eyelid surgery
EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY) IN HOUSTON & WEBSTER, TX
One of the first areas of the body to show aging is the eye area. As we age, the skin and facial muscles lose tone and fat deposits and lose their vibrant and youthful appearance.
Eyelid surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty, can effectively rejuvenate the skin and soft tissues around the eyes for a fresh and radiant appearance. At Memorial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tyler McElwee offers eyelid surgery for men and women who desire to remove or reposition sagging skin or tighten the skin around the eyes while eliminating fat deposits and bags under the eyes.
real patient Blepharoplasty results
Our board-certified plastic surgeons meet with our patients for an initial consultation to determine whether we will perform eyelid surgery exclusively on the upper or lower eyelids or both simultaneously. We also perform this procedure in conjunction with a facelift to achieve what we call total rejuvenation and offer this to our clients if we feel it is appropriate to achieve the desired results.
Blepharoplasty is most commonly offered to patients who want to experience a new radiance in the upper part of their face. However, we also offer this surgery to patients who suffer from severe medical conditions that affect their vision. With eyelid surgery, we not only help them look more vibrant but also improve their eye health.
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You can request a consultation online or if you have any questions please call the office
713-633-4411.
EYELID SURGERY Video
EYELID SURGERY in Houston
Ideal CANDIDATES FOR EYELID SURGERY
Our bodies age differently, and although there is no minimum age for eyelid surgery, identifying the cause of the problem. It’s important to establish whether the sagging or drooping skin on the eyelids is purely age-related or a potentially serious condition. Our doctors will also carefully consider the skin’s elasticity during the preliminary consultation before developing a treatment plan for you.
The ideal candidate for eyelid surgery is anyone who suffers from the following problems:
- Excess or sagging skin that hides the natural crease of the upper eyelids
- Loose upper eyelid skin or puffiness that interferes with peripheral vision
- Wrinkles on the lower eyelid
- Large bags or dark circles around the eyes
- Hooded upper eyelids
- Stretching of the upper eyelid muscle
- Drooping of the brow tissue
As with any plastic surgery procedure, the results will be optimal if the patient is in overall good health with no pre-existing medical condition that might interfere with recovery post-op.
In addition, this procedure requires realistic expectations and a positive attitude to wait patiently for the final results to settle, which will occur during a moderately long recovery period.
COST & FINANCING
An accurate cost of eyelid surgery in Houston will be given after each patient’s initial consultation. The final price varies based on the following factors:
- The extent of the surgery
- The location of the operation
- Anesthetic fee
- Surgeon’s fee (which varies per doctor)
Memorial Plastic Surgery accepts all major credit cards, personal checks, and the cryptocurrencies Ethereum and Bitcoin.
EYELID SURGERY WITH MPS TOP DOCTORS
The average blepharoplasty procedure in Houston takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. Having performed hundreds of eyelid surgeries over the years, our doctors carefully remove sagging skin on the eyelids with meticulous technique and extreme care.
We perform eyelid surgery under general anesthesia, which is injected into the eyelids. Then, the procedure begins with our surgeon making small incisions in the crease of the upper eyelid and below the lashes of the lower eyelid. This allows our surgeon to trim sagging skin and remove excess fat carefully. For double eyelid surgery, certain muscles are removed to achieve the desired effect.
After surgery, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, resulting in younger-looking, rejuvenated eyes.
Recovery & Results
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure. After the procedure, our surgeons will provide post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery at home. Regular activities may be resumed gradually over time and with clearance from our doctors. Below is a timeline of what to expect after upper eyelid surgery:
| Post-op Obstacles | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
|
Sleeping with an elevated head |
7 – 10 days |
|
Blurry eyes and application of eye drops |
1 – 2 weeks |
|
Use of cold compress |
1 – 3 weeks |
|
Mild bruising and swelling |
2 – 3 weeks |
|
Use of sunglasses |
2 – 4 months |
| Daily Activities | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
|
Regular use of contact lens |
1 week |
|
Return to work |
1 – 2 weeks |
|
Light activities (chores, mild exercises, etc.) |
2 – 3 weeks |
|
Strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and intense exercise |
6 – 8 weeks, or on the recommendation of our doctors |
Final eyelid surgery results will be seen within 1 – 2 months. To preserve the results of blepharoplasty, it is crucial to avoid sun damage to the face, most especially near the eyelids.
Wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses will help avoid direct sun exposure while outdoors. Keeping the skin around the eyes healthy and elastic with regular moisturizing and exfoliation will also help maintain the results of the surgery.
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Frequently Asked QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of eyelid surgery?
Many people suffer from sagging or droopy eyelids that prevent them from fully opening their eyes. This causes their lower eyelids to be pulled down, making them look exhausted all the time, with large bags around the eyes. These unwanted appearances can be treated surgically through eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty. The procedure makes the eyes appear younger and more alert and improves vision by removing the excess tissue from the upper eyelids. This helps people physically while also boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem.
What is Asian eyelid surgery?
