Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty)
As we age, we begin to notice drooping of our eyelids, which not only makes us appear older and tired; it can also lead to some loss of our peripheral vision. The procedure known as Blepharoplasty is the removal of excess skin, fat and muscle that has weakened the eyelid over time.
As people age, the muscles and skin around their eyes can begin to weaken and stretch out, resulting in droopiness and a tired appearance. Fatty tissue that surrounds and supports the eye can also bulge over time, causing excess puffiness. Not only does this impact appearance and make people look older, but drooping eyelids can also restrict an individual’s field of vision.
Are you seeking a solution for drooping eyelids, obstructed vision, or a tired appearance? Dr. Helen Moreira of the Nielsen Eye Center is a skilled eye surgeon who can help you achieve better vision and a more youthful appearance with a blepharoplasty!
What Is Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty, also commonly referred to as an eyelid lift or eyelid surgery, is one of the most common medical and cosmetic surgeries performed on the face. It is effective at giving a more youthful appearance without the trauma of a major facelift. Blepharoplasty can help patients to look and feel better and can improve peripheral vision in those whose eyelids may block or impact their line of sight.
The Blepharoplasty procedure often involves the surgical removal of excess muscle tissues, skin, or fatty tissue from around the eye, and is used to reinforce muscle tissues to strengthen and tighten them. The final result is a more youthful, awake appearance and an enhanced range of vision.
How Is Blepharoplasty Done?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning it does not require an overnight stay in a hospital when performed. The procedure itself can take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Prior to beginning the procedure, Dr. Moreira injects a local anesthetic into the eyelid, numbing the area and ensuring the procedure will be painless. In addition, oral sedatives can be used to help patients relax during the procedure. Dr. Moreira will initially create an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, helping to conceal and minimize visual scarring after the incision heals. She will then remove any excess skin, muscle, and fat that may contribute to eyelid droopiness. Once completed, Dr. Moreira will close the incision by utilizing dissolvable sutures.
Every case of blepharoplasty is different, which is why it is so important to carefully select an experienced surgeon who will properly assess the eyelid and modifications needed to achieve the best results. When the blepharoplasty procedure has been completed, patients are encouraged to rest at the medical center and allow the anesthesia to wear off slightly. Dr. Moreira then performs a post-operative examination and reviews appropriate aftercare with each patient before they return home.
Recovery After Blepharoplasty
Each patient will have a series of after-care instructions to adhere to in the weeks following the blepharoplasty procedure. Patients are encouraged to get rest and take all medications as directed by Dr. Moreira. The medications are used to assist the eyelids to heal and to help prevent infections. The sutures used to close the incisions will be dissolved within 2-3 weeks.
Patients will often experience minimal to moderate bruising and swelling following the procedure, which generally subsides within two weeks. Surgical scarring can take several months to fade. Patients are also encouraged to protect their eyelids from sun exposure by wearing hats and sunglasses to protect the area. The healing process is gradual. In many cases, it takes a few months to see the full results of blepharoplasty. We welcome all patients to contact the Nielsen Eye Center with any questions or concerns following the procedure!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Patients often choose to have blepharoplasty performed to improve vision and to appear younger and more alert. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, blepharoplasty may be a good option for you:
- Baggy, droopy eyelids
- Decreased field of vision caused by excess skin
- Puffiness and heaviness of the upper eyelids
- Skin that touches or hangs over eyelashes
The blepharoplasty procedure can restore appearance, creating a more youthful and lively look. For patients who find their peripheral or central vision is obstructed by droopy eyelids, the procedure can also restore a full range of vision, making activities like driving safer. Blepharoplasty may not be right for everyone – a full consultation is needed to determine the best fit for each individual.
Benefits of Choosing an Eye Surgeon to Perform Eyelid Surgery
The field of oculoplastic surgery is a branch of ophthalmology dedicated to plastic and reconstructive surgery surrounding the eye. Oculoplastic services include a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive techniques designed to treat eyelids, tear ducts, and eye sockets. Although blepharoplasty can be performed by plastic surgeons, there are many benefits to choosing a qualified, experienced eye surgeon to perform the procedure. By combining advanced ophthalmic knowledge with cosmetic principles, patients receive the best possible care for their eyes from a surgeon dedicated to treating visual systems.
Is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
Cosmetic surgeries, or surgeries that are undertaken to improve appearance alone, are not covered by insurance and Medicare. However, insurances will often cover what is considered “functional” eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty.
An eyelid procedure is considered functional when it is performed to improve vision function. If an individual’s eyelids are interfering with everyday activities and causing difficulty seeing, the procedure may be covered by insurance. To determine the degree of vision loss caused by drooping eyelids, Dr. Moreira may perform a Visual Field test. Upper eyelid surgery is commonly considered medical in nature.
Blepharoplasty in Massachusetts
Curious if blepharoplasty could be right for you? For eyelid surgery in the greater Boston area, contact the Nielsen Eye Center to schedule a private, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Helen Moreira, one of the Nielsen Eye Center’s skilled eye surgeons.
The Nielsen Eye Center has four convenient locations in Quincy, Weymouth, Norwood and Norwell Massachusetts. With a full range of vision care services to improve your eye health and appearance, our practice is dedicated to providing excellent vision care in the greater Boston region.
Contact the Nielsen Eye Center
If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr. Helen Moreira for cosmetic services at the Nielsen Eye Center, please contact us today at 617-471-5665.
