Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Indianapolis, IN
Is Blepharoplasty Right for Me?
Located in Carmel and Greenwood, Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery, led by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Mark M. Hamilton, M.D., F.A.C.S., offers blepharoplasty for men and women who live in and around Indianapolis, Indiana. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery as it is more commonly known, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the eye area. It is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed today. During the surgery, excess fat, skin and muscle are removed from the upper and/or lower eyelids. This helps to improve drooping upper eyelids and puffy under eye bags. Eyelid surgery may also improve vision if excess upper eyelid skin is interfering with sight.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat, muscle, and skin from the upper and lower eyelids. As one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, it is a great way to restore a rested, youthful appearance around the eyes. Eyelid surgery can be performed on both eyes at once, or it can be performed independently on the upper or lower eyelids.
What Are The Types Of Blepharoplasty ?
1
Upper Blepharoplasty
An upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin, muscle, and fat deposits above the eyes that cause hooding, drooping, and wrinkles on the upper eyelids. Removing this tissue can give the eyes a more open, rejuvenated look.
2
Lower Blepharoplasty
A lower blepharoplasty treats under-eye bags, wrinkles, and puffiness below the eyes. Excess fat deposits are removed or repositioned, and excess skin can be eliminated. This can reduce dark circles and smooth out hollowness or sunken eyes.
Patient Before & Afters
What are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
- Removes under-eye bags and puffiness
- Tightens sagging or hooded upper eyelids
- Reduces excess skin on upper and lower lids
- Removes fat deposits around the eyes
- Diminishes dark under-eye circles
- Smoothes out hollowness under eyes
- Eliminates wrinkles on upper and lower lids
- Restores a well-rested, youthful appearance
Are You a Candidate For Blepharoplasty?
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are in good health and have realistic expectations of the procedure’s outcome. Overall, this includes patients who:
- Have under-eye bags, hollowness, and wrinkles
- Have an aged, tired, or angry appearance
- Want to rejuvenate the eyes for a youthful look
- Are in good overall health
- Are non-smokers or people willing to stop smoking for several weeks before and after surgery
If you have a circulatory or ophthalmologic condition, you may not be a good candidate for this procedure. If you think you might be a good candidate for blepharoplasty, the next step is to schedule your consultation at Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your cosmetic goals and develop a personalized treatment plan for your eyelid surgery. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the blepharoplasty procedure.
Why Choose Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery for Your Eyelid Surgery?
Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery is a top choice for your blepharoplasty procedure because of the patient experience and high quality of care that Dr. Mark K. Hamilton offers. Dr. Hamilton specializes solely in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Hamilton has been selected by his peers as one of Indianapolis Monthly Magazine’s “Top Docs” annually for over a decade and has been recognized by the Castle Connolly as one of the “Top Physicians” in America for his work in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Additionally, you can explore our reviews to see why previous patients recommend us.
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Questions for Your Blepharoplasty Consultation
What is the Best Age to Have Blepharoplasty?
There’s not necessarily a single age that is best suited for eyelid surgery. Patients of any age who are beginning to notice excess skin, fat deposits, and wrinkles around the eyes are excellent candidates for treatment. For most patients, this typically occurs during the 40s. However, we’ve also performed blepharoplasty on patients who are in their 70s, who have enjoyed dramatic benefits from treatment. Generally, patients experiencing symptoms of aging around the eyes can benefit from a blepharoplasty regardless of their age.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
Blepharoplasty costs will vary significantly depending on multiple factors. During your consultation, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan based on your cosmetic goals and unique anatomy. This enables us to give an accurate price for your eyelid surgery. Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery seeks to make facial surgery procedures available and affordable for everyone. To accomplish this, we accept cash, major credit cards and personal checks for blepharoplasty procedures.
Is Eyelid Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Eyelid surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure by insurance companies, meaning it is not covered. However, there are some rare instances where blepharoplasty may be covered if it is deemed medically necessary. These include:
- Functional impairment, such as vision impaired by drooping eyelids
- Medical conditions
- Injury or trauma
Overall, blepharoplasty cases covered by insurance are uncommon, and as such, most patients should expect to pay for the surgery out-of-pocket as an elective cosmetic procedure.
What is Blepharoplasty Surgery Like?
What Happens During Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Blepharoplasty procedures may be performed with either general anesthesia or with local anesthesia and IV sedation. The surgery can take up to three hours depending on whether an upper, lower, or full blepharoplasty is performed.
For upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Hamilton will make incisions in the upper eyelid creases to access the underlying tissue. Excess fat, muscle, and skin are removed before closing the incisions with stitches. For lower blepharoplasty, incisions are made just below the lower eyelashes. Fat deposits are removed or repositioned, excess skin is trimmed, and incisions are closed.
What Happens Immediately After Eyelid Surgery?
Following your surgery, we’ll apply a bandage to the eyelids. You’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the 24 hours after surgery. You should plan on remaining within thirty miles from the location of your surgery for this first night. It is also important for you to keep your head elevated the evening after surgery as well as for the first two weeks following surgery. This can be done by either sleeping in a recliner tilted at 45 degrees or sleeping with two pillows underneath the head. Avoid rolling onto your face. Sleeping on your back for the first two weeks after surgery helps to ensure this.
What Aftercare is Required After Eyelid Surgery?
