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Eyelid surgery, also referred to as blepharoplasty, is a facial plastic surgery procedure designed to eliminate these and other signs of aging to the upper and lower eyelids and may also have functional benefits for some patients. As an experienced and Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Scott Reis has mastered the skill and blepharoplasty techniques necessary to help his patients achieve a naturally more rejuvenated appearance after eyelid surgery.
Benefits of an Eyelid Surgery
Depending on the patient’s unique anatomy, eyelid surgery can provide both cosmetic and functional benefits, including:
- Fewer wrinkles around the eyes
- Improved definition of upper eyelid crease
- Reduced excess, saggy skin around the eyes
- Elimination of fat pockets and puffiness
- Smoother, tighter skin on the eyelids
- A more youthful, healthy, and alert appearance
- An expanded visual field
The Eyelid Surgery Procedure
In most cases, Dr. Reis performs upper and lower eyelid surgery while the patient is under local anesthesia with IV sedation, and the procedure usually takes between one and three hours depending on each patient’s goals and needs. The incisions for both upper and lower blepharoplasty are created in the natural creases around the eyes, or most commonly on the inside of the lid for lower blepharoplasty, so resulting scars are well-concealed.
To begin the upper eyelid procedure, Dr. Reis makes an incision in the crease of the upper eyelid. He then removes or repositions fat deposits, tightens the underlying muscles, and removes excess skin.
For lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Reis typically makes an incision on the inside of the eyelid to completely conceal the incision. As with upper eyelid surgery, he then removes or redistributes fat deposits and removes excess skin if needed with a small incision just under the lower lash line.
Once Dr. Reis is satisfied with the results of a blepharoplasty procedure, he closes the incisions with sutures and the patient is gently brought out of
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What are the steps of an eyelid surgery procedure?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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anesthesia
.
Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
Following eyelid surgery, it is normal and expected for patients to experience mild to moderate discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Dr. Reis will prescribe pain medication to help patients remain comfortable, and bruising and swelling will gradually resolve within a few days to two weeks. During this recovery period, Dr. Reis recommends that patients rest with their heads elevated and apply cold compresses to the treated area.
Roughly one week after eyelid surgery, patients return to Dr. Reis’ office to have their progress monitored and their sutures removed. At this time, most patients are comfortable resuming public life and returning to work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery
Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?
In general, both men and women who are troubled by excess skin, wrinkles, puffiness, and other signs of aging to the eye area are suitable candidates for eyelid surgery. Patients should be in good overall health and refrain from smoking or using nicotine products before eyelid surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Reis, you will discuss all factors that may
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Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Cleveland Clinic
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impact the results
of your eyelid, such as:
- Dry eye
- Eye disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
What are the risks of eyelid surgery?
Any surgical procedure carries some risks, but the potential for risks and complications is greatly reduced when patients work with a highly qualified and experienced surgeon such as Dr. Reis. While rare, risks of upper and lower blepharoplasty include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Dry eyes
- Eye irritation
- Suboptimal scarring
Will I have scars after my eyelid surgery?
Dr. Reis carefully creates eyelid surgery incisions within the natural creases and contours of the eyelid, so visible scarring from blepharoplasty is a very rare occurrence. In cases where suboptimal scarring is present, Dr. Reis offers postoperative Fractional Co2 Laser treatment to diminish the appearance of surgical scars.
Will insurance cover my eyelid surgery?
In cases where excess eyelid skin descends into a patient’s field of vision, blepharoplasty may be deemed medically necessary and is then covered by insurance. Patients interested in pursuing insurance coverage are required to see an ophthalmologist beforehand to have formal visual field testing performed, documenting a vision deficit and medical necessity prior to seeing Dr. Reis. For the majority of Dr. Reis’ patients, however, eyelid surgery is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance. For these patients, Dr. Reis is pleased to offer a number of cosmetic surgery financing options.
Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation
If you feel frustrated by excess skin, wrinkles, and puffiness around your eyes, you may be interested in learning more about the many benefits of eyelid surgery. To learn more about this and other facial rejuvenation options, please contact us to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Scott Reis in Houston.
Patient Testimonials
I think Dr. Reis did a wonderful job and the outcome is perfect for me. I think he is an awesome person, and from the beginning...
Everyone in Dr. Reis's office is so friendly and helpful. My procedure went smoothly because they kept me informed every step of the way.
Dr. Reis and his staff have given exceptional care throughout my experience. They took extra time to answer questions, talk through...
I had a great experience with Dr. Reis. He explained everything to me in depth so I felt at ease prior to my procedure. I appreciated...
Sources
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the steps of an eyelid surgery procedure? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/procedure. Accessed January 7, 2021.
2 Cleveland Clinic. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8409-eyelid-surgery-blepharoplasty. Accessed January 7, 2021.
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