Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery (Eyelid Lift)
All about blepharoplasty in Asheville, North Carolina
Do you feel that you appear tired all the time? Do others sometimes tell you that you look worried, even when you are feeling cheerful? Your eyes say so much about how you are feeling—naturally you want them to tell the right story about you. If excess, sagging skin on your upper eyelids or puffy “bags” beneath your eyes is causing you to appear tired, worried, or angry, cosmetic eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can correct the problem and restore a more naturally refreshed appearance to your face.
- Why consider a cosmetic eyelid procedure?
- Choosing Dr. Conway for your eyelid procedure
- Eyelid Surgery Options in Asheville
- How much does cosmetic eyelid surgery in Asheville cost?
- Recovering from eyelid surgery
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why consider a cosmetic eyelid procedure?
Even small corrections to the eyelid contour can dramatically improve one’s appearance, helping a person look more alert, approachable, and better refreshed. Many patients who think they may need a facelift are pleased to discover that eyelid surgery alone can help them look years younger by taking away a major source of their “tired” appearance.
Yet eyelid surgery can do much more than rejuvenate. If your vision is obstructed by drooping lids above your eyes, blepharoplasty can improve your ability to see and brighten your appearance. By allowing your face to more accurately portray your feelings, eyelid surgery can have a positive effect on self-confidence and quality of life.
Key Benefits
When performed by a qualified surgeon, blepharoplasty is proven to improve the appearance as well as increase functionality of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Here are some benefits of this procedure, as well as some key terms to know:
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Youthful Appearance: Blepharoplasty can make a person look younger and more refreshed. It can remove the tired or droopy appearance of the eyes, which can be a result of aging or genetics.
- Reduction of Eye Bags: The procedure can reduce or eliminate bags under the eyes, which are often due to fat protrusion or skin laxity, giving a more rested look.
- Corrects Asymmetry: The surgery can be used to make the eyes look more symmetrical, especially if there are inconsistencies in the amount of skin or fat in each eyelid.
- Improved Vision: In cases where the eyelids interfere with vision, blepharoplasty can provide functional improvements, allowing for clearer, unobstructed sight.
- Lasting Results: Unlike some other cosmetic treatments, blepharoplasty offers results that can last for many years, making it a long-term investment in one’s appearance.
- Anesthesia: Medication used to prevent pain during surgery; can be general anesthesia (patient is asleep) or local anesthesia (numbing a specific area).
- Blepharoplasty: A surgical procedure to correct imperfections of the eyelids such as drooping eyelids or under-eye bags, also known as eyelid surgery.
- Bulbar: Referring to the part of the eye that includes the globe (eyeball), often mentioned in the context of surgeries affecting the area surrounding the eye.
- Canthal Lines: Fine lines or wrinkles that form at the corners of the eyes, often targeted for cosmetic improvement in eyelid surgeries.
- Canthoplasty: A surgical procedure that alters the lateral canthus (outer corner of the eye) to improve eyelid function or appearance, sometimes part of a blepharoplasty.
- Ectropion: An outward turning of the lower eyelid, often corrected through blepharoplasty.
- Edema: Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues, which can occur in the eyelids after surgery.
- Incision: A surgical cut; in blepharoplasty, these are typically made along the natural lines of the eyelids to minimize visible scarring.
- Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A type of blepharoplasty focusing on the lower eyelid, often to reduce bags under the eyes or improve sagging skin.
- Milia: Small, white cysts that can form on the skin, sometimes seen after blepharoplasty due to healing or skin irritation.
- Ptosis: Drooping of the upper eyelid, which can be corrected with blepharoplasty.
- Recovery Time: The period required for healing after surgery, during which patients may experience swelling, bruising, and need to follow specific care instructions.
- Tear Trough: The groove at the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek, often a focus in eyelid surgery to address dark circles or hollowness.
- Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty: A technique of lower eyelid surgery where the incision is made inside the eyelid, leaving no visible scar.
- Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A type of blepharoplasty focusing on the upper eyelid, often to remove excess skin that can impair vision or give a tired appearance.
During your consultation with Dr. Conway, he will discuss whether eyelid surgery can benefit you, as well as discuss any potential risks or answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
Why Trust Dr. Conway for your eyelid procedure
The eyelids are a challenging area to operate on. With delicate skin and dozens of different muscles and ligaments, a surgeon must make tiny adjustments to achieve noticeable, natural improvements and symmetrical results.
With decades of experience in facial cosmetic surgery, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Donald Conway has a background as a medical illustrator, a highly specialized field that requires an impeccable sense of proportion and detail as well as an exhaustive knowledge of anatomy. His knowledge, keen artistic eye, and surgical skill give Dr. Conway the expertise to achieve safe, natural, and predictable eyelid lift results that will last for years.
Eyelid Surgery Options in Asheville, NC
No two blepharoplasty patients are exactly the same, and Dr. Conway tailors his surgical plan to the individual. Depending on your goals and the nature of your concerns, Dr. Conway may recommend upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of procedures.
All eyelid procedures are performed in our on-site, accredited private surgery suite in Asheville. Local or general anesthesia, administered by a board certified anesthesiologist, may be used depending on your needs and personal preferences. Anesthesia is provided by a board-certified MD anesthesiologist, who is assisted by a qualified team of nurse anesthetists.
