Eyelid Surgery: Commonly Asked Questions

Vivian Hernandez, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Eyelid Surgery / Eyelid Lift / Blepharoplasty:Commonly Asked Questions The following questions are commonly asked by patients of Dr. Hernandez before undergoing Eyelid Surgery. While these questions and more are thoroughly answered in a personal consultation, the answers given summarize the doctor’s approach and advice as one considers having an Eyelid Lift.

1. What is Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty is performed to rejuvenate tired, puffy orsaggy looking eyes, such as overhanging upper eyelids or bags under the eyes. When patients have skin and fatty tissue excess in the upper or lower eyelids, a small amount of skin and fat is removed making the eyes look youthful again. If the overhanging eyelids are caused by sagging eyebrows, however, a brow lift is recommended instead of or in conjunction with an eyelid lift.

2. How do I know if I am a candidate for blepharoplasty?

You might be a candidate for blepharoplasty if:  your upper eyelids sag and hang over your eyes  you have wrinkles or excess skin in the lower eyelids  you have bags under your eyes  you have droopy lower eyelids  the excess skin in the upper eyelid impairs your vision 3. What is the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty?

In upper blepharoplasty, an incision is made across the lid and excess skin and fat are removed as needed. In the lower eyelid, the incision is made on the inside of the lower eyelid or outside just beneath the eyelashes. Excess skin and fat are removed in both cases, and droopy eyelidsare corrected, if necessary.

4. Will I have visible scars after surgery?

The incisions are not visible because they are hidden in the natural folds of the eyelids, on the inside of the lower lid, or just under the lower lash line. After they heal, these incisions are undetectable.

5. What type of anesthesia is used for the surgery?

Dr. Hernandez uses a local anesthetic and intravenous sedation administered by an experienced Board Certified Anesthesiologist in her Accredited Outpatient Surgical Facility.

6. What is the recovery time for blepharoplasty?

The recovery time ranges from one to four weeks. You may experience some swelling and bruising but very little discomfort. To minimize swelling, Dr. Hernandez recommends that you use cold compresses and keep your head elevated.

Sutures are removed within one week, and makeup can be applied after that.

7. Can I have Laser Resurfacing around the eyes along with Eyelid Surgery?

You can have Laser Resurfacing around the eyes to smooth surface wrinkles. This can be done with or without blepharoplasty.

8. Will eyelid surgery fix sagging brows?

No. Sagging or hooded eyebrows are fixed through a brow lift, which can be performed by direct excision or endoscopically through a small incision using an endoscopic camera. The small incisions are well-hidden. This procedure elevates the brow to a more natural position.

9. Can I have eyelid surgery during a facelift?

Yes. You can combine the two procedures or have them done separately. A facelift will require an overnight stay at the surgical facility, but eyelid surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure.

10. When can I wear my contact lenses after surgery?

Once the swelling goes down after surgery and you can easily manipulate your eyelids, Dr. Hernandez recommends that you wait two weeks before wearing contact lenses. In the meantime, you can wear glasses.

11. Will I be able to read immediately after surgery?

Your vision may be blurry following the surgery due to cornea swelling and the use of eye lubricants that we provide. Your vision will recover completely in a few days.

12. How soon will I see the results after surgery?

You should notice an improvement in the area around the eyes immediately following the surgery. But you will see the final results in about four weeks once the swelling is gone. Many patients return to work after a week.

13. Are blepharoplasty results permanent?

The results of eyelid surgery are long lasting. Nevertheless, over time, the skin elasticity and the facial muscles of the eyes willcontinue to changein response to the environment, sunlight and the aging process. As more time passes, the brow coulddrop or descend enough to cause excess skin to reappear on the upper eyelid.

In this case the solution will be a brow lift rather than a second eyelid surgery.

14. Will myhealth insurance company pay for eyelid surgery?

When your vision is diminished due to droopy upper eyelids and you have a visual field test confirming the impairment, your insurance company may cover the cost.

Lower eyelid surgery is usually considered a cosmetic procedure only and is not usually covered by insurance. Please keep in mind that the office of Dr. Hernandez does not work with insurance providers.