The term ‘blepharoplasty’ refers to the surgical procedure that is performed to correct the deformities in the eyelids. This write-up provides information about this surgical procedure and the average cost of this surgery.
As we age, wrinkles and fine lines start making an appearance on the skin. The skin that used to be taut and supple, begins to sag and lose its youthful appearance. This occurs due to the reduction in the production of elastin and collagen. Since the skin around our eyes is very delicate and tender, it sags even more. Puffy eyes, eye bags, or drooping skin around the eyelids definitely affects one’s appearance or facial beauty. Though the elderly are more likely to get affected by sagging skin around the eyes, cases of premature aging are not that uncommon. While some people might undergo a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) for cosmetic purposes only, this surgical procedure might become a necessity when drooping eyelid and eyelashes start interfering with one’s vision.
Who are the Best Candidates for an Eyelid Surgery?
This is a cosmetic surgery that is used for repositioning drooping eyelids by removing fat, muscle, and sagging skin from the area around the eyelids. It is also used for correcting and reshaping the eyelids in the event of physical trauma to the eyelids.
Those who are affected by ptosis of the eye (drooping eyelids) are the best candidates for an eyelid surgery. This eye condition is caused due to nerve damage or poor muscle tone. Though this surgery will help you get rid of puffiness around your eyes, it is not a solution for fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles under eyes.
Those who are planning to undergo this surgery for cosmetic reasons need to know that it will not help in lifting the drooping eyebrows. If you are aiming for a youthful appearance, you will need to use this surgery in combination with other cosmetic surgeries.
How is the Surgery Performed
First of all, the surgeon will examine your eyes and ascertain how much of the skin or fat deposits need to be removed. After that, the surgeon will mark the skin folds where the incision will be made. The procedure will then be performed under the influence of local anesthesia. A sedative might also be administered intravenously.
A section of the eyelid skin will be removed and fat deposits that have accumulated in the eyelid will be removed. If the cause of drooping eyelids is muscle looseness, then the muscle tissue would be stitched as well. The sagging muscle and the skin will be trimmed, and then these small incisions will be closed with stitches. This type of surgical procedure is referred to as transcutaneous blepharoplasty.
There is another method called transconjunctival blepharoplasty, which is mainly employed for correcting the puffiness under the eyes. In this surgery, the incision is not made on the surface of the eyelid, but inside the eyelid. After that, the fat deposits are removed and the incision is closed by sutures.
As is the case with most surgeries, the possibility of complications cannot be ruled out. The complications include infection, swelling at the corner of the eyelids, temporary blurring of vision, or a reaction to anesthetic. In case of a transcutaneous blepharoplasty, the skin might get scarred and the scars might take some time to heal. The patient might have difficulty in closing his/her eyes and might have trouble getting sleep. The swelling will subside after some time and the scars will also heal, but if there is any discomfort you must consult your doctor. The recovery will be faster, if the patient follows the aftercare instructions recommended by the surgeon.
The stitches would be removed within a week and the patient can resume work after a couple of weeks, but it would be best to avoid strenuous activities for at least three to four weeks. You will also have to apply eye drops and cold compresses within the recovery period. Make sure that you refrain from watching television or application of makeup for at least a couple of weeks after the surgery. You should not wear contact lenses in the recovery period.
Cost of the Surgery
The cost for this procedure may be anywhere between USD 2,000 to USD 7,000. If you are getting a surgery performed on the upper eyelids only, then you might have to shell out USD 2,000 to USD 2,500. Surgery on the lower eyelids will cost more. It may cost anywhere between USD 2,000 to USD 3,000. Various factors such as geographical location, technology, facility fees, services offered during the surgical procedure, fees of the surgeon and anesthesiologist, etc., will affect the cost of the surgery. You might have to shell out more money if the clinic is in an urban area.
An experienced eye surgeon is most likely to charge you more. The fees charged by the surgeon forms a huge part of the cost. An experienced surgeon is likely to charge fees in the range of USD 2,500 to USD 3,000. As mentioned earlier, the technology used might also affect the cost. Laser blepharoplasty might cost you USD 2,000 to USD 6,000. Unlike the traditional surgery wherein incisions are made with a knife or scalpel, here a laser beam is used to make a tiny incision. The chances of one getting scars, swelling, or infection are considerably reduced in case of a laser surgery.
If you do need to undergo this surgical procedure, then make sure that you are aware of the risks involved. The surgery must be performed by an experienced surgeon, who has performed this procedure before with successful outcome.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