Following the appropriate aftercare guidelines can help ensure a smooth recovery process and make you more comfortable in the weeks following your surgery. We recommend implementing the following hygiene and self-care habits after your blepharoplasty:
- Keep cold compresses on the eyes the first 48 hours after surgery. Use washcloths soaked in ice water (not ice packs), and be sure to change out the washcloths every 20-30 minutes to keep them cool.
- Apply two to three drops of the Bion tear drops in each eye three times a day (Do this prior to cleaning the suture line).
- Go over suture lines three times daily with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip. After this again with a Q-tip apply a liberal amount of the antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin ophthalmic or Maxitrol ointment).
- At night, put a small amount of either lubricating ointment or if not available antibiotic ointment in the eye to keep them moist.
- You may shower the second day following surgery and should shower everyday following this. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo such as Johnson’s Baby Shampoo.
- Be sure to report immediately any signs of bleeding that persist after ten minutes of direct pressure, infection, redness, fever, unusual drainage, or pain.
What is Blepharoplasty Recovery Like?
How Long is Blepharoplasty Recovery?
The healing time for blepharoplasty surgery is often less than expected and the results are worth the wait. Generally, swelling and other side effects should be completely gone after four to six weeks. You should be able to resume most, if not all, normal activities after this period. However, it is important to remember that your healing will continue for the entire first year, and as such, your results may not be finalized for several months.
What are the Side Effects of Blepharoplasty?
The most common side effects from blepharoplasty include swelling, dry eyes, and vision changes.
Swelling
Swelling and bruising around the eyes is normal after surgery, but it will vary patient-to-patient. Swelling may actually increase the first three to four days before subsiding after about two weeks. To minimize this swelling, keep your head elevated as much as possible over the first two to three weeks, avoid bending over or heavy lifting for the first three weeks, and avoid prolonged sun exposure for the first two to three months.
Dry Eyes
Tear ducts can be temporarily disrupted, causing dry eyes. This usually resolves within several weeks. Using artificial tears helps manage dryness. Dr. Hamilton recommends applying two to three drops of the Bion tear drops in each eye, three times a day. At night, you can also put a small amount of either lubricating ointment or antibiotic ointment in the eyes to keep them moist.
Vision Changes
Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and double vision can occur and typically improve within a week or two.
When Will I See the Results of My Blepharoplasty?
The results of your blepharoplasty will become increasingly visible as swelling dissipates. This means it will take at least a week or two before you start noticing results. Afterwards, you’ll begin noticing improvements around the eyes as they look more open, rejuvenated, and bright. Most improvements will be visible within about two months, but may continue to improve for up to 6 months after surgery as side effects continue to subside.
Are There Any Restrictions After My Eyelid Surgery?
Yes, there are a handful of restrictions that patients will need to observe as they recover from their blepharoplasty:
2 Weeks After Treatment
For the first two weeks following your eyelid surgery, you should avoid:
- Exercise
- Driving
- Wearing eye contacts
- Tweezing the eyebrows
- Applying makeup, including eyeshadow and false eyelashes
- Sleeping on your side or face
These restrictions are designed to keep you resting during your initial recovery period. Additionally, by avoiding makeup and other cosmetic products, you will prevent irritating the eyes and the surrounding incision sites while they are healing. While you cannot wear eye contacts until after week 2, you can resume wearing glasses the day after surgery. After this period, you’ll be able to return to work and most other normal activities.
3 Weeks After Treatment
For the first three weeks following your eyelid surgery, you should avoid:
- Strenuous exercise
- Heavy lifting
Although strenuous exercise is not permitted, it is encouraged to resume light exercise, such as walking, during this period. Light activities can facilitate the healing process and reduce swelling and other side effects.
4 Weeks After Treatment
For the first four weeks following your blepharoplasty, you should avoid:
- Hair coloring
After these four weeks have passed, you should be able to resume all activities without restrictions, assuming you have progressed through the recovery process as expected. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact our office!
Blepharoplasty Frequently Asked Questions
When Will My Stitches Be Removed After Blepharoplasty?
Dr. Hamilton typically removes stitches one week after surgery. This happens during a follow-up visit to our office.
Will I Have Any Scars After My Blepharoplasty?
The incisions made during blepharoplasty surgery are located within the natural folds of the eyelids, where they’re very discreet. Furthermore, we take great care in closing these incisions so they’re difficult to see. As the scars heal, they’ll fade and blend into these natural folds. For most patients, these scars will be virtually unnoticeable once they’re fully healed.
Is Blepharoplasty Permanent?
The results of blepharoplasty surgery are generally considered permanent, in the sense that the excess eyelid skin, muscle, and fat deposits are permanently removed during the procedure. However, the natural aging process continues regardless of surgery. Over the years, wrinkles, loose skin, and fat accumulation will continue to gradually occur around the eyes even after a blepharoplasty. While you could consider blepharoplasty a permanent procedure, the truth is that the results typically last about 5-10 years before the natural aging process reverses your results. Touch-up procedures and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can help prolong your results beyond this initial period.
Mark M. Hamilton, M.D., F.A.C.S., is recognized as one of the “top physicians” in America for facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, specializing solely in cosmetic facial procedures, Dr. Hamilton provides his Indianapolis patients with exceptional skills and results that last. For more information on blepharoplasty or to schedule a private consultation at Dr. Hamilton’s Carmel or Greenwood office, please contact us.