Asian eyelid surgery, also known as Double eyelid surgery, refers to the procedure that creates a fold in the upper eyelid crease to increase the space between the upper and lower eyelids. This makes the eyes appear larger and more symmetrical, in an almost almond shape. Most patients who undergo this procedure are Asian, who are generally born with thicker skin, muscle, and fat around the eyes. This condition, called monolid, is when there is no visible natural crease in the area between the eyelashes and the eyebrow.
How does double eyelid surgery work?
Double eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure used to treat monolid – a condition in which the natural crease in the upper eyelid between the eyelashes and the eyebrow is missing.
There are three main techniques for double eyelid surgery: full incision, partial incision, or no incision. The technique your surgeon will employ will depend on both your preferences and your specific goals.
Is there any way to fix drooping eyelids without surgery?
Technology has made it possible to develop non-surgical techniques for eye lifting. Dermal fillers, Botox, PRP, laser therapy, and radiofrequency treatments are all ways to tighten the eye area without surgery.
However, as with most non-surgical alternatives to plastic surgery, the results are not permanent, lasting only a few months before requiring patients to undergo multiple follow-up procedures to keep enjoying the results. And while traditional eyelid surgery cannot completely stop the skin’s natural aging process, the benefits can be enjoyed over a longer period of time.
How can I reduce swelling more quickly after eyelid surgery?
For the first 24-48 hours after surgery, we recommend that patients apply a cold compress to both sides alternately every 10 – 15 minutes. Patients should sleep upright, preferably in a reclining chair, to avoid turning over and putting pressure on the face. In the two months before the final result, it is essential to wear sunglasses or a hat outdoors to protect the healing incisions from UV rays, wind, and other environmental factors that can affect healing.
Any chance insurance would cover eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is considered elective if it is performed solely for cosmetic purposes and is therefore not covered by health insurance.
If the procedure is deemed medically necessary to alleviate some vision-related issues or if vision is impaired due to a medical condition that can be corrected by blepharoplasty, insurance may cover all or part of the cost of the procedure. Our team at Memorial Plastic Surgery is ready to help you obtain the necessary documents for insurance coverage.
What are the differences between the upper and lower eyelid surgery procedures?
The purpose of upper eyelid surgery is to correct an overhanging or drooping eyelid. Most often, this is a cosmetic procedure, but it may also be medically necessary if the patient’s vision is obstructed.
Lower eyelid surgery, on the other hand, targets excess fat deposits and controls tissue production below the eyelid. These factors are often the cause of large bags under the eyes. A combination of these procedures can give patients a more noticeable radiance in the area surrounding the eyes.
Is it safer and better to have both upper and lower eyelids done at the same time?
Most patients choose to have both upper and lower blepharoplasty on the same day if they are suitable candidates, and our surgeons believe this is the ideal way to achieve the desired result. There are also advantages to combining the surgeries as it can save money and the recovery period is much shorter.
What can I expect after upper eyelid surgery?
Immediately after surgery, your eyelid may feel stiff, and your eye may be watery, dry, sticky, itchy, or sensitive to light. You may also have blurred vision for a few days. After your procedure, we will prescribe medications and other postoperative care instructions to clean and care for your eye during recovery. A complete timeline of when you can resume certain activities after eyelid surgery can be found above.
What is the main difference between transconjunctival blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty?
Lower blepharoplasty refers to the procedure to improve the appearance of the lower eyelids. A transconjunctival blepharoplasty technique is when additional orbital fat is removed through a conjunctival – or inner eyelid – incision rather than through a skin incision.
The transconjunctival technique is performed in younger individuals with good skin elasticity but bulging lower eyelids due to enlarged orbital fat pads. The transconjunctival approach also allows laser resurfacing of the lower eyelids in conjunction with orbital fat removal.
What can you do for itchy eyes after eyelid surgery?
Itchy eyes, natural tearing, and dry eyes are common side effects of eyelid surgery. Although everyone’s reaction is different, they often stop after the swelling goes down. For patients who still have itchy eyes days after surgery, one of the postoperative care steps we offer is to apply warm compresses and eye lubricants every few hours to relieve symptoms.
Can I get eyelid surgery if I have had PRK or LASIK?
Research suggests waiting at least six months after LASIK or PRK before undergoing eyelid surgery or until the patient is fully recovered. Treatments like LASIK and PRK tend to stretch the eyelids to some extent, so some surgeons recommend having a blepharoplasty after it to trim the stretched skin.
How can I improve my loss of peripheral vision with eyelid surgery?
If you are suffering from a loss of peripheral vision due to sagging skin on the sides of your upper eyelids, the results of blepharoplasty will completely remove this excess skin and immediately provide clearer vision.
Can I have eyelids and a nose done at the same time?
Yes, eyelid surgery can be performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty. By combining the surgeries, our surgeons can even out a patient’s facial features, which they are more likely to enjoy than returning for repeated treatments.
It is important to remember that bruising can occur near and around the eyes after rhinoplasty. The bruising should subside within a week or two with consistent use of ice packs.
