Eyelid Surgery
Conveniently located to serve San Francisco, Walnut Creek, and the Bay Area, SF
The eyes are absolutely critical because one always looks at the eyes first. The goal: clean and crisp, never harsh, hollow, or startled. -Andrew Barnett, MD
While it’s with your eyes that you first relate to people, it’s also your eyes that show the first signs of aging. Blepharoplasty, a safe procedure performed for over seventy-five years, is the medical term for eyelid surgery. Through blepharoplasty, we are able to erase many of those years, producing a dramatically pleasing result.
How is eyelid surgery performed?
The eyelid lift surgery can be done in around two hours or less depending on the number of eyelids being treated and the tissue alteration needed. Using a local anesthetic, either in the office or hospital, the excess skin, muscle, and fat in your eyelids is surgically removed through strategically placed incisions. The exact incisions made will depend on the type of eyelid surgery being performed. Sedation is given to make you drowsy throughout the procedure. The procedure is completed by closing the incisions with stitches.
That sounds easy. What happens next?
The surgery usually takes about an hour. After that, a light temporary dressing is placed on your lids, ice packs are applied to minimize swelling, and you’re allowed to recover for a short period of time. You can then go home, as this procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
You will need to have someone drive you home after the surgery. We can also refer a nurse to drive you home and even take care of your needs during the initial recovery period. Stitches are removed in four to seven days during a follow-up appointment. At this time, the surgeon will evaluate the results of the procedure.
Will I be black and blue?
Every patient is an individual, and the degree to which you show bruising will determine how much black and blue you develop around your eyes. The bruising generally lasts for five to ten days, though in some cases it can be shorter or longer. After the stitches come out, a light dusting of cosmetics is generally adequate to cover the bruising until it disappears completely. This works for both men and women.
When can I go back to work?
It’s important that you take it easy for two to three days. Any straining can cause bleeding to occur, which will slow down your recovery. After three days, you could go back to work, but some bruising will be present. Most patients leave one to two weeks to recover before returning to full activity.
“Dr. Barnett and his staff made me feel at ease and confident”
I chose Dr. Barnett based on his reviews and also on the fact that he did my doctor’s eyelid surgery. I am really picky as to where and who I seek medical care from because I am a registered nurse and only settle for the best. I remember going in to see my doctor and noticing immediately that she looked amazing. She shared with me that Dr. Barnett had performed Blepharoplasty and that she was very pleased with the result. I am 56 years old and started pondering the thought of having eyelid surgery in my mid-forties. Recently, every time I would catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror or a window I would hate the way I looked. My “eye-bags” added years to my appearance and made it look like I always had a tired look on my face.
I had my surgery on June 22, 2017, and could not have asked for a better result. I had both upper and lower Blepharoplasty and literally, it took ten years off my appearance, I no longer have that tired look all the time. Dr. Barnett was honest with me in that he said that he would not be able to correct the chronic cheek swelling that I have but did give suggestions on how to reduce that.
This was my first surgery ever and Dr. Barnett and his staff made me feel at ease and confident that I was in safe hands.
Where are the incisions placed?
On the upper eyelids, the incision is placed at the normal horizontal fold which occurs in the middle of the eyelid. On the lowers, the incision is placed just below your eyelashes. Although all incisions heal with scars, the eyelids are quite kind in this respect, and you can expect an almost invisible scar. In some cases, especially with bags under the eyes, the incisions can be placed on the inside of your eyelid, so there are no external scars.
Can my eyes be reshaped?
Eyelid surgery not only rejuvenates your eyelids, it can also allow you to change the shape of your eyes to your preference. With the knowledge we’ve gained creating folds in Asian eyes and lifting drooping eyelids, changes in shape can be made. These changes require a bit more surgery, which we can discuss in detail at your consultation.
What about cosmetics and eyelid surgery?
Many women decide to have a blepharoplasty when they realize that the lid has drooped so much that it’s difficult to apply make-up to the upper eyelid, or that the make-up is hidden by the folds of skin. After your surgery, this is generally corrected. I often suggest a subtle change in the way you apply make-up so that your new eyes are shown in their best light!
Will insurance pay for the surgery?
If the droop of your upper eyelids significantly reduces your side vision, insurance companies may pay a portion of the surgery, although it is becoming much more difficult to receive coverage. The companies usually require an examination by an ophthalmologist to document this reduced vision.
Generally, the cost of the surgery will depend on a number of factors. These can include the price of the anesthesia and medical tests, prescriptions, the type of eyelid surgery, and the number of eyelids operated on.
When should I have eyelid surgery?
When you need it! In a small number of patients, surgery is performed on lower lids in the late teens or early twenties. Women in their early to mid-thirties who are very conscious of appearance frequently have upper eyelid surgery, while the forties are the average time for both men and women. You can also choose eyelid surgery to change the shape of your eyes.
Are men having eyelid surgery?
Definitely! Of all the facial cosmetic surgery performed, blepharoplasty is the most common procedure chosen by men. The reasons are clear. Baggy eyelids not only make one appear older, but they can also make one appear exhausted. While our society is kinder to men with respect to aging, it can be very hard on the executive who appears “exhausted” because of his or her “bags”. Men who choose blepharoplasty frequently give this as their reason.
How long do the results last?
Eyelid surgery is quite long-lasting. You never lose the improvement you’ve gained by the procedure, but the process of aging continues. It’s unusual to need additional surgery for at least seven to ten years, and most patients never require additional surgery. Drooping of the eyebrows may create the appearance of heaviness in the upper eyelids, but this is a separate problem. (See the Brow Lift page for additional information.)
Are there any risks to blepharoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Bleeding, infection and scarring may occur. Asymmetry between the two eyelids as well as droop of the eyelids may be present after surgery. It is not uncommon to have a sense of dryness in the eyes for a number of weeks after the procedure. Loss of vision, though extremely rare, has been known to occur. This information is given not to frighten you, but to help you make an informed decision. Although eyelid surgery is generally a very safe procedure, it should not be taken lightly.
Is blepharoplasty right for me?
That’s a question only you can answer. At your consultation, speak frankly, ask questions, and explain your expectations. Our experts will assess your situation using your medical history, health status, and goals for getting eyelid surgery. Your facial features will be examined, especially the eye area. We’ll work together to help you make the decision that’s right for you.
Generally, the best candidates for this procedure are in overall good health and are non-smokers. Smokers must quit several weeks in advance of the surgery and must continue to avoid smoking during recovery.
Contact Our Office
To learn more about what you can expect during an Eyelid Surgery, or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Barnett at either his San Francisco or Walnut Creek office, please complete the form on this page or call (415) 362-1221
