Eyelid Surgery

Ptosis is the drooping of the upper or lower eyelid. It can happen to one or both eyes and is characterized by loose or sagging skin that creates folds (bags) on the lower eyelid or drooping and  excessive puffiness of the upper eyelid. In some cases the excessive build up of skin around the eyelid can cover part of the pupil and block the upper part of your vision. Surgery is required to correct the dropping eyelid’s stretched tendon, restoring unimpeded vision and giving the patient a more youthful appearance.

What causes Ptosis? (Droopy Eyelid)

Aging, Sun damage, smoking and obesity are considered to be potential causes or contributors to Ptosis. The muscles in upper or lower eyelid become weakened over time causing the skin to droop or collect under the eye in bags. In some cases, Cataract or LASIK procedures that require the manipulation of the eyelid during surgery can also cause a stretching or weakening of the muscle that holds the eye open.

How is Eyelid Surgery done?

SoCal Eye’s Eye Doctors perform several different types of eyelid surgery.

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

Upper lid blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin from the eyelids. In addition to improving the facial appearance, upper lid blepharoplasty can also improve eyesight in cases where overhanging eyelids interfere with vision. The procedure is performed by making an incision along the crease of the upper eyelid. Excess fatty tissue and sagging muscle are moved and the drooping skin is trimmed. The incision is hidden in the natural crease line. The eyelids and skin around the lids will be bruised and swollen for a short time following the procedure. Most people are able to return to their normal routine about a week after the surgery.

Lower Lid Blepharoplasty

Lower lid blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess fat from the lower eyelid without making any skin incision. With this “no incision” technique, there is no scar on the exposed lower lid, and healing is typically very quick. Anyone with “bags” or puffy lower lids may be a candidate for this procedure.

Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?

Eyelid surgery can be characterized by mild discomfort. Given that the procedures are performed under local anesthesia, the patient feels a slight ‘freezing’ sensation of the lids initially and then only light pressure.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery:

Recovery from Eyelid Surgery is quite rapid with most patients returning to work within a few days, to a week after surgery. Stiches are typically removed after about 5 days and patients are advised to avoid exercising for at least 2 weeks. Slight swelling and bruising will last for about 2 weeks following the procedure.

Cost of Eyelid Surgery:

Is Eyelid Surgery Covered by Insurance?

In instances where Eyelid Surgery is deemed medically necessary because vision is impaired by the eyelid, insurance companies will usually cover it. In situations where the procedures are cosmetic in nature insurance will not provide coverage.

Affordability

With great results and continual medical advances, cosmetic procedures are more popular than ever. Fortunately, these safe, non-invasive techniques have also become more affordable—especially with our SoCal Eye financing plans.

Droopy Eyelid Surgery Consultation:

Droopy Eyelid Surgery can restore unimpeded vision and offer the patient a more youthful appearance.  SoCal Eye doctors are Eyelid Surgery specialists in Long Beach. All treatment begins with a consultation.  Schedule an Appointment today at  LAKEWOOD (562) 531-2020   |   LOS ALAMITOS (562) 598-7728 or send us an Online Consultation Request