Eyelid Surgery

Plastic Surgery for Eyelid Rejuvenation: Blepharoplasty

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of plastic surgery is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty refers to eyelid plastic surgery that is designed to remove the excess fat, skin and soft tissue that becomes noticeable around the eyelids as we age. This plastic surgery procedure is designed to fit the individual needs of our plastic surgery patients. Aging of the eyelids varies significantly from person to person. The development of aging eyelids can occur in the upper and lower eyelids and the need for plastic surgery can occur at any age, but commonly when patients reach their late 30’s and 40’s. This plastic surgery procedure is performed alone or in combination with other plastic surgery procedures, such as, rhinoplasty, facelift, breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction.

Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

If you have puffy eyes or “bags”, you are likely a good candidate for eyelid surgery. Many patients with droopy eyelids have their appearances rejuvenated with eyelid surgery. If you feel that you look “tired” around the eyes and getting rest does not make this go away, then you may be a good candidate for this type of plastic surgery.

What are the Goals of eyelid surgery?

It has been said that, “the eyes are the widows to the soul”, and most everyone makes eye contact with dozens to hundreds of people on a daily basis. When your eyes appear tired, swollen or aged, people are likely to treat you the way they see you. A blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to brighten the face by restoring a more youthful appearance to your eyes. In some plastic surgery patients, the procedure will also improve vision by removing the excessive skin of the upper eyelids, which can hang down and interfere with vision. This type of functional plastic surgery is sometimes covered by your insurance company.

Are there incisions or scars from Blepharoplasty procedures?

Dr. Guerra usually makes incisions using plastic surgery techniques along the natural creases of your upper and lower eyelids, which heal very nicely and usually do not form scars. He removes excess fat, soft tissue and skin and closes the incisions using very fine sutures. The eyelid surgery incisions are made to accomplish the goals of the procedure and are barely visible after several months as they are placed within the normal creases of the upper and lower eyelids. Some patients only need removal of fat and we choose to place our incisions inside the lower eyelids only.

Are the results of eyelid surgery permanent?

We do not expect any plastic surgery result to be “permanent”. However, since the fat around the eyes will not “regrow” after removal, the results of blepharoplasty are usually long lasting. The aging process continues normally after plastic surgery to the eyelids and we expect that plastic surgery patients will require “tuck-up” procedures in the future. Most everyone can enjoy the results of blepharoplasty for 10 to 15 years.

Will insurance cover a plastic surgery procedure, such as, Blepharoplasty?

Some insurance companies will cover blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids only if the excess skin causes blockage of your vision. If your eye doctor can demonstrate that loss of vision or visual restriction is occurring due to heavy eyelids using a special test called the Visual Fields exam, then your insurance company may cover some or all of the costs of this plastic surgery procedure. We recommend that each plastic surgery patient check with his or her insurance company to see if this eyelid surgery procedure is covered under your plan.

Will I be bruised after Blepharoplasty?

There will be some bruising that lasts 5 to 14 days after blepharoplasty, so you may want to postpone any social engagements during this time. If bruising is prolonged beyond the usual period in your case, our aesthetician will be glad to demonstrate make-up techniques, which will allow you to return to your usual activities sooner. As a general rule of thumb, most patients return to work or play by 2 weeks.

At what point are the Blepharoplasty sutures removed?

Dr. Guerra prefers to removes sutures in 3 to 5 days, unless resorbable (they go away) sutures are used. These do not require removal.

Will the shape of my eye change following Blepharoplasty?

There could be small changes in eyelid shape after blepharoplasty, but these are generally positive as a more attractive shape is restored to the aging eyelids. Skin in the upper and lower eyelids will be tightened during blepharoplasty. Generally, the shape of the eye changes so that it appears more open and less tired after this type of plastic surgery. More dramatic changes, such as, a change in the slant of the eyes, which are sometimes times requested by patients can be obtained using additional techniques.

Will the fine wrinkles around my eyes go away after Blepharoplasty?

The blepharoplasty procedure will not completely eradicate the wrinkles around the eyes (crows feet). There are other plastic surgery procedures designed for these purposes such as chemical peels, lasers, and Botox^®.

Can anyone have a Blepharoplasty?

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals who are healthy and well motivated. Some medical conditions such as thyroid disease, high blood pressure, dry eyes and cigarette smoking can increase the risks of unwanted side effects from blepharoplasty surgery. All potential plastic surgery patients are asked to see their private medical doctor for a check up before undergoing an eyelid surgery procedure. Eyelid plastic surgery patients are asked to have a check up with their private eye doctor before blepharoplasty.

What about my sagging eyebrows and dark circles under my eyes?

The blepharoplasty procedure will not completely eradicate dark circles under the eyes or lift the eyebrows. There are other plastic surgery procedures designed for these purposes such as open, mini, and endoscopic forehead lifts. Dark circles under the eyes can be improved by fat removal, unless the skin there is pigmented. If this is the case, a lightening cream can be prescribed which can improve the situation even more.

What are the risks involved with this plastic surgery procedure?

When performed by a well trained, board certified plastic surgeon, the undesirable effects of plastic surgery are infrequent and minor. All plastic surgery patients will experience some bruising and swelling for a few days after any type of plastic surgery. In addition, a temporary problem with closure of the eyelids can be seen. Some may have temporary blurring of vision, usually due to the ointments applied to the eyelid surgery incisions after the procedure. In rare instances, the lower eyelids may be pulled down causing the inner part of the eyelid to show. If this does not resolve with massage, taping and anti-inflammatory medications, further plastic surgery may be necessary. The theoretical complications of any plastic surgery procedure, such as bleeding, loss of vision, infection, wound disruption and heavy scarring are also possible, but extremely rare. Plastic surgery consultations for breast augmentation are offered at both our Plastic Surgery Phoenix and Plastic Surgery Scottsdale offices.