Upper Eyelid Lift
Sagging skin and tissues on the upper eyelids are a common source of the “tired” look that patients wish to correct. Upper eyelid surgery may help you if you are bothered by any of the following:
- Excess skin is hanging over your upper eyelashes
- The natural crease in the upper eyelid lacks definition due to sagging tissues
- You have trouble seeing with a complete range of vision
- You appear tired, worried, or angry even when you are not
During upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Conway will make a tiny incision in the natural crease in the upper lid, removing the appropriate amount of excess skin to restore a better refreshed, yet natural appearance while allowing for normal eyelid movements. In certain cases, he may remove excess fat or muscle tissue to alleviate frown lines or related issues.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
The most common issue warranting lower eyelid surgery is puffiness or “bags” under the eyes, which can be caused by herniated fat or sagging skin due to aging, or it can be a hereditary trait. For younger patients with good skin tone, Dr. Conway can often restore a smoother, more rested appearance by removing excess fat alone. Those with sagging skin beneath the eyelids may require some skin removal and repositioning as well as fat removal. Lower eyelid surgery may be a good option if you experience any of the following:
- You have puffiness beneath your eyes no matter how well-rested you are
- You are bothered by sagging skin that is bunching up beneath the eyes
- You have deep or recessed tear troughs
For lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Conway will make an incision either inside the lower eyelid or just along the lash line. Incisions are placed to be inconspicuous once healed.
Combining Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery
The upper and lower eyelids do not age independently from one another, and in many cases, Dr. Conway will recommend both upper and lower eyelid surgery to achieve the most naturally appealing results. Combined eyelid procedures can be performed during the same operation, typically with no additional recovery time required.
Complementing Your Procedure with Non-Surgical Treatments
Botox and injectable fillers, laser skin treatments, and peels can enhance the results of eyelid surgery by smoothing out fine lines, tightening the skin, or reducing signs of sun damage in the areas surrounding the eyes. Dr. Conway and our skincare team will help you understand how you might benefit from one or more complementary non-surgical treatments.
How much does cosmetic eyelid surgery in Asheville cost?
Eyelid surgery is a highly individualized procedure, and fees will vary depending on the extent of surgery and whether or not you are having another facial procedure performed at the same time. On average, eyelid surgery fees range from about $2,500 to $5,000, including surgical fees, operating room and anesthesia costs, and pre- and post-surgical visits. You will be given a detailed, personalized fee quote at your consultation with Dr. Conway.
Recovery
Most patients find recovery after eyelid surgery a much less daunting experience than anticipated. You will be able to go home shortly after surgery to rest, and you will be up and walking around later that evening. Your eyes will not be covered with a bandage, although Dr. Conway may apply a lubricating ointment to prevent your eyes from becoming too dry. You will need someone with you for the first 24 hours as anesthesia effects wear off.
Most normal activity can be resumed in about a week, although you should avoid lifting and straining for several more weeks. While you may return to sedentary work when you have finished taking any prescription pain medication, it is important to schedule plenty of breaks, as your eyes will tire more easily during the initial weeks of recovery.
Dr. Conway will discuss the recovery process in detail during your consultation. He and his nurse are also available 24 hours a day by phone should you have questions or concerns during your recovery after eyelid surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover the cost of my procedure?
Insurance coverage for blepharoplasty depends on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary or purely cosmetic. If the surgery is required to correct functional issues, such as impaired vision caused by drooping eyelids, insurance may cover part or all of the cost. However, if the procedure is sought solely for aesthetic reasons, it’s typically not covered by insurance. We recommend you discuss your coverage with your insurance provider to best understand the extent of your financial responsibility. We also offer financing options to help make paying for your procedure more seamless.
Can I get surgery on just one eyelid?
Yes, it is possible to have surgery on just one eyelid. This is often done to correct asymmetry or specific issues affecting only one eye. However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified surgeon to ensure that the procedure will achieve a balanced and harmonious appearance.
Am I a good candidate?
A good candidate for blepharoplasty is someone who is in generally good health, a non-smoker, and has realistic expectations about what results the procedure can achieve. Any ongoing eye conditions or diseases should be stabilized or thoroughly discussed with the surgeon before considering blepharoplasty. If you have any serious eye conditions like glaucoma, dry eye, or a detached retina, it can impact your eligibility for the surgery.
Will there be visible scars around my eyes?
Both upper or lower eyelid lifts involve incisions that can result in scars. However, during the procedure, Dr. Conway will strategically place these incisions in the natural creases of the eyelids or inside the lower eyelid, thus making them easily concealed. Over time, with proper care, these scars typically fade and become less noticeable.
How do I schedule a consultation?
If you would like to learn more about options to rejuvenate and refresh the appearance of your eyes, we invite you to contact our Asheville plastic surgery office for a consultation with Dr. Donald Conway. Our friendly staff are here to help you get started and learn more about your options. In addition to eyelid lifts, Dr. Conway performs a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for men and women, including breast augmentation with implants, breast lift, breast reduction, male breast reduction, tummy tuck, liposuction, post weight loss body lift, cheek and chin implants, rhinoplasty, facelift, neck lift, and brow lift.
