Eyelid Surgery
Conveniently located to serve The Woodlands, Houston, and Shenandoah
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What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery (technically called “blepharoplasty”) is a popular procedure that can help restore a more youthful, refreshed facial aesthetic. Whether you want to address drooping lids that make you look tired or under-eye puffiness that adds years to your appearance, eyelid surgery can create a smoother, more alert look. In some cases, it can even improve vision that’s been obstructed by sagging upper eyelids.
If you’re interested in blepharoplasty, our plastic surgeon in The Woodlands can walk you through what to expect – from how the procedure works to the results it can achieve. To learn more, continue reading and feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lahiri!
Eyelid Surgery at a Glance
- Sedation: Local anesthesia in most cases; general anesthesia in others
- Potential Benefits: A revitalized, youthful appearance; dramatic reduction of excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids; potentially enhanced vision
- Potential Risks: Bruising, discoloration, tightness, soreness, swelling, dry eyes, double/blurry vision, whiteheads, light sensitivity; (less commonly) infection, adverse anesthesia reactions, scarring, asymmetry, difficulty closing the eyes, ectropion (pulling down of the lower lids)
- Length of Procedure: About one to three hours
- Recovery: Patients can typically return to work within a week to 10 days; more intensive activities, such as exercise, should be avoided for roughly three weeks
- Cost: Varies upon specifics of procedure
Who Is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and have realistic expectations. While most patients are over 35, those with a family history of droopy or puffy eyelids may consider the procedure at a younger age.
Certain medical conditions (such as thyroid disorders, dry eyes, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma, or a detached retina) may increase the risks associated with blepharoplasty. For this reason, Dr. Lahiri advises you to consult with your primary care physician or ophthalmologist prior to surgery.
In the hands of a qualified provider like Dr. Lahiri, blepharoplasty can help you look much more rested and alert. That said, the surgery can’t correct crow’s feet, lift your brows, or completely erase dark circles. Keep in mind that the goal is to subtly rejuvenate your appearance, not to change who you are.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Lahiri will review your medical history, assess your vision and tear production, and go over any medications, supplements, allergies, or lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking) that could affect your surgery. Be sure to bring your glasses or contact lenses and any recent eye exam records. This initial meeting will be an opportunity for you to discuss all of your goals and desires. Dr. Lahiri will explain the surgical plan, anesthesia, facility details, and expected costs, and will provide personalized pre-operative instructions to help ensure a smooth experience.
Complementary Procedures to Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is often combined with other procedures to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. For example, Dr. Lahiri may recommend pairing blepharoplasty with a facelift or forehead lift to address multiple areas of the face and create more balanced, harmonious results. Neuromodulator injectables like Jeuveau® can further enhance your outcome by softening crow’s feet, frown lines, and other dynamic wrinkles. Additionally, body contouring procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck can be performed to refine your physique at the same time. During your consultation, Dr. Lahiri will be happy to explore all available options with you and develop a personalized treatment plan.
What Does the Eyelid Surgery Procedure Involve?
Eyelid surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis in a surgical center, office-based facility, or hospital. Local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation is commonly used to keep you comfortable and relaxed during the procedure, though general anesthesia may also be an option.
The surgery usually takes one to three hours, depending on whether the upper lids, lower lids, or all four are being treated. Incisions are carefully placed within the natural creases of the upper eyelids and just below the lashes on the lower lids to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, Dr. Lahiri can remove or reposition fat, tighten muscle, and trim excess skin as needed. For those who want to remove excess fat but not skin under the eyelids, a transconjunctival approach (in which an incision is made inside the lower eyelid) may be used to avoid external scars; this can be especially effective for younger patients with good skin elasticity.
What Is Recovery Like After Eyelid Surgery?
After eyelid surgery, Dr. Lahiri may use ointment to lubricate your eyes and bandages to encourage healing. Any discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed pain medication, and cold compresses can help minimize bruising and swelling, which generally peak in the first week and fade over two to four weeks. Eyedrops are often recommended, and you’ll be shown how to gently clean your eyes. In addition, we strongly encourage you to wear sunglasses and eyelid-safe sunblock as you heal.
Moreover, you should be able to read or watch television after two or three days, wear contact lenses after two weeks, and return to work or social activities in about 7 to 10 days. Meanwhile, strenuous activity, bending, and heavy lifting should be avoided for roughly three weeks.
Are Any Risks Associated with Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery complications are uncommon and typically minor when the procedure is performed by a skilled plastic surgeon. With this in mind, common side effects include:
- Tightness
- Soreness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Discoloration
- Light sensitivity
- Double or blurry vision
- Dry eyes
- Whiteheads (which can usually be treated easily in our office)
More rarely, patients may experience infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, asymmetry, trouble closing their eyes, or ectropion (a downward pulling of the lower eyelid). Scarring is also possible, but scars that do appear should gradually fade.
Following all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully can significantly reduce your risk of complications. As always, never hesitate to contact our office with questions about your recovery.
What Are the Typical Results of Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery with Dr. Lahiri can have a powerful impact on your overall appearance, helping you look more rested, alert, and youthful. By removing excess skin and fat, blepharoplasty can smooth out puffiness and sagging, giving your eyes a more open and refreshed look. Many of Dr. Lahiri’s patients find that they appear less tired and more vibrant – even without makeup!
While the aging process will continue over time, the improvements achieved with eyelid surgery are usually long-lasting. Upper eyelid results can often last five to seven years or more, and in many cases, lower eyelid results are considered permanent. That being said, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your skin from sun exposure can help prolong your results.*
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery in The Woodlands can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Whether you’re treating the upper lids, lower lids, or both
- Surgeon’s fees
- Anesthesia, hospital, or surgical facility fees
- Pre- and post-operative expenses
- Additional procedures
A detailed cost estimate will be provided during your consultation with Dr. Lahiri. To make treatment more accessible, we accept financing through CareCredit®, a trusted third-party lender that offers flexible monthly payment plans for qualified applicants. If you have any questions or concerns about financing your care, feel free to let our office know.
To learn more about eyelid surgery or our other life-changing surgical solutions, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.
