The results of eyelid surgery are very long-lasting. Patients normally enjoy the results for up to 10 years.
Eyelid surgery does not stop your eyelids from continuing to age, but your eyes will always look younger than they would if they were not treated.
" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can eyelid surgery be covered by insurance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance if it is performed for medically necessary purposes, such as to treat peripheral vision loss caused by excess sagging eyelid skin. Insurance companies normally request photos and other documentation to confirm medical necessity." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there any risks to eyelid surgery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Complications from eyelid surgery are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon. Possible complications include the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Dry eye symptoms
- Difficulty or inability to completely close the eyelids
- Noticeable scarring
- Eyelid skin discoloration
- Temporarily blurred vision
The highly-regarded team at Wiles Eye Center is committed to offering Kansas City and St. Joseph patients a full spectrum of eye care services, including eyelid surgery. In fact, many patients who undergo vision correction surgery at Wiles Eye Center inquire about eyelid surgery, which can help further improve their vision and enhance the appearance of their eyes.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, also known as eyelid lift or blepharoplasty, is an advanced surgical procedure that is often utilized by the Wiles Eye Center specialists for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Blepharoplasty rejuvenates the appearance of the eyes by eliminating sagging skin and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Although often performed for aesthetic purposes, eyelid surgery may improve sight when used to lift droopy eyelids (ptosis), eyelashes and/or excess skin out of the patient’s field of vision.
When used for medically necessary purposes, eyelid surgery may be covered by the patient’s health insurance and may treat a number of conditions, including:
- Peripheral vision loss
- Skin touching lashes
- Heavy lid sensation
- Blurred reading vision
- Grainy or sandy feeling
- Burning and stinging
- Eyelid bags or bulges
- Eyelid granulation
Wiles Eye Center surgeons may utilize this advanced surgical procedure to improve the facial appearance of their patients and treat a number of aesthetic concerns, including:
- Puffy skin in the upper eyelids
- Under-eye bags
- Sagging lower eyelids
- Fine wrinkles in both upper and/or lower eyelids
- Tired eyes
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both simultaneously.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
With age, the skin, fat and muscles in the upper eyelids loosen, causing the lids to look saggy, wrinkly or puffy. If the eyelid skin gets loose enough, it can spill over the upper lashline, impeding the line of sight.
Upper eyelid surgery creates younger-looking lids by removing redundant skin and repositioning fatty deposits. Loose skin and musculature in the upper eyelids is also tightened.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Natural changes during the aging process affect the lower eyelids, too. The skin and muscles of the lower lids can become lax and fat may start to displace, with these issues causing wrinkling, puffiness, bulging or “bags” that appear under the eyes. The bulges of fat can cast shadows that resemble dark circles beneath the eyes.
Lower eyelid surgery tightens the skin and musculature of the lower lids and removes/repositions the fat to smooth out bulges and bags.
Preparing for Blepharoplasty
Once the surgery has been scheduled, our doctors provide patients with a complete set of pre-operative instructions. They may ask patients to see their primary care physicians for a full medical evaluation to obtain a clean bill of health. Or, they may request that patients have some laboratory testing performed prior to surgery.
Patients must stop smoking at least a few weeks prior to eyelid surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Certain medications and supplements — including aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and some vitamins that increase bleeding — must be avoided. Following a healthy lifestyle by eating whole foods, hydrating and getting plenty of sleep is also advised.
Eyelid surgery is normally very well tolerated with a short recovery period. Patients should make advanced preparations by arranging a ride home from surgery and for someone to stay with them for the first 24 hours after surgery. They should also plan to stay home and rest for the initial surgical recovery; many people find it helpful to fill prescriptions, grocery shop and run other errands ahead of time to feel fully prepared for surgery.
Eyelid Surgery Procedure Details
Wiles Eye Center’s highly-skilled surgeons perform eyelid surgery at their accredited, leading-edge surgical facility. Eyelid lift surgery is an outpatient procedure that may last anywhere from one to three hours, depending on each patient’s individual aesthetic and/or medical needs. The operation may treat the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both at the same time.
During the procedure, our eye surgeons make small, inconspicuous incisions along the natural creases of the skin. When treating the upper lids, the incisions are normally created in the natural fold; when treating the lower lids, the incisions are hidden just below the lower lashline. Through the incisions, the surgeons remove loose tissue and tighten the muscles. They can reposition displaced or fallen fat to soften the appearance of under-eye bulges or bags. The surgeons remove excess, stretched-out skin and tighten the remaining skin.
