An eyelid lift, also known as the blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that eliminates loose skin and bulging fat pads from the upper and lower eyelids. Many people notice the first signs of aging in the eye area. The blepharoplasty can dramatically improve the appearance by brightening the eyes and taking away a tired and puffy look. Dr. Vitenas thinks of this procedure as the rejuvenation of the windows to one’s soul.
The blepharoplasty can produce excellent results alone, however when used with other restorative techniques, such as Botox Cosmetic or dermal filler injections, a complete facial rejuvenation can be seen. The ideal patient for a blepharoplasty will be healthy, and seeking an improvement for their sagging upper eyelids or puffy under-eye bags.
All of Dr. Vitenas’ blepharoplasty procedures are performed in the accredited Houston Surgery Center. Dr. Vitenas’ private operating center, the Houston Surgery Center is located on the second floor of Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, off Richmond Avenue. An eyelid lift will take from one to two hours in total. In almost all cases general anesthesia is used during this cosmetic procedure.
For an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the incisions will be placed along the crease of the upper eyelid. For lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the incisions may be made below the lower eyelid lashes or through the inside of the bottom lid. From this incision, the unwanted, loose skin and fatty tissue will be excised. Sutures are placed once the desired level of correction has been reached.
Recovery from a blepharoplasty can last up to two weeks. Swelling and bruising commonly occur. The bruising can take two to four weeks to fade. Patients may experience a tight or sore feeling in the eyelids; Dr. Vitenas will provide the necessary pain medications for a peaceful and pain-free recovery. The stitches are removed in three to five days. Work may be resumed after one to two weeks. Exercise and the lifting of heavy objections need to be put off for four to six weeks.
*Client testimonials are based on personal experience. Individual results may vary.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
Q- What is the blepharoplasty procedure?
Blepharoplasty, sometimes called eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, is a technique created to rejuvenate and brighten the eye area. Excess skin and bulging fat pads are removed from the upper and lower eyelids. The procedure can dramatically improve the signs of aging occurring around the eye area, including a tired and puffy look.
Q – Would I be considered a good candidate for the blepharoplasty?
Anyone who is generally healthy, and desiring an improvement in their aging upper eyelids or puffy under-eye bags, can be an excellent blepharoplasty candidate.
Q – What should I expect during the blepharoplasty consultation appointment?
The blepharoplasty consultation provides a time for Dr. Vitenas to review your medical history and medications, as well as to listen to your desires for correction. He will explain the blepharoplasty procedure, show before/after photographs of his recent patients, and then answer any questions or concerns that remain. Once he has discussed the recovery process, and the potential complications of an eyelid lift, a personalized blepharoplasty plan will be created to meet your aesthetic goals.
Q – Where does Dr. Vitenas perform the blepharoplasty procedure?
The Houston Surgery Center, located in the Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery building, is the location for all of Dr. Vitenas’ blepharoplasty procedures.
Q – What will my cosmetic eyelid surgery and/or blepharoplasty cost?
The blepharoplasty or eye lift cost is influenced by the scope of correction and surgical approach taken. Whether the surgery will address the upper, lower or both sets of eyelids will impact the price range. The cost of blepharoplasty can range from $4,500 up to $7,500. During your consultation appointment, Dr. Vitenas will determine the exact cost of your individual eyelid procedure.
Q – What anesthesia is normally used during the blepharoplasty?
The blepharoplasty will be performed using a general anesthesia or a local anesthetic with sedation, depending on the individual.
Q – What will occur during the blepharoplasty procedure?
For the blepharoplasty, Dr. Vitenas will create a small incision along the crease of the upper eyelid and either inside of the lower eyelid or below the lower eyelid lashes. After the incisions are made, excess fat and skin are removed. Once Dr. Vitenas has obtained the desired results, he will place sutures along the incision lines.
Q – How long will my blepharoplasty procedure take?
A blepharoplasty will take from one to two hours, depending on the individual patient and the correction desired.
Q – Where will Dr. Vitenas place my blepharoplasty incisions?
Dr. Vitenas will begin the blepharoplasty procedure by making tiny incisions along the crease of the upper eyelid and either below the lower eyelid lashes or inside of the lower eyelid.
Q – Does blepharoplasty leave scars?
Though the incisions made during blepharoplasty do result in scars, they are very well concealed. For the upper eyelids, incisions are located in the crease of the upper lids. For the lower eyelids, incisions are located either inside of the lower lids or just below the lower eyelid lashes.
Q – Is there much pain associated with the blepharoplasty?
While some patients will note feeling tight or sore along their eyelids, following a blepharoplasty, the technique is not considered painful. Any discomfort will be well controlled by Dr. Vitenas through the use of prescription pain medications, as needed.
Q – How long should I plan for my blepharoplasty recovery to last?
Generally speaking, the blepharoplasty recovery process will take up to two weeks.
Q – What can I expect during my blepharoplasty healing process?
After your eyelid lift, some bruising and swelling are normal. These will increasingly fade over the following month.
Q – How long will I need to take off from work, after for my blepharoplasty?
Most people heal well after a blepharoplasty, and find that they are ready to return to work in seven to fourteen days.
Q – Can I exercise immediately after my blepharoplasty?
It is recommended that patients do not participate in vigorous exercise or heavy lifting during the first four to six weeks following their eyelid lift.
Q – Will I need to have stitches removed after my blepharoplasty surgery?
Yes, Dr. Vitenas will place sutures that need to be removed three to five days following the procedure.
Q – Does the blepharoplasty have any risks?
Since the blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure, there is always s the chance for complications to occur, although these are generally rare. Risks during an eyelid lift can include excessive bleeding, scarring, ectropion, permanent numbness, and blindness. However, patients that choose to visit an experienced plastic surgeon significantly lower the chance for complications to occur.
Q – Will I have the opportunity to finance my eyelid lift?
Yes, Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery offers medical financing through CareCredit. Speak with a patient coordinator on the phone or during your consultation for additional information on all of your payment choices.