BLEPHAROPLASTY

Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.

Specifically, blepharoplasty can treat:

• Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
• Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
• Bags under the eyes
• Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

As with any cosmetic or plastic surgery, you should visit with your plastic surgeon. As you meet together, you should review how this surgery will help you as well as your medical history. Make sure you review your aesthetic goals for your surgery and how your surgeon can help you meet them.

A blepharoplasty should only be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Robert Garza carries two board certifications, one from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and one from the American Board of Surgery.

It’s important to note that after your surgery, there will be swelling around your eyelids. This can make it hard for you to see and hard to drive home. You should ask a friend or family member to drive you home after your surgery.

In order to reduce the risk of side effects, you should stop taking medications that make you more prone to bleeding, such as blood thinners. Depending on your current health, you might need to start taking other medications as well.

If you smoke, you will need to quit at least four weeks before your surgery. 

An eyelid surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours while the patient is under local or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used depends on the patient’s preferences and the type of blepharoplasty performed.

For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the surgeon will make an incision along the natural contours of the upper eyelids to conceal the scar. For lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision either below the lash line or inside the eyelid.

After making the incision, the surgeon will remove any excess tissue causing the eyelids to droop. Next, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures that will either dissolve or need to be removed in a week or so.

Once healed, the eyes will look refreshed and more awake.

What Kinds of Blepharoplasty Are There?

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is divided into two primary types: upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Each serves distinct purposes and addresses different issues. Let’s explore both.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

This procedure is frequently performed to enhance facial appearance and improve vision. It involves several key steps:

• Removal of Drooping Eyelid Skin: Sagging skin is excised to create a more youthful appearance.
• Excess Fat Removal: Excessive fat deposits causing puffiness are removed.
• Muscle Repair: If necessary, the muscles responsible for eyelid movement are tightened.

Often, a brow lift might be recommended concurrently, particularly if:

• A drooping brow contributes to eyelid sagging.
• Reducing upper eyelid skin removal is desired.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

This surgery targets the area beneath the eyes and usually includes:

• Fat Pad Adjustment: Removing or repositioning fat to eliminate under-eye bags and dark circles.
• Excess Skin Removal: Trimming surplus skin for a smoother contour.
• Muscle and Tendon Strengthening: Enhancing the structural integrity of the lower eyelid.

During the procedure, additional techniques may be utilized to ensure lasting results:

1. Canthoplasty: Tightening muscles, tendons, and ligaments at the outer eye corners (canthus) to provide support.
2. Canthopexy: Using stitches to tighten the outer eye corner without altering muscle and tendon structure.

In some cases, both upper and lower eyelid surgeries can be performed simultaneously, optimizing recovery time and results.

By understanding these types and their specific processes, you can better decide which blepharoplasty procedure suits your needs.

As a minimally invasive surgery, blepharoplasty recovery should only take a few days. However, because this surgery is around a sensitive area, you should plan on resting for at least three full days after the procedure.

At Garza Plastic Surgery, we offer blepharoplasties as an outpatient procedure. So, once the procedure is done and you’ve stabilized, you will be free to go home. For your comfort, you may want to have your friend or family member stay the night with you.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

During recovery, you will most likely experience swelling around your eyelids. This can be treated with cold compresses and ointments. There can also be some bruising that happens, but it will go away as you follow your recovery instructions.

The eyelid skin itself may become irritated, which can also be treated with soothing ointments. You may also be prescribed oral medications to help you heal.

Your eyes may also become itchy or irritated, which can be treated with eye drops. If you normally wear contact lenses, you won’t be able to wear them until your eyelids have healed. Make sure you have a pair of prescription glasses ready to wear until you can resume wearing contacts again.

Aftercare

Proper postoperative care is crucial for achieving the best results and minimizing complications. Patients should follow their surgeon’s specific instructions, which may include:

1. Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising in the initial days after surgery.
2. Taking Medications: Using prescribed eye drops, ointments, and oral medications as directed for pain management, preventing infection, and reducing inflammation.
3. Wound Care: Keeping the surgical site clean and following wound care instructions to minimize the risk of infection.
4. Rest and Avoiding Activities: Taking sufficient time to rest and avoid strenuous activities, which can help with healing and minimize the risk of complications.
5. Protecting Eyes: Wearing sunglasses and avoiding direct sun exposure to protect the eyes during the healing period.
6. Follow-Up Appointments: Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure that healing is progressing well and to address any concerns.

What are the Risks of Eyelid Surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty comes with potential risks and complications. While these risks are generally low, it’s important to be aware of them before undergoing surgery. Possible risks and complications of blepharoplasty include:

1. Asymmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry is challenging, and some degree of asymmetry is natural. However, significant asymmetry may require corrective procedures.
2. Dry Eyes: Temporary dryness or irritation of the eyes is common after surgery. This is usually managed with lubricating eye drops.
3. Change in Sensation: The eyelids may experience altered sensation, such as numbness or increased sensitivity. This is usually temporary but can be permanent in rare cases.
4. Vision Changes: Although rare, changes in vision can occur due to surgical complications affecting the eyelid’s position or function.
5. Anesthesia Risks: There can be some risks associated with anesthesia, which we can address in your consultation. Make sure you know whether or not you have any allergies to anesthesia.
6. Healing Complications: Additionally, there can be some bleeding that happens around the incisions. Infection is another possible risk. After the surgery, your eyelids may have difficulty closing. The lower eyelid can sometimes experience drooping, or a condition called ectropion, which causes the skin to roll slightly outward.

