4 Blepharoplasty Questions Every Patient Should Ask
On this edition of Take 4 we ask our plastic surgery team to submit four interesting questions regarding blepharoplasty (also known as Eyelid Surgery) submitted by potential patients:
1. When does a patient need just an upper blepharoplasty (versus a combination upper and lower blepharoplasty)?
Generally upper blepharoplasties are more commonly performed than both lower blepharoplasties and the combination of upper and lower eyelid surgery. This is because the upper eyelid manifests the signs of aging earlier, and often more dramatically than the lower eyelid. However, the true determinant is the patient’s individual need.
2. Will most blepharoplasty patients also need a brow lift (forehead lift)?
The interplay between the upper eyelids and the brow is very interesting and continues to be studied. As we age, our brow continues to descend. Concurrently, the upper eyelid skin and muscle become lax and redundant. So, almost every patient who visits with eyelid concerns will also have some degree of brow ptosis (drop) on close examination. However, not every patient necessarily needs brow surgery to achieve their final results. The short answer is it all depends on the individual patient’s characteristics and goals in terms of result.
3. Are the results of blepharoplasty permanent?
Blepharoplasty results are not permanent. Generally, a patient can expect the age clock to ‘continue ticking’ after the procedure. Therefore, the aging process will continue. The same is true with facelifts. It is reasonable to expect to enjoy 10 years of improved appearance before noticing recurrence of the offending issues.
4. Does the approach to blepharoplasty surgery differ by ethnicity?
Yes. In terms of blepharoplasty technique the most obvious distinction to make is between Asian eyelids and non-Asian eyelids. It is extremely important to work with the patient in determining their desired final result to avoid dissatisfaction. The general goal should be to open up the eye without compromising a person’s natural characteristics. Similar to rhinoplasty, I find that most eyelid surgery patients are interested in ethnicity-preserving results after their procedure.
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.
Is Blepharoplasty in any way covered by Medicare?
Hi Harry, most Blepharoplasty procedures are not covered by Medicare unless they need to be performed for a medically necessary reason. You can read more about coverage for cosmetic procedures at this blog post: https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/does-medical-insurance-cover-plastic-surgery/
Please feel free to contact us to signup for a free consultation, we will be able to tell you if medicare or your insurance carrier will consider the procedure medically necessary, and go over the exact coverage with you.
What type of suture material is used for an upper blepharoplasty ?
Hi Catherine, most of the time surgeons will use dissolvable stitches/sutures for upper blepharoplasty closures. These require minimal maintenance from patients and will completely dissolve within 2 weeks of the procedure. Please let us know if you have any additional questions!
Great article, just what I needed. I’ve just begun researching blepharoplasty and will reach out when I’m ready to take the plunge
wonderful post, very informative. I couldn’t find information this good from the other Austin specialists. I’ll call for a consult
Thanks for your point on ethnicity, I would recommend people to take a look at before and after photos that feature a patient with your same ethnicity. Good tips!
Great point Gabriel, thanks for sharing. Before and after photos are very important, here’s our gallery: https://www.westlakedermatology.com/cosmetic-procedures/plastic-surgery/rhinoplasty/before-and-after-photo-gallery/
Thanks,
WD Staff
Is eyelid surgery possible if the skin is extremely thin? Wont the cutting also cut the eyeball? When I touch my skin there I can feel it thru my eyes.the skin is very thin Sorry if this is a weird question?
Hi Thin, thanks for reading our post and submitting this great question. While thin skin can make blepharoplasty more difficult it does not necessarily make it impossible. However, the only way to give you an exact answer would be to asses you in person during a consultation. Please feel free to give us a call to set one up!
Hey there! I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent work!
My eyelids have been sagging more than I would hope 🙁
I am thinking of getting eyelid surgery appreciate the info you provided.
It’s nice to know that the results of blepharoplasty will last for 10 years. I was really nervous that they would last for a couple of months. My daughter is getting married this summer, so having eyelid surgery to give my face touch up would be perfect to do now. I want to feel and look young again.