Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) in Reading, PA

What Is Blepharoplasty?

An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates and improves the appearance of the eyelids. Blepharoplasty corrects puffiness, sagging skin folds, under-eye bags, droopiness, and wrinkles in the upper and lower eyelids. It can also reduce or eliminate impaired vision caused by drooping or severely sagging skin of the upper eyelids.

The Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Rejuvenates and improves the appearance of the eyelids
Corrects vision impairments caused by drooping eyelids
Boosts confidence and self-image

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Achieved With An Eyelid Lift

Smoother Skin

The aging process causes collagen depletion and skin laxity. These effects are first recognized by thinning skin and fine lines, and they progress to sagging skin with deep wrinkles and folds over time. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and tightens and lifts the upper and lower eyelids to soften wrinkles. This procedure restores smoother eyelid skin and produces a more youthful appearance.

Blepharoplasty for Men

The eyes are one of the first areas to display aging due to lax skin and displaced fat tissue. Many men with these signs of aging look permanently angry or tired as a result. Men can undergo eyelid surgery with Dr. Schlechter to reverse a tired, angry appearance and restore a youthful look to the eyes. Dr. Schlechter makes an incision along the fold of the upper eyelids and/or along the lower lash line to remove displaced fat and excess skin. Men can enjoy the following benefits of blepharoplasty:

A more youthful appearance
Reduced wrinkles and sagging
Elimination of under-eye bags
A more awake and approachable appearance
Stronger self-confidence

Your Blepharoplasty Options

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. During your consultation, Dr. Schlechter will assess your facial tissues and discuss your options with you to help you determine how best to meet your aesthetic goals by rejuvenating the area surrounding the eyes.

Upper Eyelid Lift

Most often performed on an outpatient basis with IV sedation, though it can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia
Numbing medication is injected into the skin of the eyelids
Incisions are placed along the eyelid’s natural fold
Excess skin and fat are carefully removed to reverse sagging and hooding
The eyelid skin is pulled tighter and smoother to correct wrinkles and sagging
The incisions are closed with stitches under the skin or stitches that dissolve

Lower Eyelid Lift

Most often performed on an outpatient basis with IV sedation, though it can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia
Numbing medication is injected into the skin of the eyelids
Incisions are placed either inside the lower eyelid or just below the lower lash line
Sagging skin and fat are removed
Fat may be relocated to correct under-eye bags
The incisions are closed with tiny dissolvable stitches

Combination Upper and Lower Eyelid Lift

Most often performed on an outpatient basis with IV sedation, though it can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia
Numbing medication is injected into the skin of the eyelids
Begins with the upper eyelid lift and concludes with the lower eyelid lift
For the upper eyelid portion, incisions are placed along the eyelid’s natural fold
Excess skin and fat are carefully removed from the upper eyelid area, and the eyelid skin is pulled tighter and smoother
For the lower eyelid portion, incisions are placed either inside the lower eyelid or just below the lower lash line
Sagging skin and fat are removed from the lower eyelid area, and fat is relocated where necessary
All incisions are closed either with stitches under the skin or with dissolvable stitches

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FAQ

Am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty can be performed on both men and women of varying ages. While many candidates are older, some may undergo this surgery at a younger age due to premature aging or genetic abnormalities. Having healthy tissue and muscles surrounding the eyes is essential. Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are in good health and do not have any medical conditions that slow or impair healing. It is also important to be free of serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma.

Good candidates for blepharoplasty should have realistic expectations. It is important to have specific but reasonable goals in mind before undergoing the procedure. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss your goals with you and determine whether or not you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery.

Can I get another procedure at the same time as an eyelid lift?

An eyelid lift can be performed on its own or in combination with brow lift surgery, facelift surgery, or other facial rejuvenation surgeries and treatments.

What is the recovery like after eyelid surgery?

