Dr. Blake Raggio, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
The Eyes Have It: FAQ’s Upper Blepharoplasty
You may recall from last month’s article, Beauty and the Brows, where we discussed the options available for brow rejuvenation. This month, we will continue our discussion on facial rejuvenation and explore the topic of upper eyelid surgery by answering some frequently asked questions about blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), a simple and low-risk in-office procedure with minimal downtime but impactful results. As they say, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” So why not make them look their best?
Remind me again, what happens to the eyelids as we age? In short, the main issue with aging upper eyelids revolves around a loss of collagen and elastin in the eyelid skin (Fun Fact: upper eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on the human body). The loss of structural integrity creates a redundant, heavy upper eyelid which contributes to a sad or tired look. Heavy upper lid skin has more than just cosmetic consequences, however, as it may create a functional vision impairment too. Keep in mind, a drooping eyebrow may contribute to a heavy upper lid appearance and may require attention as well (see previous article, Beauty and the Brows, for more information on brow lifting modalities). In addition to upper lid heaviness, mispositioned upper lid fat pads may create aesthetically displeasing contour irregularities which can also be addressed at the time of surgery. What exactly does a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) entail? In the most basic sense, an upper lid blepharoplasty involves the precise removal of a small portion of redundant upper lid skin, with or without removal of eyelid muscle and/or eye fat. If an upper lid blepharoplasty is the only procedure, you are having done, this can The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Insurance: Is an upper blepharoplasty covered? If you are interested in undergoing an upper lid blepharoplasty, you might be surprised to hear that insurance often covers the procedure, but only if the upper lid redundancy contributes to a problem with your vision. This visual deficit can be easily confirmed with a visual field test done by your local ophthalmologist (eye doctor). If the procedure is done for purely cosmetic reasons, you can expect to pay around $3600 out-ofpocket (varies depending on your surgeon’s associated anesthesia fees and facility costs). Just remember, when it comes to Facial Plastic Surgery, you certainly “get what you pay for.” It is your face, after all.
be easily performed in-office under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort. The procedure takes no longer than 1 hour to perform and has very little downtime with low risks of serious complications. Of course, some mild but temporary bruising and swelling is expected for the first 1-2 weeks. NOTE: do not let the
straightforward nature of the procedure fool you, as a successful blepharoplasty requires precise measurements and meticulous surgical technique to ensure a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result.
At what age is an upper blepharoplasty usually required? There is really no age requirement for an upper blepharoplasty. For instance, some patients in their early 30’s and 40’s who suffer from congenitally redundant upper eyelid skin may benefit from a modest skin excision performed in the office setting. On the other hand, patients in their 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s with heavy upper lids and droopy brows often benefit from a combined upper lid blepharoplasty and a surgical browlift.
How can I learn more about a blepharoplasty? If you are interested in learning more about upper eyelid surgery to correct a functional or aesthetic issue with your eyes, I suggest consulting with a surgeon experienced in a wide variety of both surgical and non-surgical facial plastic surgery-related procedures. This will ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan. As always, choose a surgeon whom you trust. There is nothing more important than the relationship you have with your doctor. In Good Health, Dr. Blake Raggio Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Alabama Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
334-373-3611 www.ALplasticsurgery.com Dr.Raggio@alplasticsurgery.com R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2022
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