What is cosmetic eyelid surgery?
Cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a procedure to sculpt the upper and lower eyelids to restore a youthful appearance to your eyes and sometimes improve your vision. Upper eyelid surgery can open up droopy appearing upper eyelids. Lower eyelid surgery removes the puffiness and swelling of the lower eyelids. Most patients look younger and more rested after successful eyelid surgery
I am of Asian ancestry. What can you do for my eyes?
Many Asian patients request a "double" upper eyelid and removal of the bags beneath the lower eyelids. In the SF Bay area and Silicon Valley, patients do not want eyelid surgery to make them look Caucasian. Rather, they request eyelid surgery to give them attractive Asian eyelids that vary based on their country of ethnic origin and personal desires.
How are lower eyelids treated?
Lower eyelids bulges are usually treated with a transconjunctival incision (incision inside the eyelid) so as to avoid a visible scar. Some patients may be candidates for newer techniques such as fat transfer, midface elevation, laser resurfacing and/or canthoplasty.
What is the success rate of cosmetic eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is very successful in patients who have been properly educated and have reasonable expectations.
How is cosmetic eyelid surgery performed?
Dr. Levin individualizes each procedure to the specific patient looking to maximize results while minimizing any side effects. The Silktouch carbon dioxide laser is used on excessive tissue of the eyelids. After sculpting the eyelids, fine absorbable or removable sutures are used.
Is there any pain after surgery?
Patients have surprisingly little discomfort after most eyelid procedures. Generally over the counter Tylenol is all that patients need (together with ice packs or "frozen peas in plastic bags") placed over their eyes for 24 hours. An occasional patient will require stronger medication.
Can this be performed in the office?
Yes. Most cosmetic eyelid surgery is performed in our surgical suite for your convenience, confidentiality and comfort. We have an operating room approved by the California Medical Association's Institute for Medical Quality for surgery and sedation.
How long does the operation take?
We ask you to arrive at the office ½ hr before surgery and stay until you are ready to go home. The actual procedure generally takes 90 minutes for upper and lower eyelids.
Are the eyes patched closed?
Your eyes are never patched closed. We place ointment in the eyes that modestly blurs your vision. If you notice problems with your vision, we want to know about them immediately. We ask that you keep ice packs or packets of frozen peas on your eyes when you are awake for the first day or two when you are resting.
When can I return to normal activities
Most patients are watching TV and listening to radio 1-2 days after surgery. People generally can read and work at the computer 3-4 days later, though the eyes fatigue faster than usual. Most patients can return to work 7-10 days later and resume athletic workouts 2 weeks later. We ask our patients to recognize that healing occurs gradually over weeks to months, although most improvement occurs in the first month after surgery.
Am I too young to have surgery
Most patients have heavy eyelids their entire lives and are candidates for upper eyelid surgery in their 20s, though most wait until their mid 30s or later. Lower eyelid bags are nearly universal and come on with age--the exact age usually depends on your heredity.
What if I have had RK or LASIK?
A number of patients come to us for cosmetic eyelid surgery after "throwing away" their glasses after corrective vision surgery. These patients find that the glasses hid their eyelid bags. Patients who have had successful corrective vision surgery are excellent candidates for cosmetic eyelid surgery
Can other procedures be performed at the same time?
Yes, other facial surgical and laser procedures can be combined with eyelid surgery. Browlift (forehead lift) and facial laser resurfacing are the most commonly performed procedures.
How Much does Surgery Costs?
Fees reflect the specific problem that you have and the extent of surgery to correct it. A price estimate will be given at your consultation for cosmetic surgery that includes the surgeon's fee/fee for operating room/and fee for anesthetist if required. A typical fee for upper or lower eyelid surgery is $2700-$3000 for both eyes. A typical fee for upper and lower eyelid surgery is $5000 for both eyes. A typical fee for brow or forehead lift is $2500-4500.
Will my insurance cover eyelid surgery?
If you vision is affected by droopy eyelids, some insurance plans will pay for eyelids surgery. This is a decision that is made by your insurance plan after reviewing your condition and photographs.
What if I don't have insurance coverage or have HMO/Kaiser coverage?
Many patients choose not to use their HMO plans (including Kaiser) and choose an eyelid surgeon of their choice. Cosmetic eyelid surgery can be accomplished in our approved surgical suite and is an affordable option for many individuals who desire to improve their appearance.
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