Immediately following eyelid surgery, you will spend some time in a recovery room for personal care and monitoring prior to being sent home. Pain is typically minimal after blepharoplasty and is usually manageable with a mild pain reliever. Bruising and swelling are common during the first week and can be minimized by applying ice to the operated-on areas. During the first week of healing, it is necessary to take certain precautions and follow your doctor’s orders closely. Avoid demanding physical activities, and wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect the skin around your eyes from the sun and wind. Use any drops or ointments as directed and keep the area clean. If stitches were used for your procedure, they will be removed five to seven days after the surgery. With proper care and attention to your doctor’s orders, healing is generally easy. Many patients can return to work by approximately 7 to 10 days after surgery.

Will I have scars after my eyelid lift?

The incisions created during the blepharoplasty procedure typically heal with minimal to no scarring. They are small and discreetly placed to further minimize the potential for scarring.

How long will the results last?

The results of blepharoplasty are long lasting. Many feel that this procedure offers what is arguably the best “return on investment” of all facial rejuvenation surgeries in terms of the longevity and quality of the results. Aging will continue as normal after blepharoplasty, as it does after any facial rejuvenation surgery. A regular skincare regimen and sun protection can prolong a youthful appearance.

How much does an eyelid lift cost?

The cost of your eyelid lift will depend on your specific anatomy and surgery. Please see our Plastic Surgery Procedure Pricing Guide for more information.

VIEW BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

As we age, gravity works against us and skin loses its elasticity, causing the upper eyelids to droop and allowing fatty tissue to accumulate below the eyes. When we look in the mirror, we may see someone who looks older and more tired than we feel because of droopy eyelids upper eyelids and crepe-paper skin under our eyes. Our friends may ask if we are tired or angry in spite of adequate rest and good health. Fortunately, it is possible to correct these issues and restore a more youthful, rested appearance.

Blepharoplasty Also Known as Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty, more commonly referred to as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that improves the overall appearance of the eyelids. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both, and it is intended to give the area surrounding the eyes a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Blepharoplasty is performed to correct numerous issues including excess skin and fatty deposits that cause puffiness in the upper eyelids, sagging skin that creates folds, under-eye bags and droopiness and wrinkles in the lower eyelids. In addition to creating a more youthful and rested appearance, blepharoplasty is also commonly performed to reduce or eliminate impaired vision caused by drooping or severely sagging skin particularly of the upper eyelids.

At 44, I was tired of looking tired. I opted to have Dr. Schlechter perform a lower blepharoplasty and am thrilled beyond belief at the results! – JC

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How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?

Eyelid surgery is most often performed on an outpatient basis using IV sedation, however in some cases the procedure cab performed under local anesthesia. Typically, the patient is given intravenous medication to relax, and a numbing medication is injected into the skin of the eyelids.

The exact nature of the procedure depends upon the specific issues you are having corrected. If both eyelids are being operated on, the surgeon typically starts with the upper lids. An incision is made along the eyelid’s natural fold, and excess skin and fat and are carefully removed. Once this excess tissue has been removed, the incision is closed using stitches under the skin or using stitches that dissolve.

When addressing the lower eyelid, an incision is made either inside the lower eyelid or just below the lower eyelashes. Sagging skin and fat are removed and the fat can be relocated, and then the incision is closed with tiny stitches that dissolve. The incisions created during the blepharoplasty procedure typically heal with minimal to no scarring.

Am I a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

The blepharoplasty procedure can be performed on both men and women of varying ages. Heaving healthy tissue and muscles surrounding the eyes is essential. Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are in overall good health and do not have any medical conditions that slow or impair healing. It is also important to be free of serious eye conditions.

Good candidates for blepharoplasty should have realistic expectations. It is important to have specific but reasonable goals in mind prior to undergoing the procedure. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss your goals with you and determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Immediately following eyelid surgery, you will spend some time in a recovery room where you are monitored and cared for one on one with our nurse prior to being sent home. Ice is applied to the eye areas to help minimize bruising and swelling.

Pain is typically minimal after blepharoplasty and is usually manageable with Tylenol or another mild pain reliever. Bruising and swelling are common during the first week. During the first week of healing, it is necessary to take certain precautions and follow your doctor’s orders closely. Avoid straining and demanding physical activities. Wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect the skin around your eyes from sun and wind. Keep the area clean, and use any drops or ointments as directed. If stitches were used, they generally are removed by 5 to 7 days. With proper care and attention to your doctor’s orders, healing is generally easy, and patients are very happy with the results.