Conveniently located to serve St. Petersburg, FL and Tampa, FL
The eyes are often called the windows to the soul. As a central part of facial appearance, the eyelids can greatly affect the appearance of the entire face. Upper Blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that can correct bulging, sagging, or drooping eyelids. Because eyelid skin is much thinner than that in other parts of the face, it 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. Bulging eyelids can also create a tired or worn-out appearance.
REASONS FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY
Blepharoplasty tightens the eyelid‘s muscles and tissue and removes excess fat and skin. Eyelid surgery for droopy eyelids also significantly improves peripheral vision. This procedure is often one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate the facial appearance, helping patients both with enhanced vision and also greater self-confidence in how they look.
CANDIDATES FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY
The best candidates for upper blepharoplasty are patients who have excess upper eyelid skin or bulging and are in good overall health, do not smoke, do not have any serious eye conditions, and have healthy facial tissue and muscle.
In addition to upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Caceres also performs lower eyelid surgery – often at the same time. Depending on your exact cosmetic and/or functional concerns, a blepharoplasty procedure can involve:
- All four eyelids
- Just the uppers
- Just the lowers
- One eye
- One eyelid
BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE
An upper blepharoplasty can be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in an operating room with some sedation or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s comfort level and preference. An incision is made in the upper eyelid crease to hide it well. Any excess skin is measured and removed as well as a small amount of muscle if needed. If any of the upper eyelid fat pads are bulging or overgrown then they are precisely reduced. The incision is then closed with stitches. Most patients go home the same day and any mild discomfort can be treated with oral pain medication. A small amount of bruising and swelling is common but will resolve with a little time.
RECOVERY AFTER BLEPHAROPLASTY
After blepharoplasty, patients may be advised to apply lubricating drops/ointment and cold compresses to aid in healing and minimize side effects such as minor swelling or discoloration. When you go outside, be sure to wear dark sunglasses for protection from the sun and wind.
Most patients return to work within a few days to a week, but should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks. They will also be advised to not wear contacts during this time. The stitches are removed in the first week.
How Much Does Upper Eyelid Surgery Cost?
Every upper blepharoplasty patient presents with slightly different symptoms, which affect the total price of the treatment. The overall cost is typically determined based on the severity of the patient’s condition and the number of eyelids being treated.
Can a Blepharoplasty Be Combined With Other Facial Plastic Surgeries?
If you are also thinking of getting a facelift, brow lift, or another facial procedure, it usually makes sense to have these done at the same time as a blepharoplasty. The exact time of your approved treatments will be coordinated in advance by Dr. Caceres and his staff.
When Will I See Results?
On average, patients begin to experience their full results one to three months post-op. The effects of an upper blepharoplasty are designed to be permanent, but aging skin can occasionally necessitate follow-up treatments.
Contact Us Today
If you would like to learn more about upper eyelid surgery in St. Petersburg, FL, contact Kevin Caceres MD Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your initial consultation. As a double board-certified reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgeon, he has the top-level education and extensive experience necessary to complete this highly precise procedure.