Do you have tired looking eyes that just don’t go away despite how much sleep you get? Sun and genetics can lead to bags under the eyes; dark circles and drooping, heavy upper eyelids that make you look older and tired. Eyelid lift, called blepharoplasty, corrects these problems by removing the extra skin and the puffy bags under the eyes that make you look tired. The results are a refreshed appearance, with a younger appearing, firmer eye and surrounding area.
Blepharoplasty is the most common facial cosmetic procedure performed today. Though blepharoplasty is often performed as a single procedure, Dr. Meier may also recommend other procedures to achieve the best results. If you are interested in blepharoplasty in Florida, we want to make sure you are familiar with the process.
Eyelid Lift Consultation
So you have decided that you are very interested in blepharoplasty and would like to take the next step. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Meier will give you the information you need about the entire process. Feel free to bring photos of what your eyes looked like in years past.
During the one-on-one consultation, you will meet with Dr. Meier and discuss your goals with blepharoplasty. Dr. Meier will review your medical and surgical history as well as medications. It is important to let Dr. Meier know of any other eye surgeries or other facial procedures that have been performed in the past including recent Botox injections. Dr. Meier will discuss the benefits of surgery including what you can expect from blepharoplasty. He will take the time to make sure all of your questions and concerns are answered so that you feel comfortable. Based on your goals and the examination, he will tailor an individualized plan to give you the best result. Dr. Meier’s staff will then take standardized photographs of your face and eyes.
Blepharoplasty Procedure
Prior to Surgery
Dr. Meier will give you a detailed list of instructions on what to do prior to surgery. Blood thinning medications should be discontinued for a period of time prior to surgery. It is also important not to eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your blepharoplasty. Certain medications that Dr. Meier specifies are allowed, such as blood pressure medicines, can be taken with a sip of water.
Blepharoplasty Surgery
You will arrive at the facility for the surgery and meet the nursing staff. They will review your paperwork and start an IV for anesthesia. You will then meet the board-certified anesthesiologist who will be administering your anesthetic for the procedure. They will ask you questions regarding your medical and surgical history and review the anesthesia process with you. Dr. Meier will also visit with you in the preoperative area prior to surgery.
Once you are given an anesthetic and you are asleep, Dr. Meier will make incisions for your blepharoplasty. A small incision is usually made in the well-hidden crease of your upper eyelid and on the inside of the lower eyelid. The surgery typically takes several hours to get it just right and give you the best blepharoplasty result.
Recovery
Recovery begins immediately after surgery. Nursing staff will make sure you are comfortable in the recovery room and apply ice to the eyes. Dr. Meier uses a suture taped to the forehead for the upper eyelid. This will stay in place until your first postoperative visit at 1 week. Unlike other surgeons, Dr. Meier does not make a visible incision on the lower eyelid. This allows for decreased risk of scarring.
Bruising and swelling around the eyes are common. To minimize bruising and swelling, use ice packs as instructed for a few days after the surgery and sleep with your head elevated on a couple of pillows. Clean the incisions as instructed and it is helpful to use saline eye drops over the first few days.
Make sure you are getting the appropriate nutrition and rest for optimal healing. Dr. Meier recommends doing nothing strenuous and no bending over or heavy lifting for at least a week. Dr. Meier typically allows light exercise to begin a few weeks after surgery. To prevent blood clots and promote good circulation, walk around at least few times a day.
Facial Plastic Surgery in Florida
Your face is your most important feature as it gives both the first and lasting impression. Aesthetic style differs greatly between surgeons as it depends on not only acquired knowledge and experience, but also aesthetics and ability. Dr. Meier uses his expert knowledge, advanced skill and precision techniques to provide you with beautiful results and a natural appearance. That is his style in everything face so call our team for a consultation with Dr. Meier today.
FAQs
How long will I be swollen or bruised? Most bruising and swelling resolves in about 2 weeks but can take longer (up to a few months) for all swelling to go away.
When can I go back to school/work? Most patients go back to work around 10-14 days after blepharoplasty. Bruising is typically gone and sutures are removed but there is usually some mild swelling still at that point.
Is blepharoplasty painful? All surgeries have some degree of discomfort. Dr. Meier provides you with pain medications to alleviate this. Most patients use pain medicines for a few days after surgery.
Can blepharoplasty be performed in office under local anesthesia? If only the upper lid is being addressed, Dr. Meier can use local anesthesia and perform an upper eyelid blepharoplasty in-office. You will still need a ride after the surgery as there is swelling that can occur.
Will insurance cover my blepharoplasty? Copays, deductibles, coverage and out-of-pocket expenses related to insurance are often difficult for most patients to navigate. But as a basic rule of thumb, insurance coverage for upper eyelid blepharoplasty only applies when the sagging upper eyelid significantly affects your vision. Special testing is required to determine if your vision is affected. Insurance never covers lower eyelid cosmetic surgery. As every insurance plan differs, our office staff can help you determine if your surgery is covered.