What Is Blepharoplasty? Naples Plastic Surgeons Answer FAQs

Described through the ages as “windows to the soul,” our eyes are one of our most striking and beautiful facial features. However, the eyelids and skin that frame the eyes are usually the first facial features to display visible signs of aging, detracting from our ocular allure.

Blepharoplasty represents one of the most effective means of restoring the youthful appearance of our eyes. Yet, many people cannot answer the question, “What is blepharoplasty?” The Southwest Florida surgeons at Naples Plastic Surgery know the answer to this question and all the other frequently asked questions about what is more commonly called “eyelid surgery” or an “eyelift.”

1. What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to renew the appearance of aging skin around the eye. The procedure involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids and tightening sagging skin that creates unsightly under-eye bags and circles.

Patients undergo blepharoplasty for cosmetic and functional reasons. From a cosmetic perspective, the procedure is especially popular with younger patients who prematurely look older due to loose, mottled skin that contributes to eye bag formation. As a corrective procedure, blepharoplasty improves the vision of those whose visual fields are obstructed by excess skin.

2. Who Is a Good Candidate?

Naturally, anyone struggling with impaired vision caused by excess skin is a good candidate for blepharoplasty. Aesthetically, the procedure is effective for healthy adults who want to restore the alert, youthful, and rested look that is impaired by heavy upper lids, under-eye bags, and puffiness. Patients should have realistic expectations about their outcome in that while it will remove excess skin and decrease puffiness, it may not eliminate all related facial wrinkles.

Medical conditions that may preclude candidacy for blepharoplasty include:

• Glaucoma
• Dry eye syndrome
• Retinal disorders
• Corneal issues
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Bleeding disorders

3. What Happens During the Procedure?

A blepharoplasty at Naples Plastic Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia. It can be conducted in one to two hours, depending on the scope of work. Patients may need an upper eyelift, lower eyelift, or both, depending on the eyelid condition, the extent of puffiness and eye bags, and other ocular-area concerns. Our surgeons typically perform the upper eyelift by removing excess fat and skin from a small incision within the eyelid fold and then tightening the supporting eyelid muscles. They perform the lower eyelift with a similar methodology through an incision in the lash line or inside the lid.

4. What Is Blepharoplasty Recovery Like?

Following blepharoplasty surgery in Naples, patients are free to return home with a designated driver.. We provide our patients with a detailed list of aftercare instructions, which include:

• Keep the head elevated and regularly cover the eye areas with an ice pack or cool compress for at least 24 hours.
• Regular application of recommended eye drops or ointment.
• No strenuous activities for at least a week.
• Wearing sunglasses as needed to protect the eyes from sunlight and wind-blown particles.
• No smoking.

Most patients experience eye issues like sensitivity, seeping, double-vision, and blurry vision for at least 24 hours after surgery. Within the next one to two weeks, post-operation bruising and swelling will subside and start to reveal the patient’s renewed, alert-looking eyes. During recovery, patients can easily manage any pain and discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications.

5. Will I Have Scars?

Our skilled surgeons deftly target the incisions within the eyelid creases and lash lines, which makes them only visible when the eyes are closed. Given the size and shallowness of the incisions, they usually fade within a year or two and are barely noticeable.

6. How Long Do Results Last?

Depending on the patient’s age, health, genetics, and lifestyle, blepharoplasty results typically last from five to 10 years and even more. While visible signs of aging will slowly emerge, the renewed eyes can maintain their youthful look for years. Those who make good lifestyle choices—don’t smoke, drink alcohol in moderation, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and avoid sun exposure—typically enjoy the longest-lasting results from their surgery.

7. Is It Worth It?

Given the feedback from our blepharoplasty patients in Naples, the procedure is worth it, especially for those whose drooping skin of their eyelids had previously been impairing their vision. Whether functional or cosmetic, our patients typically report that undergoing blepharoplasty boosted their self-confidence. They recount that friends, family, and co-workers tell them how awake, alert, and refreshed they look. As one of our male eyelid surgery patients said, “My heavy eyelids and eyebags always made me look bored and tired. Before the surgery, I looked like a tired, grumpy old man, but now I look younger and ready to take on the world.”

8. How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in Naples, FL?

The cost of Blepharoplasty in Naples depends on several variables, including scope of work. Compared to many other plastic surgery procedures, blepharoplasty is considered affordable, and the results are worth the cost and in some cases may be covered by insurance.

Schedule Your Blepharoplasty with Naples Plastic Surgery

Our highly skilled surgeons have an esteemed reputation for helping Naples, Florida-area patients gain a younger, more rested appearance with blepharoplasty. If you’d like to learn more about how our surgeons can correct your ptosis-impaired vision or restore your eyes’ youthful, refreshed, and alert appearance, schedule your consultation by calling 239.566.2611.