What Is Blepharoplasty?in Boston, MA
If you have bags around your eyes, you may have heard of a procedure that can get rid of them and make you look younger. Blepharoplasty, sometimes known as an eyelid lift, is a great solution for drooping eyelids, vision obstruction, and a tired appearance.
Available right here at the Nielsen Eye Center, blepharoplasty has benefits beyond making your face look more pristine and youthful. Keep reading to learn more about blepharoplasty and to find out if this could be the right procedure to revitalize your eyes!
How does blepharoplasty work?
Performing an eyelid lift is unique to each patient, as everyone’s eyes and desired appearance are different. The procedure involves removing some combination of excess skin, fat, and muscle.
Blepharoplasty can be used to reduce bagging for the top and/or bottom eyelid. During the procedure, the surgeon numbs the area around your eye. This ensures that you never feel any pain! Your eye surgeon will make a small incision into either your top or bottom eyelid, through which the tissue is either removed or adjusted inside of the lid before being stitched back up.
That’s it! There’s no need for general anesthesia. Instead, you’ll receive an injection and some medication to keep calm and relax. Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day as your procedure.
Why choose blepharoplasty?
Some people may shy away from procedures like blepharoplasty. Most people experience droopy eyelids with age and muscles around the eyes weaken.
Some people want blepharoplasty to look younger, but there’s another reason to consider this procedure. For many patients, drooping eyelids can cause vision obstructions that impact peripheral vision and make it difficult to see. By tightening or removing these tissues, blepharoplasty can improve your field of vision.
If performed to enhance your appearance alone, blepharoplasty is not covered by insurance. However, the procedure may be covered by insurance when it is performed to improve vision function. A Visual Field test can be performed to determine the degree of vision obstruction caused by drooping eyelids.
Removing these bags can give you a better range of vision. You may be surprised at how much more you can see after having blepharoplasty!
Are there risks associated with blepharoplasty?
Any surgery carries some risk, even a minor procedure like blepharoplasty. A blepharoplasty is a safe, low-risk operation, but it’s always good to be aware of all risks, even if they’re unlikely.
The main risks associated with the blepharoplasty procedure are infection, irritation, dry eye, and blurry vision. Many of these complications are temporary.
There are also some rarer and more severe risks associated with all surgeries, such as blood clotting. Be sure to discuss these risks with your eye doctor before choosing to undergo this procedure.
Assessing your eligibility for blepharoplasty
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty. Before you can have the operation, your doctor will test your eligibility for the procedure.
This will include a physical examination to make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery. It also includes a visual examination to assess your ocular health and risk for dry eye, along with other post-surgical complications.
If you’re found to be a suitable candidate, you may be asked to stop taking certain medications. If it would be unsafe for you not to take these medications, you may not be a good candidate for blepharoplasty.
Ready for a more youthful appearance? Tired of living with unattractive, drooping eyelids that make it hard to see?
For blepharoplasty in the greater Boston area, contact the Nielsen Eye Center today! You can easily reach us by calling 617-471-5665 and ask for a Patient Advocate, who can schedule you at your earliest convenience.