If you have any questions about these risks, they will be addressed in your consultation.

What About Scarring?

The scarring associated with blepharoplastic surgery is very minimal. We can make the incisions right under the eyelash line, in order to hide the scars. Advances with the procedure have also allowed us to make tiny incisions under the skin of the eyelid, with no outward scarring.

Can You Combine Eyelid Surgery with other Cosmetic Procedures?

Yes, you can! Because a blepharoplasty is very localized, we can easily perform additional procedures such as a brow lift, facelift, or make it a part of a mommy makeover.

How Much Does a Blepharoplasty in Nashville, TN Cost?

The cost of blepharoplasty can vary based on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, geographical location, facility fees, and whether both upper and lower eyelids are being treated. It’s essential for patients to discuss costs during the consultation. Points to consider include:

• Consultation Fees
• Procedure Cost
• Health Insurance
• Financing Options

Will Health Insurance Cover Blepharoplasty?

When it comes to determining whether health insurance will cover blepharoplasty, the purpose of the procedure plays a pivotal role.

Cosmetic Reasons

If you’re considering eyelid surgery purely for cosmetic enhancement, it’s unlikely that your health insurance will foot the bill. Insurance companies typically do not cover procedures intended solely to improve appearance.

Medical Necessity

However, if blepharoplasty is necessary to improve your vision, it may qualify for coverage. This type of surgery is often deemed medically necessary when drooping eyelids impair your line of sight.

Steps to Take

1. Consult Your Surgeon: Have a thorough discussion with your surgeon to determine the primary reason for the surgery.
2. Medical Evaluation: A professional evaluation may be required to document vision impairment due to eyelid issues.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Verify with your provider to understand the specifics of your policy. Detailed documentation often needs to be provided, so ensure all paperwork is in order.

If you are in good health and have realistic goals for your surgery, you will be a good candidate for blepharoplasty. Most of the time, this treatment is used for cosmetic purposes. However, surgery on the upper lids can remove excess skin that causes droopy eyelids.

Is Blepharoplasty Uncomfortable?

Blepharoplasty is minimally invasive, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort. Expect swelling and bruising, which are manageable using cold compresses and prescribed medications, ensuring a comfortable recovery process.

Where Do I Have the Surgery?

Blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure at Garza Plastic Surgery, allowing you to return home the same day. This convenience minimizes the disruption to your daily life while ensuring professional care in a safe and controlled environment.

Why Should I Have a Plastic Surgeon Perform My Eyelid-Lift Surgery?

Opting for a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Garza ensures expertise and precision in blepharoplasty, providing both aesthetic and functional improvements with minimal risk. Their certifications and experience guarantee a safer, more reliable outcome.

Should I Have a Blepharoplasty Consultation with a Surgeon?

A consultation is crucial for discussing your aesthetic goals, reviewing your medical history, and preparing for the procedure. It’s an opportunity to ensure blepharoplasty aligns with your expectations and to receive personalized advice from experts like Dr. Garza.

Key Questions to Ask When Selecting a Blepharoplasty Surgeon

Choosing the right surgeon for a blepharoplasty is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome. Ensure you cover all bases by asking these essential questions:

Candidate Evaluation

1. Am I a Good Candidate?
   • Determine if your medical history and current health conditions make you a suitable candidate.

Experience and Expertise

2. How Experienced Are You with This Procedure?
   • Ask how many blepharoplasties the surgeon has performed to gauge their expertise.
3. Can I See Before and After Photos?
   • Reviewing previous patients’ results can give you a realistic expectation of potential outcomes.

Certifications and Techniques

4. What Certifications Do You Have?
   • Verify that the surgeon is board-certified, ideally by a reputable organization such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
5. Which Technique Will You Use?
   • Understand the specific technique being proposed and why it is the best choice for you.

Risks and Safety

6. What Are the Potential Risks?
   • Discuss both common and rare complications and how they are handled if they arise.
7. Where Will the Surgery Take Place?
   • Confirm that the surgical facility is accredited and meets safety standards.

Hospital Affiliations

8. Where Do You Hold Hospital Privileges?
   • Knowing which hospitals the surgeon is affiliated with can also indicate their standing in the medical community.

Anesthesia Specifics

9. What Type of Anesthesia Will Be Used?
   • Understand the type of anesthesia and its associated risks.
10. Who Will Administer the Anesthesia?
    • Ensure the anesthesiologist is qualified and certified.

Post-Surgery Care

11. What Will Post-Surgery Care Involve?
    • Clarify the recovery process, including follow-up appointments and post-operative care instructions.
12. What Level of Pain Should I Expect?
    • Discuss pain management strategies for the post-operative period.

Contingency Plans

13. What If the Outcome Is Unsatisfactory?
    • Understand the steps that will be taken if complications occur or if you are not satisfied with the results.

By asking these comprehensive questions, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision and select a blepharoplasty surgeon who meets your expectations.

If you’re looking to have a blepharoplasty in Nashville, TN, look no further than Garza Plastic Surgery. Double board-certified plastic surgeon Robert Garza and his expertly trained team make sure that every eyelid surgery follows the natural contours of the eyes for a result that is unique to you and enhances your natural beauty.

Schedule a free consultation at Garza to see how we can help you reach your aesthetic goals.