Eyelid surgery what you should know

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin or fat from the eyes. It aims to improve hooded or drooping eyelids. Before embarking on this surgery, be sure that your reasons are valid; you should also note that besides the cost and risk involved, the result is not a guarantee. Discuss your plans with an eye doctor to ascertain if there is a medical condition affecting your eyelids or if there is a reason the surgery may not be appropriate for you.

In the United States, the average cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery is $3,282, according to 2019 reports from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related expenses. You may also want to consider the cost of follow-up care. The surgery happens under local anesthetic with sedation or under general anesthetic. Local anesthesia involves numbing a part of the body to prevent pain during a procedure or operation. Unlike general anesthesia, Local anesthesia does not cause you to lose consciousness. After the surgery or Procedure, the full sensation should return after a few hours.

Surgery on the upper eyelid involves making a cut (incision) along the crease in the natural skin fold, removing excess skin, fat, or muscle, and closing the incision. This way, the scar is hidden in the natural fold of the eyelid.

For the lower eyelid, it requires an incision below the eyelashes or the inside of the lower eyelid, repositioning, removing fat from the bags under the eyes, and sometimes a small amount of skin, supporting the muscles and tendons of the eyelids if necessary, and closing the incision.

Some common side effects may include puffy, numb eyelids that are difficult to close at night, irritated, sensitive, or watery eyes, bruising that looks like a black eye, and a scar that will eventually fade off with time.

You should take about one week off work to recover from eyelid surgery. You will not be able to drive for several days because bruises, scarring, and redness may take several weeks to fade.

If you have any questions or concerns call Accent Eye. We have medical optical providers that will provide consultation and answer all your questions.