As we age, excess fatty tissue tends to accumulate in the small spaces surrounding our upper and lower eyelids, weighing them down and causing them to droop, wrinkle, and fold. Because the tissue here is so delicate, it reflects age-related changes dramatically and causes us to appear older than we actually are. As the eyes are such a focal point when we converse and interact with others, we can then seem tired or angry even though we feel the opposite. Taken to extremes, this excess skin may also limit or restrict proper vision.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Westreich provides his patients with eyelid surgery in New York, tailored to suit their unique needs. His intimate understanding of facial anatomy and the delicate nature of the eyelids helps him produce subtle changes that fully rejuvenate the eyes so you look more youthful and refreshed—naturally.
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure done to reduce the excess skin that commonly builds up over the natural course of aging. The surgery addresses a number of other imperfections of the eyelids that may currently have you looking aged, tired or weathered, as well as skin tissue that interferes with your peripheral vision.
Eyelid surgery can be done on only the upper eyelids, only the lower eyelids, or both the upper and lower eyelids depending on the concerns a patient presents with. In either case, the result of the surgery is a more youthful, attractive, and integrated facial appearance and, in many cases, improved vision. If the procedure is deemed medically necessary, it may be covered by certain health insurance plans.
Upper eyelid surgery is done to reduce the accumulation of fatty tissue in the area that often droops down and impairs vision. A fine incision will be placed in the creases of the upper eyelids where it is well hidden. Upper eyelid surgery can restore the eyes to full function and provide a more open and welcoming appearance.
Lower eyelid surgery treats the area beneath the eyes to correct dark circles, puffiness, eye bags, and wrinkles. In lower eyelid surgery, an incision is placed discreetly within the lower eyelid, allowing for the removal of sagging skin and excess fat, and the tightening of muscles.
Eyelid surgery in New York can be a vast improvement for those who suffer from frequent irritation or diminished field of vision due to excess fat and skin around the eyes. Blepharoplasty can improve many aspects of your life, including:
If you have considerable amounts of wrinkles, creases, and folds as well as excess fatty tissue and skin around your eyes, you are likely a candidate for eyelid surgery. Other factors that may make you an ideal candidate for the procedure are discomfort or distorted vision caused by excess skin around the eyes. Patients should be in good general health and have realistic expectations for the procedure.
Eyelid surgery may be done under either local or general anesthesia depending on what the patient prefers and the extent of the surgical work required. It is done as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the day of the surgery.
For most patients, recovery requires between 10 and 14 days. You will experience mild to moderate swelling or bruising that usually dissipates within the first week. Throughout recovery, you should avoid strenuous exercise or any other activities that could cause bleeding or swelling to linger.
Swelling and bruising may last for 5-7 days after upper eyelid surgery and 7-10 days after lower eyelid surgery. After this, any residual swelling and bruising can be concealed with makeup.
The incision for upper eyelid surgery usually fades completely in 1-3 months. Lower eyelid incisions usually fade in 1 month and are well concealed below the eyelashes or inside the eyelid itself.
Patients can speed up their recovery time by:
A brow lift, or forehead lift, raises the brow and reshapes sagging skin above the eyes that may be giving them a hooded appearance. A brow lift can soften the face by removing wrinkles, creases, and furrows that contribute to a worried, frustrated, or unhappy look. If the eyes are being affected by excess eyelid skin, eyelid surgery will correct it. But if the eyes are being affected by a drooping brow that is pushing down into the upper eye, a forehead/brow lift may be necessary.
Surgical nomenclature would probably have you believe that the eyelids are addressed during a facelift, but they aren’t. Before or after your eyelid surgery, you may consider a facelift to address any of the many age-related changes that might be affecting your complexion—skin laxity, wrinkles, gaunt or hollow cheeks, jowls, or a weak jawline.
Eyelid surgery in New York City typically runs from $4,500 to $6,000 depending on whether the upper or lower eyelids or both, are being operated on. As each patient has unique concerns and goals, the cost of your procedure will be determined in a personal consultation. Facts such as what type of anesthesia is preferred or required, and how much excess tissue is to be removed will be a factor in the final cost. If the procedure is deemed medically necessary, health insurance coverage may be worth pursuing.
The length of eyelid surgery depends largely on the involved nature of your procedure and the extent of changes to be made. Most patients can expect their procedure to take up to two hours if both the upper and lower eyelids are being operated on.
Because your incisions are strategically placed, the scars are either not visible, or virtually unnoticeable. The incisions typically heal down to a thin line that is concealed within the natural contours of your eye. Dr. Westreich goes to great lengths to limit the likelihood of visible scarring and create exceptionally natural-looking, refreshed results.
Any surgery carries risk, but Dr. Westreich is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who utilizes industry-leading techniques to reduce the risk of complication, scarring, and provide outstanding results. Blepharoplasty is a delicate surgical procedure but opting for the surgery can actually prevent injuries or infections. You can trust our NYC facial plastic surgeon for safe and effective eyelid surgery in a clean, luxurious, comforting environment.
Insurance may cover eyelid surgery in certain situations. If the excess skin and fat around your eyes are blocking your vision, insurance may be able to cover part or all of your procedure. That being said, insurance does not cover cosmetic changes.
Some discomfort may occur after the surgery has been completed, but most side effects can be mitigated with pain medication and meticulous aftercare. You will receive detailed instructions and have a follow-up visit with Dr. Westreich within a week of your procedure to remove the sutures and check on your progress.
The length of your surgery will depend largely on the involved nature of your procedure and the extent of changes to be made. Most patients can expect their procedure to take up to two hours if both the upper and lower eyelids are being operated on.
Eyelid surgery and brow lifts are two surgical procedures performed to restore a more youthful appearance to the eyes and upper face. Upper eyelid surgery removes loose, excess skin and lifts the upper eyelids. It opens up the eyes, making them appear bigger and brighter, and creating a more rested, awake appearance.
Absolutely. Your entire surgery experience will be customized to fit your needs. Whether you just need surgery on one eye to make eyes more symmetrical, or you need upper and lower eyelid surgery on both eyes, our staff is here to help you. We can combine the upper and lower eyelids into one procedure to reduce overall recovery and downtime associated with dividing the surgery into two sessions. We will help you identify your needs and create a personalized treatment plan to rejuvenate your eyes.
With the latest advances in technology, patients who are hesitant about undergoing a surgical procedure have several non-surgical options for rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes:
Dr. Westreich is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is consistently regarded as one of the top facial plastic surgeons in the New York area and his Manhattan practice utilizes all of the industry’s latest technology and proven surgical technique developments. His conservative, natural approach to facial plastic surgery has earned him numerous awards and accolades.
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