Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty can enhance the aesthetic quality of the eyes, reducing age-related imperfections on the eyelids. The procedure works by removing excess fat and skin in order to correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes.
At Main Line Institute of Plastic Surgery, eyelid surgery can be conducted as a stand-alone treatment, or in conjunction with other facial procedures like a brow lift surgery or face lift surgery. Eyelid surgery can make a substantial improvement in the aesthetic appearance of the eyes, it is worth noting that the surgery will not remove crow’s feet, lift sagging eyebrows, or eliminate dark circles beneath the eyes.
Choosing Eyelid Surgery in Philadelphia: Who’s a Good Fit?
Candidates for eyelid surgery are patients who have tired appearing eyes, drooping upper eyelids, or baggy eyelids. Stretching of the skin on the upper eyelids is a condition called dermatochalasis, which usually makes one appear tired or unhappy. The lower eyelids are prone to collections of fatty tissue, which creates the baggy appearance. If you are affected by any of these conditions, you should schedule a consultation to learn more about eyelid surgery in Philadelphia.
In some cases, an eye exam is necessary before surgery. Our plastic surgeon, Dr. Ryan Hoffman, may advise you to visit an ophthalmologist, especially if you have dry eyes, diabetes, high blood pressure or hypothyroidism.
Eyelid Surgery in Philadelphia: What to Expect
Your eyelid surgery in Philadelphia will be an outpatient procedure and should last between one and three hours. General or local anesthesia may be used depending on the extent of the surgery and your personal needs.
Incisions are placed along the natural lines of the eyelids so that scars will be well hidden. The incisions used in the upper eyelids are usually placed in the crease of the upper eyelid. The lower eyelid incisions can be made within the lower eyelid (transconjunctival technique) if no skin excision is required. More commonly, incisions are placed below the lashes in lower eyelids.
Dr. Hoffman will separate the skin from the underlying fatty tissue and muscle, remove or reposition excess fat, and trim sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures.
Eyelid Surgery Philadelphia Results
Recovery from eyelid surgery typically lasts between seven to ten days. During this time you may experience soreness and tightness around the eyes. You may also experience blurred vision after surgery which is usually self limited.
Keep your head elevated for several days and use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Contact lenses can be worn once again after about two weeks, and exercise can be resumed after about two weeks.
What is the Cost of an Eyelid Surgery?
Upper Blepharoplasty (in-office): $4,500 – $6,500
Lower Blepharoplasty: $6,500- $8,500
Upper + Lower Blepharoplasty: $7,500 – $9,500