Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)
With an eyelid lift in St. Paul, you can remove heavy, excess eyelid skin or bulging under-eye bags and look refreshed, youthful, and awake.
Our eyes are among the most inviting and memorable parts of our face; unfortunately, they are also among the first to show signs of aging. Excess skin, caused by a natural decrease in skin laxity, can cause a droopy upper eyelid or a wrinkled appearance in the lower eye area and interfere with vision. Distended fat pads under the eyes can cause a heavy, worn-out, and droopy appearance. An upper and/or lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure can offer your eyes a fresh, more youthful, and vibrant appearance.
Eyelid Lift Procedure
Eyelid lift or blepharoplasty removes excess eyelid skin. Bulging bags can be remedied through a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as an eyelid lift. Some people are born with heavy lids or get puffiness under their eyes much sooner than others.
As a result, patients often express concern about tiredness and are frustrated because they look much older than they actually feel. Many women even note difficulty applying mascara and eye makeup because of the excess skin in that area.
All of these concerns can be addressed with an upper and/or lower lid blepharoplasty to look rejuvenated and rested without anyone knowing a procedure was done.
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery is designed to improve the appearance and youthfulness of the upper eyelid. As we age, we lose fat and bone volume from the upper lid region, and the skin becomes looser.
Losing fat and bone volume also creates the appearance of loose, saggy, or excess upper eyelid skin. This makes people look older and more tired. In some instances, patients may feel like they need to tilt their head back to read a book due to the heaviness of the excess tissue.
What Happens During Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty surgery typically focuses on removing upper eyelid skin to create a more youthful, refreshed appearance. In the past, muscle and fat were often removed from the upper eyelid. This could create a hollow, skeletal appearance that was anything but youthful over time.
Preserving upper eyelid volume is essential, and no muscle or fat is removed. Fat or filler is sometimes placed in the upper eyelid to add volume back to this region.
Indications
- Excess upper or lower eyelid skin
- Bulging fat pads or bags under eyes
- Eyes that look tired, worn out and heavy due to excess skin
Benefits
- Refreshed, more youthful and awake appearance
- Non-disrupted vision due to excess skin
- Smooth under eye area
- Improved self confidence
Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
Lower lid blepharoplasty is a surgery focused on improving the appearance and youthfulness of the lower eyelid.
We all have a large amount of fat around our eyeball that is held back into the eye socket by tough layers of connective tissue. These connective tissue layers weaken as we age, and fat can “bulge” into the lower lid.
This bulging creates the appearance of lower eyelid bags, which make a person look old and tired. At the same time, the fat in our cheeks begins to move downwards, exposing the bone beneath our eyes.
Thus, instead of a youthful, smooth junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek, there is a bulge above a hollow. This can create shadows on the lower eyelids, adding to the appearance of dark circles and tiredness. Lower blepharoplasty, or undereye bag surgery, aims to get rid of the bulging and hollow regions and recreate a youthful, smooth lower eyelid.
What Happens During Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
Lower-lid blepharoplasty is more complicated and has a longer recovery than upper-lid blepharoplasty. Lower eyelid surgery can be performed with an incision through the skin just below the lower eyelid lashes or through the inside of the lower eyelid.
Studies have shown a lower rate of dry eye and rounding of the eye when the incision is made through the inside of the eyelid, which is the technique our surgeons prefer. As a bonus, the incision from inside the eyelid is entirely invisible. Your surgeon will determine which approach is best for you.
Typically, fat is removed from the lower eyelid to eliminate bulging. However, removing fat does nothing to address the nearby areas of hollowing and can, in fact, make the hollowing even worse.
To improve the hollows, we often perform fat repositioning, in which the bulging fat is moved to fill in the area of hollowing. Rarely do patients have extra loose skin on their lower eyelids; in these cases, a small strip of skin is removed, often referred to as a “skin pinch.”
