussed at your consultation.

How long does the procedure take?

In general, Dr. Jones performs most upper and lower eyelid surgeries between 30-60 minutes. The actual time may vary depending on your specific eyelid anatomy.

How will eyelid surgery affect my vision or appearance?

The results of blepharoplasty depend upon each patient’s symptoms, unique anatomy, appearance goals, and the techniques used for the procedure. Blepharoplasty only corrects vision loss due to excess skin and fat that blocks the eye. By removing the excess skin and fat that blocks the eye, blepharoplasty of the upper lids may allow more light in and improve your peripheral vision. Blepharoplasty does not improve blurred vision caused by problems inside the eye, or by visual loss caused by neurological disease behind the eye. Because excess skin and fat are consequences of aging, most patients feel that blepharoplasty improves their appearance and makes them feel more youthful.

What are the risks of upper blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, like any surgery, has risks. Before your surgery, Dr. Jones and his surgical team will review potential risks and benefits of the procedure. Minor complications associated with blepharoplasty include temporary double or blurry vision, temporary bruising, and swelling after surgery. Your eyes may also heal at different rates, which can mean that they will be temporarily asymmetrical. More serious risks include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, permanent asymmetry or difficulty closing your eyes and keeping them closed.

Is there much scarring with a blepharoplasty?

As with any surgical procedure, some scarring is to be expected. However, scarring with blepharoplasty is minimal and practically nonexistent after several months of healing. It is best to avoid exposing new surgical incisions to the sun as this may result in long-term darkening of scars. Wearing sunscreen on incision lines after the sutures have been removed will help minimize scarring when exposed to strong sunlight.

What should I expect postoperatively?

After your surgery, most patients experience very little pain and will have some swelling and soreness for up to a week after surgery which can be minimized with an ice pack. Most swelling and/or bruising are resolved after two weeks, but a small amount may be present for up to six weeks after surgery.

When will I be able to see the results?

You should be able to see a definite difference once the swelling goes down, which will be several days following surgery. Your optimum results will follow several weeks later.