Blepharoplasty / Eyelid Surgery in Chesapeake VA

If you are interested in rejuvenating your eyelids and regaining the beautiful appearance of your youth, consider speaking with our talented eye doctors for an Eyelid Surgery! Our skilled physicians can answer any questions you have regarding the procedure and can help you determine whether you are a candidate for treatment! Call (757) 484-0101 today to reach our Chesapeake, VA office.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure performed at Southside Eye Care in Chesapeake VA that helps correct sagging or drooping eyelids. The eyelid, because its skin is much thinner than that in other parts of the face, is often one of the first facial areas to exhibit signs of aging. Eyelids that sag or droop can affect peripheral vision, making daily activities such as driving more difficult.

When Is Eyelid Surgery Necessary?

Eyelid surgery may become necessary when various factors, which include aging, sun damage, smoking, and obesity, cause the muscles and tissue that support the eyelids to weaken.

Eyelid Surgery Before And After

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What Are The Different Types Of Eyelid Surgeries?

Blepharoplasty tightens the eyelid's muscles and tissue and removes excess fat and skin. Blepharoplasty eliminates the drooping of skin into the visual field, greatly improving peripheral vision. It is also performed for strictly cosmetic reasons.

Functional Blepharoplasty

If the eyelids begin sagging into the field of vision, a functional blepharoplasty may be required. A determination of how much vision is affected is done by checking the peripheral visual field with an instrument called the Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) Analyzer.

Is Functional Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?

The procedure may be covered by medical insurance if it is deemed medically necessary.

Cosmetic Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelid, or on both, for cosmetic purposes. For a lower eyelid that needs fat rather than skin removed, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty is performed. During transconjunctival blepharoplasty, an incision is made inside the lower eyelid, so there are no visible scars, and the fat is removed. This procedure has no effect on vision, but results in a person's looking younger and more refreshed.

Expectations for Cosmetic Blepharoplasty

It is important for a patient to have realistic expectations before undergoing cosmetic eyelid surgery. Although the procedure can enhance the appearance and improve self-confidence, it does not radically alter the face.

Eyelid Surgery Candidates

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are those who are in good overall health, do not smoke, do not have any serious eye conditions, and have healthy facial tissue and muscle.

People with eye disease, including glaucoma or retinal detachment, thyroid disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure are not good candidates for blepharoplasty.

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Blepharoplasty Procedure

Eyelid surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure requiring local anesthesia and sedation. General anesthesia may be used for anxious patients. Patients can choose to have this procedure on their upper or lower eyelids, or both. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether both the upper and lower eyelids are operated on.

If the upper eyelid is being operated on, an incision is typically made along its natural crease. Once the incision is made, fat deposits are repositioned or removed, muscles and tissue are tightened, and excess skin is removed. For the lower eyelid, an incision is usually made just below the lash line so that excess skin can be removed.

After eyelid surgery, the incisions are closed with sutures, tissue glue or surgical tape, and usually loosely covered with gauze so the area can heal.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

After blepharoplasty, patients may be advised to apply lubricating drops/ointment and cold compresses to aid in healing and minimize side effects. Stitches are usually removed after 3 or 4 days. Most swelling and other side effects typically subside within 2 weeks.

Patients are typically advised to wear dark sunglasses outside or in bright light for 2 weeks to protect their eyes from sun and wind.

When Can I Return to Normal Activities after Eyelid Surgery?

Most patients return to work within a few days to a week, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks.

When Can I Wear Contact Lenses after Eyelid Surgery?

Contact lenses and eye makeup may not be worn for 2 weeks after eyelid surgery.

Risks And Side Effects Of Blepharoplasty

Although there may be swelling and bruising around the surgical site, they will subside on their own, and the eyelids will improve in appearance for up to a year. Uncommon side effects include infection, reaction to anesthesia, and double or blurred vision. Eyes may be irritated and dry due to a temporary change in tear distribution.

Side effects such as uneven healing and permanent scarring are rare but, if they occur, may require surgical correction. Although the eyelids are still subject to aging, blepharoplasty produces long-lasting results.

Scarring after Eyelid Surgery

The scars from eyelid surgery are well-concealed and usually fade with time until they are virtually undetectable.

Call Southside Eye Care Today For Eyelid Surgery!

Southside Eye Care proudly serves Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach Virginia as well as the surrounding areas. For more information on eyelid surgery call us at 757-484-0101 today or fill out our online contact form.

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