What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyelids. This surgical technique involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, resulting in a more youthful, refreshed look. Blepharoplasty can address concerns such as sagging upper eyelids, under-eye bags, and fine lines, ultimately enhancing both aesthetic appeal and, in some cases, vision. This procedure is performed by experienced plastic surgeons and can provide lasting results that help individuals achieve a brighter, more alert appearance.

EYELID SURGERY

Upper & lower blepharopasty in Nashville, TN

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
blepharoplasty nashville tn

Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

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.

How Do I Prepare for a Blepharoplasty?

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. 

How Long is Recovery for Blepharoplasty?

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 Cost in Nashville, TN?

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:

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.

Visit Garza Plastic Surgery

We’ve moved to Sylvan Park. Our office is now in the building on the corner of Charlotte Ave and 42nd Ave N. So, if you live in the Nashville, TN area and are looking for aesthetic solutions, come visit us. We offer many types of plastic surgery, including reconstructive surgery and aesthetic options like tummy tucks and liposuction.

We also have the unique benefit of having a registered aesthetician on our staff. Come visit with Tracey Robinson, and she can help you find the best skincare options for you.

Image of an older woman before an upper blepharoplasty treatment to reduce lines and bags under her eyes.Image of an older woman after blepharoplasty treatment. She's smiling and happy that the lines and bags under her eyes are basically gone now.
Left profile picture of an older woman before upper blepharoplasty treatment to reduce bags and lines under her eyes.Left profile view of an older woman to show the results of blepharoplasty surgery on her face. Deep lines and bags under her eyes are basically gone, and the rest of her skin looks fuller and brighter.
Close up, right side profile of an older woman before receiving blepharoplasty surgery to reduce lines and bags under her eyes.A close up picture of an older woman after receiving a blepharoplasty to reduce the puffy bags and lines under her eyes. The bags under her eyes are now gone.