Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Austin, TX

During your consultation for a blepharoplasty, one of our doctors will meet with you and perform a complete facial analysis to determine the best procedure to achieve your desired results. They will also be sure to answer any and all questions that you may have. The doctor may utilize photographic results of previous patients to enhance the experience.

Isolated upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedures are performed in our beautiful office surgery center with local anesthesia with or without mild oral sedation. Procedures involving the lower eyelid, forehead, brow, or fat transfer are performed in our facility with IV sedation.

The incisions made during a blepharoplasty procedure and their resulting scars are typically hidden or well concealed within the natural creases of the upper eyelids or inside the lower eyelids. Our surgeons create the smallest incisions possible to perform eyelid surgery. The incisions are created in places where they will be well camouflaged and discrete.

There is little to no discomfort during the blepharoplasty surgery as modern anesthesia techniques are used. While blepharoplasty may result in a temporary tight or sore feeling of the eyelids, our surgeons use special surgical techniques to help minimize post-operative discomfort. Discomfort can be alleviated with medication if necessary.

Surface sutures are removed around seven days after your blepharoplasty surgery.

Upper blepharoplasty is often performed with local anesthesia with or without oral sedation. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is performed under IV sedation. The anesthesia a patient receives is based on the procedure chosen and other patient factors, which will be determined during the consultation.

For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the surgeon creates a very fine incision within the natural eyelid crease. Then, using a special fine needle-tipped cautery, excess skin and fatty pockets of the upper eyelid are removed. For the lower eyelids, the surgeon will remove excess lower eyelid fatty tissue through a hidden incision inside of the eyelid. For other patients, it may be necessary to address the tear trough beneath the eyelid; the surgeon can use several different techniques to address puffiness.

A blepharoplasty procedure generally takes an hour or two. Longer times may be required if it includes fat transfer or an endoscopic brow lift.

For upper eyelid blepharoplasty, a fine incision is made within the natural eyelid crease. During a transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure, the surgeon creates an incision inside the lower eyelid. When addressing the tear troughs below the lower eyelids, other incisions may be necessary. This will be discussed during the consultation.

The recovery after a blepharoplasty can last from as little as 3 to 4 days to 10 to 14 days. Patients who receive additional skin resurfacing or fat transfer will have a more lengthy recovery time. Bruising and swelling are common. However, these side effects will fade after a week or two. The patient’s eyes may feel slightly dry at first, a condition that is relieved with artificial tears. Usually, the patient may wear glasses immediately and may read; however, vision is at times slightly blurry. Contact use may be limited depending on the procedure.

Recovery after blepharoplasty can last anywhere from 3 to 14 days. Patients may be able to return to work within 3 to 10 days of their procedure and resume their full social activities within 7 to 14 days. Most of our patients are able to return to work within 7 to 10 days of their blepharoplasty surgery.

Light walking-type exercise can typically be resumed within one week after blepharoplasty. Activities that are more strenuous may need to be postponed for 2 or 3 weeks as vigorous activities can increase swelling, prolong healing, and cause bleeding.

A lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the usual procedure to remove eyelid bags. Often, there is a tear trough or orbital hollow inferior to the orbital bag. To increase volume, this area can be filled with autologous fat or a dermal filler.

Yes. A droopy eyelid appearance may be caused by excess skin, or the eyelid itself may be low. The latter is referred to as ptosis. In either case, the surgeon can use different techniques to lift the eyelid and improve the symmetry between the two.

No. Eyelid surgery (i.e., blepharoplasty) is intended to improve the contours of the upper or lower eyelid. During upper eyelid surgery, redundant skin, and potentially deeper tissue are removed to relieve the overhanging skin. While performing lower eyelid surgery, eyelid bags can be removed to decrease volume beneath the eyes. If a patient has lost volume beneath their eyes, the surgeon can use dermal fillers or autologous fat to increase the volume in this area. Crow’s feet are a result of repetitive muscle contraction and skin aging. The surgeon can address muscle activity with injections of BOTOX or Dysport, and the skin can be treated with a laser or chemical peel.

In general, our goal is to not change the shape of the eye from what it looked like in youth. If, however, the eye was closed due to significant redundant skin or the lower lid is pulled down due to involutional changes of the skin, then one would expect to see a positive improvement in the shape of the eye following surgery.

Most patients do experience temporary side effects following surgery; nonetheless, these subside rather quickly. Common side effects include:

• Eyelids that feel numb
• Puffy-looking eyelids
• General discomfort
• Blurred vision
• Bruising and inflammation resembling that of a typical black eye
• Light sensitivity
• Incision redness, fullness or bumpiness (milia)

The results achieved during an upper blepharoplasty typically last at least ten years. Some patients may want to consider having a follow-up procedure, but many will never need one. The results of a lower blepharoplasty are usually permanent, however, additional volume with filler or fat transfer may be required to counter the additional bony changes occurring with age.

While complications and adverse outcomes following an eyelid lift are rare, as with all surgeries, the risks and potential complications must be considered. Potential risks and complications include:

• Blurred vision
• Visible scarring
• Dry eye
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Abnormally folding eyelid skin
• Muscle damage
• Itching around the eye
• Temporary drooping of the lower eyelid
• Having trouble closing the eye
• Blood clot formation (rare)
• Loss of vision (rare)

To determine precisely how much a blepharoplasty will cost, one of our surgeons needs to evaluate the potential patient’s eye area, but our eyelid surgery procedures start at $4,600 for upper and $6,560 for lower eyelid surgery.