Sagging, drooping eyelids can make you appear fatigued, disinterested, or lethargic, and can even cause visual field impairment in some cases. If you are tired of looking older than you feel, blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, can provide a long-lasting way to banish the bags and decrease eyelid hooding.

Blepharoplasty restores the eyes to a more youthful-looking state by addressing loose skin, weakened muscles and excess fat. Dr. Kobienia makes incisions along the natural creases of the eyelids so that scars are practically invisible. In most cases, patients are able to return to their everyday routines within 1 to 2 weeks of their blepharoplasty.

In most cases, blepharoplasty is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is therefore not covered by insurance. However, patients who undergo eyelid surgery to correct vision impairment may find that some or all of the procedure is covered by their insurance plans.

Dr. Kobienia in Minneapolis, MN, can give you a refreshed look through facial plastic surgery. Please contact us online or call 612-930-1111 to schedule a personal consultation to discuss your facial plastic surgery options.

Your Eyelid Surgery Procedure

The exact steps Dr. Kobienia will take during surgery depend on your existing facial anatomy and whether you are having upper, lower or both upper and lower eyelids done.

Dr. Kobienia makes incisions where any scarring will be hidden after surgery. Upper eyelid surgery incisions are placed in the natural lid crease. Lower eyelid surgery incisions are placed just below the eyelashes. Through these incisions, Dr. Kobienia is able to remove excess skin and fat tissue that is contributing to a sagging, aged appearance.

Eyelid surgery generally takes 1 to 2 hours to perform. Upper eyelid surgery may be done with local anesthesia only. If you are having lower eyelid surgery or having both upper and lower, you will be under general anesthesia during the procedure.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

The first day or two after your blepharoplasty is usually the most difficult part of the recovery period. You will be sent home after surgery with a head wrap, and surgical tape on the sides of your eyes, supporting the sutures and eyelids. We’ll schedule you to come back to the office within a couple days of your procedure to have these dressings removed.

Also during the first couple of days, it is important to regularly apply cold compresses to the eyes. This greatly helps to keep swelling and bruising down. The eye area is particularly sensitive and bruising in particular is an important thing to minimize, as any bruising that does occur can remain for several weeks. After a couple weeks, you should be able to apply makeup to sufficiently conceal the bruising, and swelling should be substantially resolved.

A week after surgery, sutures can be removed and you should be feeling much more like yourself. We can recommend an ointment to apply if your eyes are becoming too dry (a common side effect as you heal). Continue to take it easy for a couple weeks but start to add back in more of your normal activities as you feel up for it. We want you to be fully healed before starting up more strenuous exercise and activities, usually about 2 months after surgery.

Eyelid Surgery FAQs

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

Eyelid surgery is an investment in your appearance that can help you turn back the clock and boost your self-confidence. As far as the cost of your eyelid surgery, this depends on a variety of different factors. When determining the overall cost, you must take into consideration the surgery itself, the fees connected to the procedure, such as the operating room costs and the anesthesia, any pre-surgical testing and any necessary prescriptions. All of these costs can be affected by a variety of things, such as the physician’s level of expertise and experience, the type of eyelid surgery being performed, and even your geographical location.

How do I find the best surgeon near me to perform eyelid surgery?

When looking for a plastic surgeon to perform your eyelid surgery, it is best to find one that you feel comfortable and at ease with. Search for board-certified plastic surgeons who are local to you. Read reviews and look for a surgeon that performs eyelid surgeries on a regular basis. When at a consultation to meet the surgeon, do not be afraid to ask questions and ask to see before and after photos that are similar to your facial structure and have eye concerns similar to yours.

Who is an ideal eyelid surgery candidate?

Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are individuals over the age of 30 that are in good physical health who do not smoke. They have sagging skin that causes folds or drooping of the eyelids or puffiness due to fat deposits or bags under the eyes. They do not have any underlying eye conditions, such as glaucoma or dry eye. Your surgeon will discuss your medical history during your initial consultation.

Can eyelid surgery be considered a medical necessity?

Eyelid surgery can be considered a medically necessary procedure when the drooping of eyelids affects your field of vision. In order to qualify as a medically necessary procedure, your ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam that looks at the impact on your visual field. If determined to be medically necessary, your insurance may provide coverage of the procedure.

Will eyelid surgery hurt?

The eyelid surgery procedure should not cause any pain or discomfort as you will be under anesthesia. After the anesthesia wears off, you can expect some mild discomfort that can be managed by over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medications offered by your surgeon.

Will I have any scarring after eyelid surgery?

Because everyone heals differently, there is no guarantee how scars may form or develop after eyelid surgery. However, surgical incisions for eyelid surgery follow the natural skin folds and creases of the eye, limiting the appearance of any scarring.

What can I expect during recovery?

After your procedure, you can expect your eyes to feel watery or dry, sticky, itchy, or sensitive to light. You may experience blurry vision for a few days. You may experience bruising that can last for a few weeks after your procedure but will minimize with time. After about a week, you should be able to return to normal activities.

Can I still wear my contacts after eyelid surgery?

Unfortunately, contacts are not recommended to wear for at least one to two weeks or as directed by your physician. You may wear glasses after your surgery and, due to increased light sensitivity, you may want to opt for sunglasses during your recovery period.