What is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery can have dramatic improvements in the appearance of your face. The results can have you looking younger and more rested on a daily basis. It also can have functional improvements for your vision as well!
Considering surgery for your eyes, whether it’s for medical or cosmetic reasons, can be really intimidating. Generally speaking, our patients find either procedure to be minimally painful with results that do not show a scar to other people. There are a variety of options depending on your circumstances as to what can be done during an eyelid surgery.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
We perform a variety of cosmetic and functional eyelid surgeries. There are many medical conditions that can cause problems with the upper and lower lids. These medical conditions can be diagnosed during a consult with one of our eye surgeons who perform oculoplastic surgery.
Eyelid lift surgery can achieve long-lasting, aesthetic, and functional improvements to minimize under eye bags and remove excess tissue in the upper and lower eyelid. Blepharoplasty, commonly known as an eyelid lift, is a cosmetic procedure that removes loose, sagging skin, fat, and muscle from around the eye area. Perich Eye Centers specializes in both upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty designed to meet the aesthetic goals of our clients and prevent vision problems that can be caused by excess tissue.
Anyone who is bothered by the appearance of the tissue around the eyelids and/or experiences blocked peripheral vision because of this tissue may want to consider blepharoplasty to address these issues. Often, clients who have this procedure find that they have a more awake, youthful appearance.
Additionally, there are four less common surgeries that also fall under the eyelid surgery branch: Brow Pexy, Ptosis Repair, Entropion Repair, and Ectropion Repair. Let’s go over each of the eyelid surgeries in more detail:
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty:
Upper lid blepharoplasty, also known as an upper eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure to reduce loose or excess skin found in the upper lid crease. This can reduce the weight of the upper eyelid (making it easier to keep the eyes open) and remove upper eyelid hooding (improving the peripheral vision). This results in a more youthful, awake appearance and improve peripheral vision. The incision is made within the crease of the eyelid, resulting in no visible scar. This procedure is performed with a CO2 laser, which minimizes bruising and swelling, with a resulting faster recovery time.
Lower Lid Blepharoplasty:
Lower lid blepharoplasty, also known as lower eyelid lift, as a surgical procedure to reduce the puffiness of the lower eyelids or bags under the eyes. The incision is made on the inside of the eyelid so there is no external visible scar. In patients that have excess sagging skin in the lower eyelid, a small incision can made at the eyelash line can be made to remove the excess skin. The entire procedure is performed with a CO2 laser, which minimizes bruising and swelling, with a resulting faster recovery time.
It is very important to note that lower lid blepharoplasty is a very specialized surgical procedure and should only be performed by highly trained surgeons who have specific knowledge of the eyelid anatomy. If not performed correctly, significant scarring and deformity to the lower lid can occur.
Brow Pexy:
This is usually performed as a cosmetic addition at the same time as an upper lid blepharoplasty. Brow pexy is a cosmetic procedure in which a permanent stitch is placed at the arch of the eyebrow to keep the eyebrow lifted. This gives a very subtle lift to the eyebrow without any external scarring and further enhances the longevity of the upper eyelid lift results.
Ptosis Repair:
Ptosis is a medical eyelid condition of the upper lid most commonly due to weakness of the levator muscle and its attachment to the tarsal plate in the upper lid. This can be corrected by a surgical procedure in which a permanent stitch is placed in the upper lid to reattach the levator muscle to the tarsal plate. Of note, this condition can be caused by other life-threatening medical conditions such as Myasthenia Gravis, which can be checked with a simple blood test.
Entropion Repair:
Entropion is a medical eyelid condition of the eyelid turning inward with resultant eyelashes scratching the eye. This condition usually occurs in the lower lid and is correctable with a surgical procedure to restore the natural architecture of the lower lid and prevent the eyelid from rolling inward.
Ectropion Repair:
Ectropion is a medical eyelid condition of the eyelid turning outward, this condition usually occurs in the lower lid and is a result of lower eyelid laxity. This usually results in significant dry eye that can cause permanent scarring of the cornea and poor vision. It is correctable with a surgical procedure to restore the natural architecture of the lower lid and prevent the eyelid from sagging.
Is an eyelid surgery covered by insurance?
The answer to this question varies based on the individual’s personal health insurance plan. We will work with you to answer this question before your surgery is scheduled. We perform a variety of cosmetic and functional eyelid surgeries. There are many medical conditions that can cause problems with the upper and lower lids. These medical conditions can be diagnosed during a consult with one of our eye surgeons who perform oculoplastic surgery.
Some patients are candidates for a medical eyelid lift, which is covered by their medical insurance. Patients who do not qualify for a medical eyelid lift can be candidates for a cosmetic eyelid lift, which is an out of pocket expense. We pride ourselves on the accessibility of our high quality care and want you to feel confident that you will be in the most capable hands out there.
We are proud to offer some of Tampa Bay’s most competitive rates for your surgical care, and are happy to tell you that your surgery will not cost you any more than if you were to have it done at a public hospital. Under Florida law your surgery will be covered as medically necessary by insurance when deemed medical.
How do I know if an eyelid surgery is right for me?
If you are bothered by extra sagging skin above or below your eyes, you may be a good candidate for an eyelid surgery. The best bet, is to schedule an appointment for a consultation with an experienced doctor. Here at Perich Eye Centers we have a team of experienced doctors who have been working for years together performing thousands of eyelid surgeries and many other surgeries which means you are getting the absolute best teams in the state of Florida to work around your eyes.
Your preliminary eye examination conveniently takes about thirty minutes, and can even be done from your own car should you choose. We ask that you please bring a photo or two of yourself from at least ten to fifteen years ago so that we can get a complete picture of your face. A passport photo is also recommended in addition to these older photos. If you are seeking treatment because of a past event like accident or surgery please also bring photos from before the event occurred.
The process starts with this physical exam and vision exam to ensure you are an appropriate candidate for surgery. Your surgeon will also take pictures of your eyelids from all angles to help plan the surgery based on your desired results.
On the day of the procedure, the surgeon will numb the eyelid area and may provide medication to ease any anxiety associated with the surgery. Then, he or she will make tiny incisions along the eyelids, remove excess tissue as detailed in the surgical plan, and close the incision with sutures.
Although this is an outpatient procedure, you should plan to have someone drive you home afterward and stay with you overnight.
Here are some before and after photos from eyelid surgeries done in our offices:
All About Your Preliminary Eye Examination
When you choose Perich Eye Center we want you to feel confident and knowledgeable in every aspect of your care. Your preliminary eye examination conveniently takes about thirty minutes, and can even be done from your own car.
We ask that you please bring a photo or two of yourself from at least ten to fifteen years ago so that we can get a complete picture of your face. A passport photo is also recommended in addition to these older photos. If you are seeking treatment because of a past event like accident or surgery please also bring photos from before the event occurred.
Ready to learn how you can achieve amazing results with an eyelid surgery too? Click here to find the location closest to you and contact us today!
