Eyelid Surgery
Sparkling and animated, the eyes are the most prominent feature of the face. They are the first feature we see in the mirror and the first thing people notice about our faces. Sometimes, though, excess skin above or underneath the eyes can give them an aged or tired appearance, interfering with their charm.
Dr. Heath Charvet is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who uses eyelid surgery to rejuvenate the eye area and correct functional issues, providing patients with mesmerizing results.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, also called eye lift surgery or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to revitalize the eye area and address issues like droopy eyes, puffiness, and vision problems. This can include the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. The eyelid is tightened, sagging skin is removed, and excess fat is repositioned or removed.
What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
Individualized eyelid lift surgery offers patients a variety of improvements, including:
- Improved vision by removing sagging skin
- A refreshed, alert appearance
- A bright, lifted, and youthful aesthetic
- Diminished under-eye bags and dark circles
- Reduced puffiness
- Enhanced eye shape
- Elimination of uncomfortable skin creases
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Good candidates for eyelid surgery are patients who are in good health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations. Those with dry eyes, diabetes, or glaucoma may not be good candidates for eyelid surgery.
To determine your candidacy for eyelid surgery, schedule a consultation with Magnolia Plastic Surgery by calling (504) 571-5908.
What Are My Options for Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure that can treat the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both (quad blepharoplasty). The type of anesthesia method used will depend on the complexity of your surgery.
- Upper blepharoplasty uses an incision along the crease of the upper eyelid to excise tissue and fat, decreasing the hanging skin that impairs vision and creating a more flattering look. Dr. Heath uses local anesthesia for this procedure.
- Lower blepharoplasty uses an incision below the lash line to remove fat and delicately lift the skin to address under-eye bags and puffiness and produce a smoother look.
- Quad blepharoplasty combines upper and lower procedures for comprehensive eye rejuvenation. This option is usually performed under Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC), also known as twilight sedation.
What Is Eyelid Surgery Recovery Like?
Eyelid surgery can take up to two hours, depending on whether one or both eyes are treated. This is an outpatient procedure, but you will need someone else to drive you home. No driving is permitted for the first 24 hours after surgery, particularly when the patient has undergone an upper blepharoplasty.
After surgery, patients should rest for several days. A cold compress or frozen bag of peas can be used on the day of surgery to minimize bruising and swelling: 15 minutes on, 45 minutes off.
For most patients, the recovery time is less than one week for upper eyelid surgery and 10–14 days for lower eyelid surgery.
Sutures are removed on the fifth or sixth day after surgery. Typically, after suture removal, you can return to your normal routine. However, heavy lifting and any strenuous activity should be avoided for 7–10 days.
Be diligent with sun protection, and use dark sunglasses until the eye area is fully healed.
What Results Can I Expect From Eyelid Surgery?
Most patients feel comfortable going out in public within 10–14 days. As swelling and bruising diminish, your results will become more apparent.
Eyelid surgery permanently corrects certain eye conditions. You can expect long-lasting results. Surgery does not reverse aging, but your eyes will look better after a blepharoplasty.
To maintain your results, take care of the eye area with skincare and sun protection.
Why Choose Dr. Heath for Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Heath imbues every element of his work with excellence, precision, and artistry. He and his team strive for the highest quality of compassionate patient care and consistently provide outcomes that leave patients feeling confident and empowered.
Dr. Heath combines curated procedures and treatments with both upper and lower eyelid surgery so his patients get the most rejuvenating results possible. When patients choose an upper blepharoplasty with Dr. Heath, a high-concentration TCA peel is applied to the lower eyelid when the skin tone allows it. Lateral canthopexy and nanofat grafting are combined with lower eyelid surgery to improve the seamless transition at the lid-cheek junction.
Dr. Heath also offers non-surgical treatments to complement eyelid surgery. Chemical peels can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and provide an even skin tone for a brighter look overall. Injectable fillers create smoother contours and help to prevent or treat lines and wrinkles. During your consultation, you and Dr. Heath can decide whether additional treatments will help you reach your aesthetic goals.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery varies, depending on whether you are getting upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both. At your consultation, when a treatment plan is created, Dr. Heath will discuss estimated costs with you. In the interest of affordability, Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa accepts many payment methods, including low-interest financing.
Can I use insurance to pay for my eyelid surgery?
If loose skin is obstructing your vision, your health insurance may cover some of the cost of your eyelid surgery. Please communicate with Dr. Heath if you plan to use insurance. Someone at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa can help you with the necessary paperwork for your provider to process your claim. You will likely need a letter from an optometrist or ophthalmologist stating that eyelid surgery is necessary to restore your vision.
Want to Learn More About Eyelid Surgery in New Orleans, LA?
If you are interested in enhancing the magnetic appeal of your eyes, you’re in the right place. Dr. Heath is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who provides high-quality patient care and stunning, natural-looking results.