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Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery that tightens sagging eyelids and may involve removing excess skin, muscle, and fat. As you age, the muscles supporting the eyelids weaken. Some patients have excess fat above and below the eyelids, causing sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids, and bags under the eyes.
This droopy or excess skin around the eyes can reduce peripheral vision, especially the upper and outer areas of the visual field. In many cases, Blepharoplasty can reduce or even eliminate these vision problems and make the eyes appear younger and more alert. Blepharoplasty can be completed on the upper and lower eyelids.
Blepharoplasty Q & A
One may consider Blepharoplasty if droopy eyelids keep the eyes from opening completely or pull down the lower lids. Removing extra tissue from the upper eyelids can improve vision. An upper and lower lid Blepharoplasty can make the eyes appear younger and more alert.
You should consider Blepharoplasty if you have:
- Droopy upper lids
- Extra skin on the upper eyelids that interferes with peripheral vision
- Excess skin on the lower eyelids
- Bags under your eyes
Insurance coverage often depends on if the Blepharoplasty is a result of impaired vision. If the Blepharoplasty is only to improve appearance, insurance likely won't cover it.
Blepharoplasty is completed in an outpatient setting. The surgeon injects numbing medication into the eyelids and administers intravenous medication to help you relax.
They cut along the eyelid fold, remove excess skin, muscle, and possibly fat, and close the cut.
After surgery, you'll be monitored for complications. Most patients leave later on the procedure day to complete recovery at home.
Post-surgery, some patients may temporarily experience blurred vision, watering eyes, light sensitivity, double vision, puffy or numb lids, swelling and bruising, and pain or discomfort.
The recovery time for blepharoplasty varies from patient to patient. However, it generally ranges from 1 to 2 weeks.
Initial swelling and bruising are common during the first few days post-surgery. Within 10-14 days of the procedure, most patients find that the majority of visible bruising has subsided.
After a few days, you can resume light activities. Avoid strenuous activities — including heavy lifting — for at least a couple of weeks.
Remember that complete healing, where the final results are visible, can take several months.
Blepharoplasty results often last for at least 5 to 7 years. Some people experience even longer-lasting outcomes.
Many factors can influence the results' longevity, such as:
- Genetics
- Skin quality
- Lifestyle choices (e.g., sun exposure, smoking)
Blepharoplasty can significantly rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes. However, it does not stop the natural aging process. Some patients may choose to have a secondary procedure in the future to maintain their desired look.
Keep in mind that your skin will still appear more youthful after the results start to fade than if you had never undergone the surgery in the first place.
Like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries potential risks and complications. Common risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Following pre- and post-operative care instructions will minimize the likelihood of experiencing these issues. Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon like Dr. Weinlander will also reduce the chances of complications occurring.
Dr. Weinlander takes great care to place incisions in the eyelids' natural creases and folds. This makes any potential scars minimally visible.
Over time, scars tend to fade and become even less noticeable. Proper post-operative care can further reduce the visibility of scars. This includes avoiding sun exposure and following Dr. Weinlander's guidelines.
For most patients, the aesthetic benefits of the surgery far outweigh any concerns about scarring.
The timeline for returning to work after blepharoplasty varies. It depends on the nature of your job and your individual healing process.
Generally, patients can return to work once the initial swelling and bruising have subsided. Those with less active jobs often take about one week off. Those with physically demanding jobs or who work in environments that expose them to dust and dirt may need additional time off.
It's important to listen to your body and follow Dr. Weinlander's advice on when it's safe to resume normal activities.
Why Choose Milwaukee Eye Surgeons?
Milwaukee Eye Surgeons, led by Dr. Kenneth Weinlander, is a premier ophthalmology and corneal surgery practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Weinlander and his team are known for their commitment to compassionate, cutting-edge care. They serve the greater Southeast Wisconsin community with a dedication to patient well-being and advanced medical solutions.
As a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained corneal surgeon, Dr. Weinlander offers a comprehensive range of eye surgeries and facial aesthetic procedures, including blepharoplasty. His expertise and the practice's state-of-the-art facility ensure patients receive top-tier care tailored to their specific needs and goals.
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"Dr. Weinlander is very knowledgeable, thorough and patient! He spent time helping me understand more about my eye health. I was very satisfied with the service I received."
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"Dr. Weinlander is incredibly knowledgeable and was able to take a more conservative approach to my eye problem where my regular optometrist wanted to do something that would have been painful and costly. I highly recommend setting an appointment at Milwaukee Eye Surgeons."
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