When the surgeons are finished making the necessary modifications, they close the incisions with tiny sutures. The resulting scars should fade significantly and over time should be virtually imperceptible.
Blepharoplasty is generally performed under local anesthesia, and patients may return home within hours following surgery.
Recovering from Blepharoplasty
Patients normally recover within seven to 10 days, but many are able to return to work within a few days following surgery. Specific eye care guidelines are given to each patient and may include information about use of pain medications, antibiotics, lubricating eye drops, bandages, and cold compresses.
Minor bruising, swelling and/or discomfort are common following eyelid surgery. Patients should plan to spend most of their time resting in bed or on the couch, keeping their head elevated at all times (even when sleeping). Applying cold compresses or ice packs can help reduce swelling.
Known for their unsurpassed patient care, our talented eye surgeons closely monitor each patient following blepharoplasty to ensure a speedy and smooth recovery.
Eyelid Lift Surgery Candidacy
Eyelid surgery may be appropriate for candidates who:
- Are bothered by puffiness or bags under the lower eyelids
- Are bothered by hooded skin on the upper eyelids
- Have excess upper eyelid skin that droops into the line of sight
- Find themselves tilting their head back or squinting to see straight ahead
- Have a hard time applying makeup to the upper eyelids due to loose, wrinkled skin
- Are in good health
- Have reasonable expectations of treatment
- Understand and accept the risks of surgery
The best way to determine candidacy for eyelid lift surgery is to schedule a one-on-one consultation with an ophthalmologist at Wiles Eye Center.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
What is blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat and skin from the lower eyelids, upper eyelids, or both.
Can eyelid surgery remove crow’s feet?
No. Crow’s feet are commonly treated with injections, but aren’t helped by blepharoplasty.
Is eyelid surgery ever a medical necessity?
Yes. If the upper eyelids are drooping to the point that they interfere with vision, then the surgery is considered medically-necessary. Please consult with the surgeons at Wiles Eye Center to determine if this is the case for you.
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
According to a study performed in 2017, the average cost of eyelid surgery in the United States was $3,026. Many factors impact the cost of eyelid surgery; schedule a consultation for your exact quote.
What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Lift Surgery?
When performed by a talented and highly-experienced eye specialist at Wiles Eye Center, eyelid surgery may lead to better vision, as well as a more youthful, rejuvenated facial appearance and fewer wrinkles. The eyes usually look brighter, more rested and more pleasant after eyelid surgery.
How long does the operation take?
Eyelid surgery can take one to three hours, depending on the extent of the treatment plan.
Will I need to stay overnight at the hospital after eyelid surgery?
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. An overnight hospital stay is not required.
Are there any risks to eyelid surgery?
Complications from eyelid surgery are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon. Possible complications include the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Dry eye symptoms
- Difficulty or inability to completely close the eyelids
- Noticeable scarring
- Eyelid skin discoloration
- Temporarily blurred vision
Can eyelid surgery be covered by insurance?
Eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance if it is performed for medically necessary purposes, such as to treat peripheral vision loss caused by excess sagging eyelid skin. Insurance companies normally request photos and other documentation to confirm medical necessity.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
Anesthesia is used during surgery, so you will not feel anything. After surgery, your eyelids may feel tight or uncomfortable for a few days. Taking prescription or over-the-counter medication helps alleviate any discomfort.
Will I have a “black eye” after surgery?
Post-operative swelling and bruising can create the look of a black eye after surgery. Although there is no way to prevent bruising altogether, you can take steps to minimize it, such as applying cold compresses to the area and keeping your head elevated while you sleep. In many cases, bruising resolves within two weeks of surgery.
When can I resume exercise and sports after eyelid surgery?
Our doctors will monitor your surgical recovery and advise when it is safe for you to resume exercise and playing sports. Most patients are permitted to resume light exercise within a few days of surgery. Strenuous exercise and sports activities can be resumed after approximately two to four weeks.
How long do the results of eyelid surgery last?
The results of eyelid surgery are very long-lasting. Patients normally enjoy the results for up to 10 years.
Eyelid surgery does not stop your eyelids from continuing to age, but your eyes will always look younger than they would if they were not treated.
Contact Wiles Eye Center Today
Our ophthalmologists are some of the top surgeons in the country and hold advanced training in a wide range of surgical procedures for the eyes.
We are dedicated to providing top quality, patient-centered care. To learn more about the services we offer and to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Stephen B. Wiles, MD, F.A.C.S., Erin Gilliland, MD, or Rachel Tischinski, OD, please request an appointment online or call our office at 816-455-2020.