I was very impressed with how prepared Dr. Tolan was for my appointment. While I hadn’t seen him in years (8-10) and I didn’t remember my own history, he took the time to review my incident and spoke very knowledgeably about my patient history, even providing pictures documenting my last visit. He clearly outlined my options, and explained the potential surgery process, which was helpful.
He was professional, personal, and instrumental in guiding me to making an informed decision. I am comfortable getting surgery under his care.
Ideal Candidates for an Eyelid Lift
Some health concerns that may limit a patient from having eyelid surgery include:
- Dry eyes
- Thyroid problems (Graves disease)
- Hypertension
- Eye disease (glaucoma, detached retina)
- Heart disease or stroke
- Diabetes
- Smoking
As with all of our cosmetic surgery procedures, a consultation including a physical examination with our facial plastic surgeons will be performed prior to any procedure to determine if you are a good surgical candidate.
Benefits of an Eyelid Lift
You’re not just getting a cosmetic enhancement when you choose to undergo an eyelid lift. You’re also addressing functional concerns. Here are some benefits of a blepharoplasty:
- Restored youthfulness
- Improved vision
- Quick recovery
- Boosted confidence
An upper eyelid lift can rejuvenate your appearance, enhance your vision if sagging eyelids obstruct your sight, and boost your confidence. Most patients experience a smooth recovery, returning to daily routines quickly while enjoying a refreshed, more youthful look.
Eyelid Lift Results
It is important to note that a blepharoplasty procedure alone will not benefit fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Our facial plastic surgeons recommend laser resurfacing and Botox® injections as options for reducing wrinkles in this area.
In addition, excess upper eyelid skin may be partially due to descended eyebrows, and if this is the case, an eyebrow lift can be performed to maximize your result.
Following your blepharoplasty procedure, you can expect to be asked, “Have you been on vacation?” or “You look so good! What have you been doing?”
Like all of our surgical procedures, our surgeons aspire to deliver the most natural-looking results appropriate for your features. We aim to make you look like a more youthful version of you, NOT another person.
The eye lift is an outpatient surgical procedure typically performed at our Midwest Surgery Center, conveniently located within the Midwest Eye & Ear Institute in Woodbury. This procedure usually takes one to two hours, depending on your requirements.
Expect temporary bruising, swelling, and/or sensitivity to light post-procedure. To maximize a quick recovery and minimize potential adverse healing, you should be in good health and eliminate smoking before and following surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover functional eyelid surgery?
Insurance may cover eyelid surgery if the sagging skin obstructs vision. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
How long does the procedure take?
A blepharoplasty takes about one to three hours, depending on the case's complexity. Most procedures are done on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home on the same day.
Can blepharoplasty be combined with other facial procedures?
Absolutely! Many patients combine an eyelid lift with other facial procedures, like facelifts or brow lifts. These procedures complete the facial rejuvenation experience. Our team can help you determine the best combination for your goals during your consultation.
What is the recovery process like?
Most patients experience some swelling and bruising after the surgery, but these symptoms typically resolve in one to two weeks. Our team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions for a smooth recovery.
Eyelid Lift Cost
The cost of blepharoplasty depends on factors like the technique used, procedure duration, and type of anesthesia. Contact us and speak with our financing team to discuss payment options.
Why Choose Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery
At Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery, we prioritize your comfort and satisfaction. Our experienced Facial Plastic Surgery Team is dedicated to providing personalized care for your needs. From your initial consultation through your recovery, we’re here to make the process smooth, effective, and safe.
Learn More with a Consultation
If you’re considering an eyelid lift in Woodbury, MN, contact Midwest Facial Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation. Our team is eager to help you achieve your desired look and answer any questions you might have.
We are also available for Vadnais Heights, Eagan, and Woodbury patients. Take a peek at our eyelid lift before and after photos.
Related Procedures
Before + After Results
View before and after photos of surgeries performed by facial plastic surgeons Dr. Christopher Tolan, Dr. Garrett Griffin, Dr. Zachary Farhood, Dr. Sebastian Sciegienka, and Dr. Anna Bakeman in Minneapolis, MN.