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Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery in Sarasota, FL

Eyelid surgery is a way to restore a more youthful appearance to the upper and lower eyelids at Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center. The eyes are one of the first places to show signs of aging, with sagging upper eyelids and excess fat under the eyes. These can cause the appearance of being tired, worn out, and aged.

Eyelid surgery is an ideal option for patients interested in a brighter and more alert appearance to their eyes. Learn more about eyelid surgery by scheduling a consultation with our board-certified and board-eligible plastic surgeons. Contact us today by calling or filling out our online form.

Eyelid Surgery/Brow Lift in Sarasota, FL

What is Eyelid Surgery?

An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is a procedure for removing excess eyelid skin, rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes and eyelids. A surgeon can perform this procedure on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Most patients choose to address their upper and lower lids simultaneously for a more balanced correction. It can easily be combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures such as the facelift or brow lift to remove excess skin from other areas of the face.

Why Should I Consider Eyelid Surgery?

There are many decisions to make when considering cosmetic surgery. You may be unsure whether this is the right procedure for your needs, or whether there is a non-surgical alternative that can allow you to avoid surgery. The best way to navigate this decision is by meeting with a our knowledgeable team of surgeons. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our Sarasota, FL office.

Eyelid surgery is not recommended for patients who have certain vision problems. Our surgeons may recommend a complete eye exam to check for any eye conditions that might be exacerbated by this surgery.

What are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is ideal if your face appears tired or stressed due to excess skin, fat, or tissue on the upper or lower eyelids. Eyelid lift surgery helps restore a firmer appearance to the skin in the eye area. In patients with sagging skin on the upper eyelid, this procedure can improve vision by lifting the upper lids out of the field of vision. Because eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure, its results are long-lasting and can cause you to appear young for your age for many years to come.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery in Sarasota, FL?

An eyelid lift entails strategically placing incisions on the upper or lower eyelids, through which a surgeon can smooth and tighten the skin, removing any excess. For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are often placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid skin so that it disappears when your eyes are open. For lower eyelid surgery, incisions are often placed within the natural lash line so they are hidden. Through these incisions, your surgeon may also tighten muscles and remove unwanted fat to create a more youthful, rejuvenated eyelid appearance. 

Our surgeons are familiar with many techniques for blepharoplasty, including transconjunctival blepharoplasty, a specialized technique that removes fat from under the lower eyelids using an incision located inside the lower eyelid.

All surgeries are performed at our fully-accredited, state-of-the-art facility located in our building. This facility is both state and federally accredited and was designed by our surgeons to accommodate your needs. It includes best-in-class surgical safety equipment, as well as the expertise of our nurses, anesthesiologists, and adjacent medical team. We will remain focused on your care and comfort throughout your procedure, ensuring it meets your individual needs and desires. Our team will meet with you extensively before your procedure so you understand what to expect.

Recovery From Your Sarasota Eyelid Surgery

You can expect a dedicated recovery time after eyelid surgery. Although you can return to regular activities within the first few days, bruising and swelling will take several months to fully resolve. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions to follow during this time. Please reach out to our team with any questions to ensure a smooth and successful process.

  • Arrange for transportation home and for someone to watch you at home for the first 24 hours. You will not be able to drive yourself for the first few days.
  • Fill your prescriptions ahead of time and have them ready when you get home.
  • Take walks around the house every few hours to keep blood moving.
  • Take at least one week off work for surgery – considering the nature of eyelid surgery, you may need an additional week if you work an office or screen-based job.
  • Avoid strenuous activity like exercise or heavy lifting until cleared by your surgeon. Normally, this period lasts about six weeks.
  • Avoid saunas and hot tubs. Heat can slow the healing process, and you may be exposed to infection-causing bacteria.
  • Don’t smoke or drink alcohol for a few weeks before and after surgery.
  • Drink lots of water to aid healing, improve blood flow, and make the process of inserting an IV easier.

After eyelid surgery, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurry vision are normal for the first several days. Follow the instructions for the moisturizing eyedrops carefully. Avoid wearing contact lenses until your surgeon clears you to do so. 

Contact Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center to get started

To learn more about eyelid surgery and how it can improve excess skin on the upper and lower eyelids, contact Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center at our Sarasota, FL office today.

