Eyelid surgery generally involves very few complications but as with any surgical procedure there can be need for additional or revision surgery, numbness, scarring, dry eye, difficulty closing the eyes, infection, droopy eyelid (ptosis), lower lid laxity (ectropion), hematoma (bleeding). Much rarer complications include visual loss and pulmonary and cardiac anesthetic risks.

The cost of blepharoplasty will be discussed during consultation since it depends on evaluation of the position of the brow, muscle tone surrounding the eye, need for surgery to address muscle laxity, and the amount of excess skin and fat to be removed.

Lower lid tightening, canthopexy, lateral canthal resuspension, can be performed to correct looseness of the lower lid. If volume loss in the tear trough exists, it can be replaced with fat reposition. The fine wrinkles and lines of the lower lid, not addressed by blepharoplasty can be treated with laser resurfacing and other techniques.

The discomfort after eyelid surgery is minimal. There are no bandages worn after surgery, and sutures, if non-absorbable ones are used, are removed after one week. Any bruising and swelling, along with excess tearing occurring after surgery, resolve over about a week. Cover-up make-up or sunglasses worn to camouflage any discoloration allows many patients to… Read More

Most patients can resume normal social and work activities within a few days of surgery. Some patients are back at work within a day if the job does not involve strenuous activity. As swelling and bruising resolver over a week to ten days, your more youthful, rested look evolves. The incision lines hidden in natural… Read More

During upper lid blepharoplasty incisions are made in the lid upper lid crease. Extra fat and skin are removed from the upper lid and the incision line, sewn with fine sutures, is hidden in the upper lid fold when healed. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made in the natural crease right below the… Read More

Our Bellevue and Seattle patients usually undergo IV sedation, “twilight sleep,” anesthesia for maximum comfort and safety during eyelid lift procedures. With IV sedation, the patient has a pain free experience without recollection, but continues breathing on her own without use of a breathing tube. Some patients, however, prefer and can be done under only… Read More

As for any surgery, taking care of your well-being will make both the surgery and recovery easier. You will be given pre-operative instructions during your pre-operative consultation. Dr Zemplenyi and our staff are available to answer questions at any time. We ask patients to: • Stop smoking well before surgery as smoking delays wound healing…. Read More

While eyelid surgery is usually considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance, if droopy upper eyelid skin hangs down to obstruct your vision, your insurance may cover the cost of upper lid blepharoplasty. There needs to be visual field and photographic documentation of functional vision problems for coverage to apply. At Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic… Read More

When we meet others, the eyes are the first feature of our face that people notice. In men and women, the eyes can also be the first feature to show our age. With time, the upper and lower eyelids can develop excess skin and excess fatty deposits producing a tired, sad countenance. Not only can… Read More