Eyelid Lift
An eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical process that can improve signs of aging by treating loose or sagging skin around the upper eyelid that may have a negative impact on the youthful contour of the eyelid and, in some cases, may have impaired natural vision. Eyelid lift surgery improves the appearance of the upper eyelids (and sometimes the lower eyelids) and rejuvenates your appearance.
Eyelid lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure that may be a good option if you are bothered by loose skin or puffiness in the upper eyelids, bags under your eyes, or impaired vision due to excess skin.
Note: Success in eyelid lift surgery is greater if you are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight, you do not smoke, and you have realistic expectations for your surgery and potential outcomes. Eyelid lift surgery does not significantly change the appearance of your face. In some circumstances, an eyelid lift procedure is performed in conjunction with facelift or neck lift surgery to create a more dramatic change in your final appearance.
The Initial Consultation
The success of your eyelid lift surgery depends on the quality of your participation in the initial consultation at the Birmingham Cohn Plastic Surgery. You will need to be prepared to discuss why you want eyelid lift surgery, your personal medical history, drug allergies, use of medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs, and any family history of disease.
Dr. Cohn will perform a physical examination and take detailed measurements of your individual physical attributes. Photographs will be taken for your medical record. At that point, Dr. Cohn will be prepared to discuss your surgical options, recommend a course of treatment, and discuss the use of anesthesia during your eyelid lift procedure. The consultation consists of a thorough discussion to get a sense of what an anticipated final appearance might look like. Dr. Cohn is happy to assist with recommendations while using your personal goals to guide final decision making.
Preparing for Eyelid Lift Surgery
Before eyelid lift surgery, Dr. Cohn will discuss where your procedure will be performed –in our accredited, office-based surgical suite, outpatient / ambulatory surgical center, or in a hospital in Birmingham. Prior to your surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, receive a prescription for certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking, avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. Some special instructions you receive will cover what to do on the day of surgery and post-operative care and follow-up.
The Birmingham Eyelid Lift Procedure
Your eyelid lift surgery can be performed through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for your eyelid lift will be determined in your initial consultation with Dr. Cohn.
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- The eyelid lift surgery begins with anesthesia, where intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be provided. Dr. Cohn will recommend the best choice for your surgery.
- After the anesthesia has taken effect, incisions are made. Depending on your eyelid lift choice, your incisions may be to the following areas:
a. The Upper Eyelid: Where scars are concealed within the natural folds of the eyelid region.
b. The Lower Lash Line: Where excess skin from the lower eyelids is removed.
c. Inside the Lower Eyelid: Also known as a transconjunctival incision, this technique allows the incision to be hidden inside the lower eyelid.
- As part of the eyelid lift closing procedure, removable or absorbable sutures are often used, along with skin adhesives and surgical tape.
Risks and Complications
The decision to have eyelid lift surgery is extremely personal and not without risk. Dr. Cohn will fully review and explain the risks associated with your surgery. After you fully understand the procedure, you will be asked to sign consent forms.
Recovery for Eyelid Lift Surgery
Although many factors are involved in your recovery time, you will likely experience an initial post-surgical recovery period for 24-48 hours. You may also require a reduced-activity period of a few days. During recovery, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume at Dr. Cohn’s direction.
Following all of Dr. Cohn’s post-surgery instructions is crucial to the success of your surgery. Surgical incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during healing. Dr. Cohn will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions following eyelid lift surgery, which medications to take, how to reduce the risk of infection, and when to make a follow-up appointment.
Eyelid Lift Surgery Costs
As with any elective surgery, the cost of eyelid lift surgery is a consideration for many patients. Cost may include a surgeon’s fee, hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, prescriptions for medications, and any associated medical tests. Birmingham Cohn Plastic Surgery proudly offers patient financing plans, so be sure to ask if such a plan is of interest to you.
For more information about eyelid lift surgery in Birmingham, we invite you to call us at (205) 930-1600 – Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 8:00am to 12:00 pm – to schedule an appointment. You may also use the Contact Form page to send us a message.