Eyelid Surgery Benefits
The subtle changes made during eyelid surgery produce significant benefits, including:
- Removing wrinkles caused by excess skin
- Improved vision caused by heavy drooping eyelids and loose skin
- Improving puffy bags under the eyes
- Tightening weak eyelid muscles
- Relocating fat to fill hollows under the eyes
- Improved appearance of dark circles
- A more alert rested, and youthful appearance
- Carefully hidden incisions and essentially scarless results
The eyes are the window to the soul, but age may convey a different picture. Drooping upper eyelids can make us look tired or disinterested when the opposite is true. Aging upper eyelids can also partially obstruct vision. Puffy lower eyelids can cause dark undereye shadows that even the best makeup can’t cover. Eyelid surgery can provide outstanding results with minimal downtime.
What is Eyelid LIFT Surgery?
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve blocked vision caused by drooping eyelids. Dr. Kam performs upper eyelid surgery to address excess wrinkled skin, hooded eyes limiting the application of eye makeup, or partially closed upper eyelids. She performs lower eyelid surgery to improve crepey skin texture, “bags” or puffiness under the eyes, or dark shadows in the tear troughs.
Eyelid Surgery Consultation
Board-certified ENT and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Joanna Kam specializes in facial rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery, including upper and lower eyelid surgery. The consultation is the best time to ask questions and discuss concerns about heavy eyelids disrupting your vision or causing cosmetic problems.
Dr. Kam creates a unique surgical plan that matches your personal goals. She evaluates your medical history to assess your risks and examines your face and eyes to determine the best treatment options. She will provide photos of previous eyelid patients, discuss the anticipated results and share any options that may complement eyelid surgery.
Eyelid Surgery Preparation
Dr. Kam provides each patient with specific instructions during the consultation. In general:
- Smokers should stop smoking 1 month before surgery
- Avoid herbal supplements and medications, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs that increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in the week before surgery
- Follow Dr. Kam’s instructions about any medication adjustments on the day of or the day before surgery
- Request transportation to and from the procedure
- Dress comfortably in a zip-up or button-up shirt
- Do not wear makeup, lotions, perfume, and jewelry on the day of surgery
- Contact KAM Plastic Surgery with any questions or concerns
Patient Reviews
TYPES OF EYELID SURGERY PROCEDURE
Dr. Kam explains the details of eyelid surgery during the consultation, including the type of anesthesia, types of blepharoplasties, possible surgical techniques, location of incisions, and expected results. Dr. Kam may suggest supplemental procedures, such as a fat transfer to fill deep undereye circles, a brow lift surgery to raise heavy brows and smooth forehead lines, or an injectable filler.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
During lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Kam creates a small incision on the inside of the lower lid. This allows the incision to heal without a visible scar. In select cases, she may make a small incision just below the lash line, where it heals well. She removes excess tissue, tightens weak muscles, and smooths bags and wrinkles. Excess fat in the lower lids can be relocated to fill hollows under the eyes, or removed.
Upper Eyelid Lift Surgery
During upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Kam creates a small incision in the crease of the upper eyelid. She removes extra skin, fat deposits, and muscle before strategically closing the incision to encourage a barely perceptible scar.
Eyelid Surgery Combined with Fat Transfer or Injectable Filler
Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restalyne, Belotero, or Juvederm can fill hollows under the eyes to provide temporary rejuvenation, while Botox treatments can smooth crow’s feet and wrinkles around the eyes. Maintenance doses can extend the longevity of temporary fillers and injectables. These temporary in-office treatments can provide impressive results with minimal downtime. These temporary treatments may appeal to patients who aren’t ready to have eyelid surgery or may complement eyelid surgery. For permanent results, Dr. Kam may suggest fat transfer to address the hollows under the eyes.
get the Face of your dreams with dr. kam
Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Dr. Kam provides each patient with a postoperative recovery plan to help achieve optimal results. Eyelid skin is delicate and tends to heal in about 1 week.
Cold compresses can help limit bruising and swelling, as well as relieve discomfort in the immediate postoperative period. Pain is typically mild, and lasts a few days. Dr. Kam may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Most patients resume their daily activities within a week of blepharoplasty surgery. Strenuous activities should be avoided in the first week of healing eyelids following surgery.
Results are visible right after surgery, but as the eyelid swelling settles over the first few weeks the final appearance will become apparent. For scar management, the surgeon will provide detailed care instructions such as gentle eyelid massages.
Why Choose DR. Kam
- Joanna Kam, MD is a Facial Plastic Surgeon certified in Otolaryngology by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- She completed a residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI.
- Dr. Kam was one of a handful of students in her medical school class nominated to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Eyelid Surgery Cost
Medical insurance may cover upper eyelid surgery if there is heavy skin that limits patients’ field of vision. The cost of cosmetic blepharoplasty can fluctuate based on the details of the surgery. Dr. Kam discusses pricing during the consultation and offers options like Care Credit payment plans.
Common Eyelid Surgery Questions
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty are non-smokers in good health with realistic surgical expectations regarding the wrinkled, heavy skin on the upper or lower eyelids, or the puffiness in the under eyes caused by pooching fat.
While eyelid surgery complications are rare, there are risks associated with all types of surgery. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kam reviews each patient’s medical background and uses the latest technology to limit risks and side effects. Risks of surgery include but are not limited to anesthesia complications, pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, bruising, swelling, and changes in the appearance of the eyes. Specific risks are discussed during consultation.
Blepharoplasty patients choose eyelid surgery for different reasons- some are in their 30s, and others are in their 60s. Dr. Kam screens patients to determine their candidacy based on each individual’s anatomy and risk factors. Upper eyelid surgery helps raise sagging upper lids to improve vision and refresh a tired appearance. Lower eyelid surgery smooths bags from under the eyes. Many older patients choose to have eyelid surgery along with a facelift or other cosmetic procedures for a complete transformation.
Blepharoplasty incisions are placed discreetly in natural lines and crease to reduce the risk of visible scarring. In the upper eyelid, the incision is placed in the natural eyelid crease so that it is not visible when the eyes are open. Dr. Kam makes the lower eyelid incision on the inside of the eyelid, where it can’t be seen. If skin removal is needed, she makes a small incision just below the lash line where it heals nearly imperceptibly. The eyelids heal quicker than other areas on the body, so potential external scars quickly fade. Dr. Kam provides before-and-after photos during the consultation and explains the surgical procedure, including placement of incisions, risks, and expected results.
Eyelid surgery is not covered by medical insurance when performed for cosmetic reasons. However, when a lax, droopy eyelid partially blocks the patient’s vision, medical health insurance companies may cover the cost of eyelid surgery to lift the upper eyelid and restore sight. If this is the case, Kam Facial Plastic Surgery staff can help patients submit a prior-authorization request to medical insurance for coverage to improve vision. Affordable payment options are also available to help with the cost of cosmetic eyelid surgery.
Eyelid surgery is the only way to remove excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. Dr. Kam does offer non-invasive treatments like Restylane and Juvederm dermal fillers that can improve dark shadows for 6-12 months. Botox injections may raise heavy brows temporarily. Heavy brows can accentuate sagging eyelids, so in some candidates, Botox can help refresh the eye area.
