Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Schedule A Cosmetic Evaluation

The eyes are often one of the first areas of the face to show signs of aging. At Bennett & Bloom, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is performed by Dr. Anne P. Rowland. Dr. Rowland is one of the few oculoplastic surgeons in Louisville, and has extensive training in eyelid surgery. Her exceptional qualifications allow her to consistently provide our patients with results that leave them looking naturally more youthful and refreshed.

• Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
• Benefits of Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
• Cosmetic Upper Eyelid Surgery
• Cosmetic Lower Eyelid Surgery
• Combined Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
• Functional Eyelid Surgery
• Benefits of Functional Eyelid Surgery
• Preparing for Your Eyelid Surgery
• The Blepharoplasty Procedure: What to Expect
• Eyelid Surgery Recovery
• Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery

Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

If any of the following points resonate with you, you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty:

• No matter how well rested you are, you still look tired
• Saggy skin around your eyes makes you look sad or angry
• Loose skin and wrinkles around your eyelids make you look older
• You haven’t been able to achieve sufficient results with eye creams and topical treatments
• Droopy eyelid skin impedes your vision

Good candidates for blepharoplasty are in good overall health and not affected by conditions such as:

• Glaucoma
  Dry Eye
• Thyroid conditions
• Detached retina
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure

The best way to determine whether eyelid surgery is right for you is to attend a consultation with our experienced oculoplastic surgeon ,Dr. Anne Rowland.

Benefits of Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

• Improved Appearance: Removal of excess skin and fat from the upper lids and lower lids leads to a refreshed, youthful appearance.¹
• Improved Eye Makeup Application: A smoother, firmer eyelid surface allows for easier and more aesthetic makeup application.

• Reduced Bags Under Eyes: Removal or repositioning of fat diminishes the appearance of under eye bags.
• Reduced Puffiness: Addressing excess skin and fat reduces the appearance of puffiness.
• Decreased Shadows and Dark Circles: Under eye shadows and dark circles are reduced, resulting in brighter eyes and a more youthful appearance.

Cosmetic Upper Eyelid Surgery

Because the skin of the upper eyelids is so delicate, it is one of the first areas of the face to show signs of aging. An upper eye lift can help a person look more youthful and refreshed by:

• Tightening droopy eyelid skin
• Eliminating fat deposits to reduce puffiness
• Reducing the appearance of wrinkles and creases

Cosmetic Lower Eyelid Surgery

During a lower eyelid lift, excess fat and skin are removed to address common signs of aging such as:

• Dark circles
• Under Eye bags
• Puffiness
• Fine lines and wrinkles

Combined Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

Patients who desire a complete rejuvenation of the eye area may consider a combined upper and lower lid blepharoplasty. The key to achieving favorable outcomes lies in selecting a seasoned oculoplastic surgeon who possesses a keen understanding of both the aesthetic considerations and the intricate anatomy of the eye area.

Functional Eyelid Surgery

For some patients, droopy excess eyelid skin is more than a cosmetic concern. When sagging eyelid skin, or ptosis, descends over the eyes, a functional blepharoplasty may be performed to restore a clear field of vision. For patients whose vision is impacted by eyelid ptosis, insurance may cover blepharoplasty as a medically necessary treatment.

 Benefits of Functional Eyelid Surgery

• Restored Visual Field: Removing obstructions from the peripheral vision enhances one’s ability to see clearly.²
• Comfort: Alleviating the burden of excessive skin or malpositioned eyelids can enhance comfort and reduce fatigue.
• Improved Eye Protection: Correcting eyelid position ensures better protection for the cornea and sclera from environmental factors.
• Enhanced Blinking Mechanism: Ensuring the eyelids can fully close and blink comfortably supports healthy eye function and lubrication.

Preparing for Your Eyelid Surgery

The key to feeling well-prepared for your eyelid surgery is to attend a consultation with a surgeon you trust. During your consultation, oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Anne Rowland will listen carefully to your concerns and she will educate you about the benefits of eyelid surgery and what can be realistically achieved through blepharoplasty. If you are deemed a good candidate for eyelid lift following an examination and review of your medical history, your procedure will be scheduled and you will receive detailed pre- and postoperative instructions.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure: What to Expect

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation with local anesthesia. 

For an upper eyelid lift, incisions are made in the natural creases of the upper eyelid. To begin a lower eyelid lift, incisions are made just below the lash line or inside of the eyelids (this is called transconjunctival blepharoplasty). Excess fat and skin are removed, then the underlying muscles are tightened before the incisions are closed with sutures.³

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Following eyelid surgery, patients can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for the first week or two. You will be advised to use cold compresses to manage swelling and to keep your head elevated while you sleep to promote effective healing. It is important to protect your eyes during the healing process, so you should use lubricating eye drops and take great care to shield your eyes from wind and sunlight. 

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within one week of their blepharoplasty. During your follow-up appointment, Dr. Rowland will let you know when you can get back to more strenuous activities.

The results of your eye lift will become increasingly visible as swelling subsides, and will continue to improve over the course of the following months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery

How long do the results of an eye lift last?

The results of blepharoplasty are permanent in the sense that excess skin and fat are removed and the underlying muscles are tightened. However, no surgical procedure can  stop the aging process, so eyelid surgery results may appear to decrease over time. A good skincare routine and sun protection can help patients maintain a more youthful appearance after their eye lift.

Will I have scars after my eyelid surgery?

Because the incisions for eyelid surgery are made in the natural eyelid crease or inside of the lower eyelids in a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, there should be no visible scarring.

Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?

Certainly. Some patients who seek more comprehensive facial rejuvenation opt to combine their eyelid lift with a brow lift procedure. We also offer a number of minimally invasive options, including BOTOX® , dermal fillers, Morpheus8®, and Lumecca to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin to help you achieve a more youthful appearance.

What are the risks of blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is considered to be a safe procedure, and working with a skilled oculoplastic surgeon is the best way to achieve favorable results. Still, any cosmetic surgery procedure is associated with some risks and side effects. Possible complications of blepharoplasty include:

• Reactions to anesthesia
• Infection
• Changes to vision
• Changes in tear production
• Eye irritation⁴

Is eyelid surgery covered by insurance?

Sometimes. When blepharoplasty surgery is performed solely for cosmetic reasons, the procedure is considered elective and is only rarely covered by insurance. If, however, the patient suffers from ptosis to the degree that it impacts their vision or causes other health concerns, eyelid surgery may be deemed medically necessary. In these cases, the procedure may be covered by insurance.

Schedule Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation

To learn more about eyelid surgery, please  Contact us at (502) 364-0033 or complete the form below.

¹ Mayo Clinic. Blepharoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174. Accessed October 13, 2023.

² American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eyelid Surgery. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/eyelid-surgery. Accessed October 13, 2023.

³ UCSF Health. Eyelid Surgery. Available: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/treatments/eyelid-surgery. Accessed October 13, 2023.

⁴ Oestreicher J, Mehta S. Complications of blepharoplasty: prevention and management. Plast Surg Int. 2012;2012:252368. doi: 10.1155/2012/252368. Epub 2012 May 8. PMID: 22655191; PMCID: PMC3357590. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22655191/. Accessed October 13, 2023.