Eyelid Surgery FAQs

Can I sleep on my side after eyelid surgery?

Typically, we recommend sleeping on your back with your head elevated for the first couple of weeks post-surgery. This position helps to minimize swelling and prevent accidental trauma to the healing eyelids. Sleeping on your side could potentially put pressure on the surgical area, increasing the risk of complications or uneven healing. For those who naturally prefer side sleeping, using extra pillows to prop yourself up can encourage back sleeping and offer additional support.

How do you reduce bruising after eyelid surgery?

Reducing bruising after eyelid surgery involves a few simple steps that can help minimize swelling and discoloration. First, it is important to apply cold compresses to the affected area during the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery. This helps in constricting blood vessels and reducing the spread of bruising. Elevating your head while resting or sleeping can also significantly reduce swelling. Refraining from consuming alcohol and tobacco, as these can hinder recovery and worsen bruising, is also essential.

How long are eyes blurry after blepharoplasty?

Blurring of vision after blepharoplasty is common and typically temporary. Patients often experience blurry vision for a few days post-operation, due to swelling of the eyelids. In most cases, this blurriness recedes as the healing process progresses, usually within a week. However, it is essential to monitor the recovery closely. If blurriness persists or worsens, it may signal complications, necessitating further evaluation.

How long after blepharoplasty do you see results?

Blepharoplasty typically reveals its full results gradually over a period of weeks to months. In the initial days following the procedure, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are normal parts of the healing process. Noticeable improvements often become visible within two to three weeks as the swelling subsides, but optimal results are generally seen at the three-month mark. That said, healing can vary from person to person, and some individuals might see subtle changes in their results over a longer period.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

The duration of eyelid surgery typically ranges from one to three hours, depending on whether the procedure involves the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. Upper eyelid surgery generally takes about one hour, while lower eyelid surgery might last one to two hours. The complexity of the case and individual patient considerations can also influence the time required for the surgery.

How long does it take for lower blepharoplasty scars to heal?

Lower blepharoplasty scars typically begin to visibly heal within the first few weeks following the procedure, but the full healing process can take several months. Initially, you might notice some redness and swelling, which gradually diminishes. Scar tissue formation is part of the natural healing process, but with proper care, such as keeping the area moisturized and protecting it from excessive sun exposure, scars usually become less noticeable over time. For most individuals, lower blepharoplasty scars will significantly fade and improve in appearance within three to six months.

How is upper eyelid surgery done?

Upper eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that typically begins with detailed markings on the skin to indicate where incisions will be made to blend with the natural folds of the eyes. The surgeon then uses these guidelines to carefully make precise incisions along the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Once the incisions are made, we'll remove or redistribute the underlying tissue to achieve a smoother and more youthful appearance. Finally, the incisions are meticulously closed with small stitches, which are typically removed within a week.

Is eyelid surgery painful?

While individual experiences can vary, most patients report minimal pain during the procedure itself due to the use of local or general anesthesia. Post-surgery, you may experience some discomfort and swelling, which is typically manageable with prescribed pain relief and cold compresses.

What can I expect after eyelid surgery?

After eyelid surgery, patients can typically expect a recovery period that includes some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the eyes. These symptoms usually subside within one to two weeks as the healing process progresses, with many people able to resume normal activities during this time. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses can help manage swelling and bruising. Stitches are often removed within a week, and any scarring is expected to fade over time, eventually blending into the natural contours of the eyelid. It's important to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and results, and to protect your eyes from sun exposure as they heal.

How much is an eyelid surgery?

The cost of eyelid surgery can vary significantly depending on various factors such as whether you are having upper or lower eyelid surgery or both. On average, eyelid surgery costs range from $3,000 to $7,500. This price typically includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and the facility's costs. However, it's important to note that additional expenses may arise, such as prescription medications, pre-surgery medical tests, or post-surgery care items.

Will I have visible scars after an eyelid lift in Sarasota, FL?

Most patients do not experience noticeable scarring after an eyelid lift. Our surgeons carefully place the incisions for this procedure in discreet, hidden areas like the lash line or the crease in the upper eyelid. After you’ve fully healed, any scars will be virtually invisible.

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